Does your hair literally stand on end? Electrostatic charge is to blame. You can find out here how and why statically charged hair occurs and how hair can be discharged!
WHY IS HAIR STATIC CHARGE?
You probably know it when your hair sticks out wildly, seems to be floating in the air and just doesn't want to be styled. But why does this happen?
So-called statically charged hair occurs when the hair becomes electrically charged by releasing negatively charged particles (electrons) into the environment. When electrons jump from the hair surface to other objects, the normal balance of negative and positive particles in the hair is disrupted. Normally there are as many positive protons as negative electrons in the hair. Because the electrons skip over, too many protons remain in the hair. The positively charged hairs repel each other and the strands simply don't want to lie where they should.
The static charge is caused by friction or when the moisture in the air changes. Because it is an unnatural imbalance, the particles strive for balance. There is a sudden discharge. This can be noticed when touching the door handle, the door handle on the car or even a pet - we feel a small “electric shock” that makes us recoil.
WHY IS HAIR MORE OFTEN STATIC CHARGED IN WINTER?
In winter, statically charged hair is more common because...
- the dry heating air removes additional moisture from the hair, making it more susceptible to electrostatic charge.
- We wear hats, scarves and turtlenecks, which creates more friction in the hair area.
Some materials exacerbate the problem. Synthetic fibers in particular, but also wool and silk, tend to generate static electricity. Plastic brushes and plastic combs “electrify” the hair more than natural hair brushes or wooden combs.
HOW CAN I DISCHARGE MY HAIR?
There are a few ways to quickly get rid of static in your hair.
Tip #1: Water, hand or face cream
Put a few drops of water, some hand cream or face cream on your fingertips, rub the substance and lightly stroke your hands over the hair. This restores the natural balance of positive and negative charge in the hair. The trick works great on the go, for example in the changing room when trying on clothes.
Tip #2: Dryer sheets for the tumble dryer
Dryer sheets are intended not only to give laundry a fresh scent, but also to prevent static electricity. Maybe you have the scented towels at home? Then you can gently rub one of the towels over the hair to get rid of static. Your hairbrush or pillow will also benefit from a quick stroke.
Tip #3: Moisturizing hair care products
Leave-in conditioner, hair oil or even hairspray will give your strands an instant boost of moisture and reduce the effects of static.
ARE THERE WAYS TO PREVENT STATIC HAIR?
If you frequently experience static-charged hair, it's time to optimize your hair care products. Because the drier and more damaged your hair, the more likely it is to fly and stand up.
Switch to an intensively nourishing shampoo such as the Renaissance Shampoo for stressed hair or the Harmony Shampoo for long, strong hair. Both shampoos are moisturizing, minimize frizz and make combing easier. A conditioner (Harmony Conditioner) and a hair mask (Renaissance Mask or Harmony Mask) are an ideal complement to moisturize your hair and protect it from static.
Get an anti-static hairbrush. Such hairbrushes are specially coated to prevent hair from flying.
Invest in an ionic hair dryer. This hairdryer enriches the warm air with negative particles.
Avoid headwear and scarves made from synthetic fibers such as acrylic or nylon, as they are more likely to create static electricity.