Alright....it's time. Now that it's finally cold and dry my hair has gone into full on static mode! I gathered my favorite / top ways to help tame the static during these already awfully cold months!
Tip #1: Make sure you're using a moisturizing conditioner!
This may sound....silly, but sometimes the lower end conditioners don't cut it during the brutal winter months. A good recommendation is to invest in a conditioning mask and use it once or twice a week ONLY ON MID AND ENDS of hair shaft! If you use it too close to the scalp it can really cause your hair to be weighed down and look oily. Here is the one I use and LOVE. It has lasted me months and smells amazing! (And at $8.99 it won't break the bank!)
Tip #2: Cut back on hairspray.
I know it's normal to think "add hairspray" when you want your hair to stay in place, but hairspray contains alcohol which essentially causes hair to dry out. You don't need to cut it out completely but cut back to just a fine mist (if you can). A great alternative is to use an anti-frizz serum or cream on wet and dry hair. (Just don't go overboard!)
Tip #3: Don't use a brush!
Plastic brushes are a breading ground for static! Cut out your flat paddle brush and opt for a wide tooth comb. If you must use a flat paddle brush, try to find one with metal bristles instead of plastic.
Tip #4: Blow dry your hair half way.
When blow drying your hair, use a lower heat setting and only dry your hair about 70-80%. In doing this, you'll gain the benefits of blow drying (for me - it's all about the volume) and you'll also leave a lot more moisture in your hair.
Another great tip is to invest in an ionic blow dryer. These have some magical components that neutralize electric components in your hair. Those components are the ones responsible for all that static!
Tip #5: Wash your hair less often!
I go as long as I possibly can (and then even another day) between washings no matter what time of the year. I know that a lot of people can't stand the feeling / get oily too quickly / use a lot of product causing build up. However! If you can even try to go one extra day, the natural oils your scalp produces will help tremendously in taming the frizz and static. Going along with the moisturizing conditioner tip; try a hydrating shampoo in the winter instead of a clarifying one. A clarifying shampoo will completely strip your hair, while a hydrating shampoo will clean to surface level, which is best during the winter.
A few extra, not so conventional tips!
Use lotion to help tame static!
The first time I heard this I thought the person was absolutely bonkers. But it works! If you use lotion on your hands, make sure most of it is rubbed in and gently glide over the ends of your hair to quickly eliminate static.
Carry a dryer sheet with you.
I know!! Where do people find these absurd ideas?! Yet again, this works too! I would recommend being very very light handed with them though, as a few times I've done this method my hair seemed to be left with a layer of ....dryer sheet stuff (haha) on it. After a few uses it would definitely be down to enough product that you wouldn't need to worry about it though.
Those are my top tips! Do you have any others that I need to know about? Please let me know!
XOXO,
E
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