How To Get Rid Of Static Hair After Straightening

Try our pro tips to avoid untamed flyaways that ruin the purpose of heat styling.

Reviewed by Alicia Igess Jones, Hairstylist
Written by Annie Jangam

Edited by Eshna Das, Certified Skin Care Coach

Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, Certified Skin Care Coach • Jul 7, 2023

How To Get Rid Of Static Hair After Straightening

Image: ShutterStock

If you frequently use a flat iron, you may notice static hair after straightening your locks each time. It ruins the whole purpose of straightening since the hair gets frizzy and messy eventually. Hair straighteners can help create that flawlessly styled, sleek hair, but the high heat can dry out the strands by robbing them of moisture. Straighteners are indispensable, but dry hair is no fun at all. Read this article to learn how to prevent static with simple changes to your hair care regimen.

Trivia

In winter, hair becomes especially dry and static-prone because of the cold, low humidity, and extreme temperature changes due to indoor heating.

In This Article

Why Do We Get Static After Hair Straightening?

Woman with static hair after hair straightening

Image: Shutterstock

Dry hair that lacks moisture produces static (1). Flat irons used in high temperatures dry out the hair, leading to static. This makes the hair shafts repel each other, resulting in flyaways (1). The rubbing of a flat iron against the hair strands builds a minute electrical charge due to electron transfer. Thus, it is normal for the hair to experience static while straightening.

Lets find out how to get rid of static from your hair, especially after straightening it.

How To Get Rid Of Static Hair After Straightening

Protect your hair from dryness and replenish its lost moisture by using hair products such as shampoo and conditioner laden with hydrating properties. Ensure these products do not contain any harsh agents, such as alcohols, fragrances, and sulfates, which might further damage your hair.

Image: Shutterstock

The most important hair tip is to not overwash your hair, which strips your hair of its natural moisture.
Always apply a conditioner after shampooing your hair. Deep condition your hair with nourishing hair masks at least once a week.
Related: 15 Effective Hair Masks To Treat Hair Loss

Switch to ionic (ceramic or tourmaline) hair dryers as they balance the ions and reduce static. Use hair dryers at least 15 cms away from you to prevent hair damage.

Image: Shutterstock

Straighten your hair only when it is completely dry to prevent static. Do not straighten, style, or even tug damp hair as it is fragile. Also, use microfiber towels for taming frizz.
Related: Damp Hair: Everything You Need To Know About It
Apply a thermal protectant or hair serum before using flat irons or hot styling tools to prevent heat damage and make hair styling last longer.
Use wooden or horn combs with natural bristles to minimize static formation. You can use a paddle brush for taming frizz and flyaways.
Follow up with anti-frizz or humidity-resistant sprays after straightening your hair. They act as barriers and prevent moisture loss from your hair. However, using these products sparingly a little goes a long way.
Apply hair oils to restore the natural moisture level of your tresses. Hair oils help in hair treatment by sealing the cuticles, locking in moisture, and assisting in hair maintenance.

Woman applying hair oil to avoid static hair

Image: Shutterstock

Avoid clothes, hats, hijabs, and scarves made of synthetic fabrics as they can rub against the hair and create static. Instead, go for natural fibers, such as cotton or silk.
Steam treatments are a great way to add moisture to your hair to avoid static. Sitting under a steamer or mister with a moisturizing hair mask imparts a good amount of moisture. Make sure you rinse the mask out of your hair really well after the treatment.

Quick Tip

Use a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to dry your hair. Gently squeeze the water to avoid friction and static hair.

Image: Shutterstock

Infographic: Easy Methods To Get Rid Of Static Hair After Straightening

Static hair is a common frustrating issue that occurs from straightening your hair. It is caused by the buildup of static electricity in the hair, which makes it stand up and appear frizzy. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to get rid of it. Check out the infographic below to know more!

easy methods to get rid of static hair after straightning (infographic)

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic

Hair straighteners dry out your hair and rob off the moisture from the strands, leading to static electricity. It makes the strands repel and result in static hair after straightening. Keeping your hair moisturized, avoiding harsh chemicals, applying hair oils, using wooden combs, etc., may help improve the condition, get rid of static, and fix unmanageable hair. You may also apply thermal protectants to reduce damage, dryness, and static. Following a proper hair care routine and the tips mentioned above can help you achieve soft, smooth, and static-free hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dehydration cause static hair?

Yes. Dehydration makes your hair dry and as a result, it produces static electricity, making your hair frizzy (1).

Does static hair mean damage?

Static hair does not cause any hair damage. However, static is often the result of dryness, which may also cause frizz, breakage, and damage.

What kills static in hair?

Moisturization is the most effective remedy to kill static in hair. Use hair masks and deep condition the hair at least once a week with moisture-locking ingredients to get rid of static hair.

Does washing your hair get rid of static?

No, washing the hair alone is not enough to get rid of static hair. Moisturizing the strands after a shampoo wash is necessary to remove static.

Key Takeaways

Hair can become static-ky after using a straightening tool because of low moisture content and sudden electrical charge.
There are many tips to reduce static – you can maintain the moisture in your hair, in addition to following other tips.

Looking to get an amazing look without frizz? Check out this video to learn how to prevent static when straightening your hair for a flawless look.

Sources

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