Winter is NOT my favorite season! Yes, I love the first little bit of chill in the air, the comfy sweaters, and the first glistening white snow. But I hate the shock I get from walking across the floor, then try to touch something, or the static in your hair when trying to style it. I love to wear my hair down but find myself putting it up to keep it out of my face. Do any of you feel the same way? Don't fret! We are here to help. (Que the cheers, "Whoo Hoo!")
Ok, science time! There are several reasons for static electricity (don't worry I won't bore you with all of the sciencey talk). Static happens when two objects rub together which causes electrons from one object to move to the other. The one that loses the electrons gets a positive charge and the other gets a negative charge, causing them to repel each other. When the two objects are moved apart you get electric charge (static). For instance, a hat and your hair. The two rub together, they swap electrons causing the charge to build up (friction) and when you remove the hat from the hair, boom, static. Humidity (moisture in the air) causes the charge to go away. The dryer air in the cold temps lack the humidity so this charge builds up to cause the strands to repel each other. Thus, causing problems with frizz and fly aways. So, what did we learn class? Moisture/ humidity in the air or added to the hair can destroy static and dry (lack of moisture) cold air can make it worse.
Ok, science class is over. Thank you Bill Nye the science guy! P.S. if you don't know who that is, Google it, he's awesome!
Fear not, we have a few tips and tricks to help your hair stay static free and tame those fly aways. One trick is to change your cotton lined hat for one that has a silk or satin lining. This can help because your hair will not get as roughed up. Hairspray and a metal comb can also help get rid of fly aways. Just spray the comb with the hairspray and comb those unruly hairs down. The metal helps reduce the charge build up.
Another tip is to use a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing. Some will say "if I condition, I will be flat". Then try using a lighter leave-in conditioning spray, or at the very least, a moisturizing shampoo. The added hydration in your hair will help.
Several professional lines that we use in our salon have products that can help. Such as Keune's Vital Nutrition line, or their Keratin Smooth line if you have a coarser texture. Keune's 2-Phase leave in conditioner is a game changer for me. Joico has K-Pak Color Therapy Luster Lock Spray for a leave in, Moisture Recovery shampoo and conditioner, or for finer strands- Hydra Splash line. My fav is the Luster Lock and Moisture Recovery because of the smell... I'm a sucker for good smells.
Another trick we use is to mix a touch of a pomade like Keune's Shaping Fibers with a drop of Satin Oil in your hands and rub through styled hair before your hairspray. This method works with any combo of hair oil and pomade, but a little goes a long way. It also helps to use a good quality mousse or gel when bow drying but forego the volumizing products during the winter. They will make static worse. Try not to use a lot of heated tools (flat and curling irons) during the winter months because they will dry out even more moisture in your hair. Instead opt for a bore bristle round of flat base brush for smoothing when styling with a dryer and keep the dryer temp to medium and ow settings.
Hopefully, we have helped with braving winter's gift of static in your hair and left you feeling ready to take "CHARGE" of your hair care. From all of us here at Images Unlimited Salon, we hope you stay static free, safe and warm this winter.
If you have any questions, you can always contact us at the salon, on FB, Instagram, and give us a listen, "A Hairy Experience", wherever you get your podcast.
