Like a magnet: why hair is electrified

Why is the hair electrified, why do they start to break out of the hair and stick out in different directions, as if they are being attracted by some third-party force? Now let’s figure it out and find ways to fix the situation and rein in unruly hairs.

Why does hair get electrified?

Almost all the troubles that happen to our hair are usually blamed on dehydration and damage to the strands. Hair electrification is no exception.

Why hair is magnetized, explains our expert, trichologist Maria Nevskaya:

“Hair becomes electrified when it is damaged, when the cuticle scales do not fit tightly together, causing charge to accumulate in the voids – usually when wearing hats or using combs. Dry, damaged, dyed hair is prone to this.

Following the laws of physics, the hair that has accumulated a charge repels each other, so individual hairs are knocked out of the general system, begin to bristle, fluff, stick out in different directions, violating the smoothness of the hairstyle.

Before you find out what external factors can provoke such a situation, answer the questions of our test and check how your hair feels.

Causes of electrifying hair

If you think on a large scale, then there are two main provocateurs of this phenomenon:

  1. dryness of both the hair itself and the air in the room – this is why the hair on the head is electrified mainly during the heating season;

  2. mechanical friction caused by our own actions and manipulations with the hair.

Let’s look at the issue in more detail and talk about the little things that contribute to the accumulation of contaminated particles in the hair and adversely affect the hairstyle:

  1. combing;

  2. wearing hats made of wool and synthetic materials (another typical winter story);

  3. flat ironing and blow drying hair – high temperatures evaporate moisture from the hair;

  4. insufficient or improperly selected hair care.

Here, in fact, are all the reasons due to which hair is electrified, it remains to find out what to do about it.

What to do if the hair is electrified

Electricity in the hair is not a galactic problem, but there is still cause for concern, as this physical phenomenon indicates that the hair is overdried, dehydrated or damaged. Therefore, the fight against “electrification” can go beyond the solution of one particular problem.

To make your hair less electrified, you should use a comb made from natural materials.

Comb replacement

Plastic combs perfectly accumulate electric charge, which is why hair often becomes electrified when combing, and sometimes sparks even with a characteristic crackle. Is this situation familiar? Choose a comb made from natural materials. You can put a couple of drops of hair oil on it, which will prevent frizz and give smoothness, for example, the product of the series Elseve Dream Length Serum Dream Smoothnesswith an oily texture.

Air humidification

If the air in the apartment is too dry, the hair suffers from thirst, especially during the heating season, which in some latitudes lasts quite a long time – from mid-autumn to mid-spring. So a humidifier can be a useful purchase for those who are wondering what to do if their hair is electrified.

Using antistatic agents

If the hair suddenly for some reason began to become electrified, try the indelible care. For these purposes, in our opinion, serum-spray for damaged hair is suitable. Fructis “SOS Keratin”, Garnier: Lightweight formula contains amla oil and keratin to help repair damage and protect hair even during heat styling.

Moisturizing, nourishing and protecting hair

The first thing to do when hair becomes electrified is to review your hair care routine and, if necessary, make adjustments. There is a good chance that the hair is not getting enough moisture or is so damaged that it is simply unable to retain moisture.

Listen to the advice from our expert Maria Nevskaya:

1. When washing your hair, it is recommended to use shampoo for dry hair with a restorative effect.

Moisturizing shampoo Elseve “Hyaluron filler” for dehydrated and fine hair with hyaluronic acid, L’Oréal Paris

When used in combination with a balm or mask from the same line, it increases the moisture level of the hair by 10 times.

Shampoo for moisturizing hair Fructis Superfood “Aloe”, Garnier

Aloe and coconut oil in the composition moisturize the hair, give it shine and softness. Using this shampoo is a pleasure – tested on my own experience.

2. Sometimes the hair becomes electrified immediately after washing. Most likely, the cuticle scales, disturbed by shampoo and hot water, remained in an elevated position. Closing them and smoothing the hair is the task of an air conditioner, balm or express mask. In addition, their composition usually softens the hair and facilitates combing.

Balm conditioner for moisturizing hair Fructis Superfood “Aloe”, Garnier

The silicone-free formula, enriched with oils and aloe vera juice, envelops the hair, makes combing easier, softens and, of course, moisturizes.

Express mask with a complex of prokeratin, reconstructing the surface of the hair, Dercos Kera-Solutions, Vichy

The effectiveness of the formula is given by prokeratin and restoration technology that allows you to fill microdamages in the hair cuticle.

3. Once a week, a revitalizing mask is recommended for more intense revitalizing or moisturizing care. Here are some samples we like:

Mask for damaged hair Elseve “Total recovery-5”, L’Oréal Paris

The mask helps to restore the structure of damaged hair, contains ceramide and calendula extract. The surface of the strands becomes smoother, stronger and more resistant to damaging external factors.

Revitalizing, intensely nourishing mask for split ends and damaged hair Dercos Nutrients Nutri Protein, Vichy

The protein-enriched formula, embodied in a light melting texture, gives hair intensive care and a “silk effect”, additionally helping to fight split ends.

What else can be done if the hair is highly electrified?

  • Minimize hair dryer use.

  • Protect hair in summer from UV radiation and salt water.

  • For severe problems (if the hair is very dry and damaged), professional restorative procedures are recommended by a stylist.

Salon procedures

Restorative procedures in the salon are very effective: the strands are saturated with proteins, and then the cuticle is closed. As a result, the hair becomes not only smooth and vibrant, but also protected, which, among other things, prevents frizz and electrification. We have a separate article dedicated to hair restoration in the salon.

Here we restrict ourselves to listing the three, in our opinion, the most effective methods:

  • botox;

  • keratinization;

  • collagen hair restoration.

Before proceeding, find out what additional care products will be useful for your hair.

How to quickly get rid of electrified hair

It will take time to restore the hair and completely eliminate the problem of a “magnetic storm” in the hair. But there are a few life hacks that will help you quickly bring electrified hairs to order.

  1. Wet your palm and run it through your hair.

  2. Carry a leave-in spray with you, such as express conditioner for damaged hair Elseve “Double elixir. Complete recovery-5″, L’Oréal Paris.

  3. If the hair is strongly electrified against the background of wearing a winter hat, do not give up the headgear. You can lay it on the wrong side with a silk or satin smooth fabric that will not touch the cuticle and provoke the accumulation of an electric charge in the strands.

  4. Do not touch your hair unnecessarily, so as not to provoke fluffiness.

Summary results

Why is hair electrified?

The main reason why hair becomes electrified is dryness and damage. It is worth getting rid of the root cause, as the problem will disappear by itself. From a physical point of view, an electrical charge accumulates in the hair due to friction (combing, hat). The situation is aggravated by prolonged contact with dry air (including a hair dryer set to a high degree of airflow).

What to do so that the hair is not electrified?

Moisturize and moisturize again – hair and preferably the air space in the room with the help of special gadgets. If the hair is constantly electrified, professionals advise to focus on moisturizing and restoring hair care, use conditioners and leave-in care that will protect the strands from dryness. To quickly (but not for long) eliminate electrification, it is enough to moisten your palm in water and run it through your hair.

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