Hair dryers can create static in your hair which not only can cause damage but will also ruin your perfect style.Â
Like most things, there is a solution to the hair dryer static problem. So, keep reading if you don’t want to give up your quick styling process but also want a more polished look.
Here is everything we learned about why your hair dryer is causing static and what you can do to prevent it:
Table of Contents
Can Hair Dryers Cause Hair to be Static?
The biggest clue that your hair dryer may be causing your hair to static is to take note of your hair’s texture.
Static caused by powered hot tools like hair dryers will create thousands of fly-aways mainly found around your head’s crown. Unlike damaged hair, these fly-aways will be connected to long strands of hair.
If the fly-aways break off or are shorter than the rest of your hair, then your hair can be damaged from over-processing – this is not related to the hair dryer.
Also, getting those frizzled strands to fall back into place can be hard with this static type. This is because of the static build-up that will keep pushing your hair to stick straight up instead of the sleek look you may be trying to achieve.
How Can You Prevent Static Hair When Using a Hair Dryer?
The first thing you want to do while trying to prevent static build-up in your hair is always start with a heat protectant.
Heat protectants come in many forms, from a spray to a balm that you apply to your hair using your fingertips. Heat protectant products are meant to not only reduce heat damage but will also reduce the friction that is caused by a hair dryer which can lead to static.
The biggest key to making your hair static-free is to control the moisture in your hair. One thing you can do to help reduce static is to allow your hair to air-dry slightly before turning on your hair dryer.
Don’t start blow-drying until your hair is at least 50% dry. This will not only lock in moisture but will also reduce friction.
Lastly, if you get a good amount of static in your hair while using a hair dryer, you should consider the products you use in the shower. Often an increase in static is a direct result of your hair not having enough moisture.
This is especially true for those who already have very dry and brittle hair.
Switch out your favorite conditioner for a mask. After shampooing your hair, coat your locks in a hair mask designed for dry hair.
Let the mask sit for at least five minutes before rinsing it out. I like to let my hair mask sit while I shave, wash my face, and even do a body scrub.
This way, you are allowing your hair to absorb as much moisture as possible.
Once you are out of the shower, follow up with a creamy leave-in conditioner, a light hair oil, and your heat protectant spray. Lastly, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle instead of a bristle brush.
Brushes with dense bristles will only increase the friction in your hair, leading to bad static. Following these steps will give your hair the best shot at being static-free while using a hair dryer.
Why Does Hair Become Static From Hair Dryers?
Knowing why and how your hair statics when using a hair dryer is one of the best ways to prevent it in the future.
So, why does your hair turn to a static ball while using the hair dryer?
Static forms from an electric charge. We see the same results when there is an increase in static electricity in the hair.
When there is increased friction in your hair, using a hair dryer will give your hair these electric charges that create the perfect environment for static to form. One way to create this friction is in the way that you brush your hair.
Running a brush over your locks, again and again, will eventually create friction. This friction is a sure way to get some hair static when paired with the heat from a hair dryer.
Unfortunately, many people don’t have the luxury of having perfectly straight and tangle-free hair and need the assistance of a brush to detangle it. This is why you should always choose a wide-tooth comb instead of the brush before blow-drying your hair.
If you plan on using a round brush to style your hair with a blow dryer, try to wait until your hair is almost completely dry before introducing the brush.
However, no matter what comb or heat protectant you use, your hair will still produce static. This environmental issue is out of your control due to the weather.
You may find that your hair sticks right up if you live in an area that frequently gets high-humidity weather.
When the weather is humid, there isn’t enough moisture in the air. When the air lacks moisture, you can bet your hair is also!
The best way to reduce static when you live in this type of climate is to keep a dehumidifier in your bathroom while styling your hair.
How Do You Get Rid of The Static Electricity In Hair?
While it is far easier to take preventative measures to keep static out of your hair, sometimes it just doesn’t work out that way.
So, what can you do after you have already blow-dried your hair and are now left with a head full of static?
Dryer Sheets:
The first tip for removing static from your hair after it has been styled is a wild one, but trust us, it works.
It can be done using an ultra-cost-effective product that is probably already in your home, a dryer sheet.
Dryer sheets are coated with anti-static properties designed to reduce friction and remove electrical currents left over after being introduced to high heat.
Leave-in Conditioner:
Another way to get rid of static in your hair is to use a leave-in conditioner after you are finished styling your hair.
As you know, static is directly linked to the amount of moisture in your hair. Since a conditioner like this is meant to add moisture, giving your hair a spritz or two will help get those static hairs back in line.
Restyle Your Hair:
If you often get static in your hair, try switching your style.
While hair doesn’t hold memory, it does learn from us over time. If you wear your hair the same way every day, especially regarding how you part it, consider switching sides.
Throwing your hair off its normal routine can help “reset” it. This is especially true if you find that the static is mostly resting on the part of your hair.
Properly Dry Your Hair:
Did you know that the best way to keep your hair from being damaged comes down to how you dry it?
As mentioned, try to hold off using a hair dryer until your hair has had some time to naturally dry.
Do not throw it up in a towel. This will create a massive amount of friction.
Instead, wrap your wet hair in a t-shirt – any old cotton t-shirt will do. This will pull excessive moisture from your hair and will not cause any strain or friction on your strands.
Even if you are planning on skipping the hair dryer, this technique is life-changing to the overall health of your hair.
What Products Help Alleviate Static?
Here are some of our top picks if you want to add some new products to your hair routine that focus on preventing damage and static:
Hair Oil:
The first is hair oil.
I am a big cheerleader for hair oils. Hair oil helps lock in moisture in your hair while healing damage over time.
Great hair oil will not only help to alleviate static but will also increase your hair’s health the more you use it.
Moisturizing Finishing Sprays”
Next, we recommend a great moisturizing finishing spray.
Most hair sprays and texturizing sprays are very drying for the hair and will increase friction. Finishing oil or cream-based sprays will keep your hair in line and prevent static from forming.
Overnight Hair Masks:
Lastly, a great overnight hair mask is the perfect way to jump-start your hair’s overall health while reducing friction and static.
While they make a hair mask specifically meant to be worn overnight, you can achieve the same result by using a great cream-based hair mask meant for the shower.
Make sure to wrap your hair in a t-shirt so you don’t ruin your pillowcase.
Final Thoughts
Static in the hair can not only ruin your polished style but can be rather embarrassing.
When I was younger, my hair would get so full of static that people would say it looked like I stuck my finger in an outlet. Luckily, these days there are so many ways to not street static in the hair but prevent it altogether.
Just remember that static is mainly connected to high heat and moisture.
You will be in good shape if you stay vigilant about keeping your luscious locks moisturized while reducing the time you spend under the hair dryer!