Content:
- What is hair electrification
- Reasons
- What to do
- What hair products to use
What is hair electrification
Hair electrification is a phenomenon that many of us are familiar with firsthand. When this happens, hair starts to behave unruly, “stands on end,” and sticks to clothes, face, and other objects.
“The main reason for hair electrification is the accumulation of static charge on its surface due to friction,” explains Svetlana Chirkina, a technologist and expert at the ARAVIA training center. “When hair comes into contact with other surfaces, such as a comb, headwear, or clothing, it loses electrons and acquires a positive charge. Positively charged hair begins to repel each other, which leads to its tousling. Electrification spoils your hairstyle, and static electricity can cause a slight tingling sensation and discomfort.”
Why does hair become electrified?
Seasonality
Hair is more likely to become electrified in winter. The main reason is static, which occurs due to hair friction against hats. This friction saturates the hair with positive charges, causing them to repel each other and stand on end.
In addition, in winter, hair becomes drier and dehydrated due to low humidity, indoor heating and exposure to cold wind, and is more likely to accumulate static charge.
Improper care
Using unsuitable shampoos and conditioners, insufficient moisturizing and nourishing of hair – all this leads to their dryness and fragility, which also increases electrification. The situation is aggravated by aggressive coloring, chemical curling, improper styling with hot tools: frequent use of a hair dryer, iron or curling iron at high temperatures without thermal protection.
Hair condition
Healthy, moisturized, and well-groomed hair has a natural protective layer that prevents static buildup. Damaged, dry, and brittle hair lacks this protection, making it more prone to frizz.
“The more damaged the hair is, by any means: chemical, thermal, mechanical, the more susceptible it will be to electrification,” warns Vyacheslav Ryabokon, creative director of Seneca People.
Plastic combs
Friction of the comb against the hair can cause static, especially if it is made of plastic. Hard plastic teeth scratch the scalp and damage the hair structure, making it more brittle and split. In addition, plastic accumulates dirt, dust and residues of styling products, which negatively affects the health of the scalp and hair.
Headwear
Electrification is caused by both synthetic materials, such as polyester and acrylic, and natural ones, such as wool. This is due to its structure: the scaly surface of wool fibers creates static electricity when rubbed. In the cold season, you can’t do without a hat – to prevent your hair from frizzing, it is better to give preference to cotton or cashmere products.
What to do if your hair gets electrified
1. Take proper care
Use nourishing and moisturizing hair products that create a protective lipid film on the surface. These can be either homemade masks and conditioners or professional salon procedures. Vyacheslav Ryabokon advises combining both methods – this way you will achieve a more pronounced and long-lasting effect.
2. Humidify the air
If you suffer from dry skin and hair, especially in winter, install a humidifier in the room. This will help maintain an optimal level of humidity and reduce the effects of static.
3. Choose natural materials
Pay attention to the materials of not only your hats, but also your clothes – especially if you have long hair. To avoid static electricity from synthetics and wool, Svetlana Chirkina advises choosing natural fabrics such as cotton or linen.
4. Try a hair dryer with ionization
A special hair dryer with ionization will help with hair standing on end – it generates negative ions that neutralize the positive charge on the hair. Hair becomes smoother, shinier and more manageable, the result lasts until the next wash.
5. Choose the right comb
Experts advise choosing combs made of natural materials: wood, bamboo, silicone, ceramics, ebonite, natural bristles – for example, boar. They will not injure either the hair or the scalp and will not tangle the strands.
Hair Anti-Electrification Products
Shampoos and conditioners
While shampoo alone won't solve the problem, it can affect its severity. Deep-cleansing shampoos with a high pH, for example, dry out hair, making it more susceptible to static. It's best to use them less often during periods of increased dryness, or to always use a moisturizing conditioner after washing.
The frequency of using moisturizers depends on the season, hair type, and the degree of damage. In winter, when hair is especially prone to dryness and static, a moisturizing conditioner should be applied every time you wash your hair. In summer, the frequency of use can be reduced.
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