How to Combat Static Hair: Expert Tips for Smooth, Frizz-Free Hair
If you’ve ever brushed your hair only to watch it cling to your sweater, stand straight up, or refuse to lay smooth, you’re not alone. Static hair is one of the most common hair concerns we see in the salon, especially during the colder, drier months.The good news? Static hair is manageable with the right routine, products, and habits. Below, our stylists break down why static happens and how to prevent it so your hair stays smooth, healthy, and polished year-round.
What Causes Static Hair?
Static occurs when your hair becomes dry and charged with electricity. This often happens when: The air is dry (winter weather or indoor heating), your hair lacks moisture, synthetic fabrics rub against the hair, over-brushing or aggressive towel-drying, or using certain hair tools or brushes.
In short: dry hair + friction = static.
Stylist Approved Tips to Prevent Static Hair
1. Focus on Moisture First
Hydrated hair is less likely to hold static. Using a moisturizing shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in product helps restore balance and smooth the cuticle.
💡Pro Tip: Lightweight moisture is key — especially for fine hair. You want hydration without heaviness.
2. Use a Leave-In Product Daily
A leave-in cream or balm helps to seal the cuticle, reduce flyaways, add softness and shine, and minimize static throughout the day. Apply a small amount to mid-lengths and ends on damp or dry hair.
3. Finish with an Anti-Humidity or Smoothing Spray
Even in dry climates, anti-humidity sprays help create a protective barrier around the hair, preventing static and flyaways without stiffness. Lightly mist from arm’s length for a smooth, polished finish.
4. Switch Your Brush
Plastic brushes can increase static by creating friction. Choosing the right brush can make a noticeable difference in how smooth your hair looks and feels. A boar-bristle or mixed-bristle brush helps distribute natural oils from the scalp through the mid-lengths and ends, reducing dryness, flyaways, and static buildup.
Stylist Recommendation:
Glow Brushes are designed to gently smooth the cuticle, reduce friction, and help minimize static while enhancing natural shine. They’re especially helpful during dry months or for anyone who struggles with flyaways throughout the day. For best results, pair you Glow Brush with a lightweight leave-in or finishing spray to add moisture and further reduce static.
5. Be Gentle with Fabrics
Static often comes from friction with wool hats, scarves, sweaters, etc. Wearing hats lined with silk or satin, or lightly misting hair with a smoothing spray before heading out, can make a big difference.
6. Refresh Between Wash Days
Day-two or day-three hair tends to be drier. A lightweight restyling spray can rehydrate hair, calm flyaways, and reduce static without needing a full wash.
Our Favorite Products for Static Hair
At Harlo, we recommend products that hydrate, smooth, and protect without weighing the hair down. Some of our go-to options include:
Moisturizing leave-in creams to soften and smooth
Try: Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream (available in light for finer hair textures)
Lightweight styling balms to tame flyaways
Try: Oribe Hair Alchemy Heatless Styling Balm
Anti-humidity sprays for a polished finish
Try: Oribe Foundation Mist
Restyling sprays for non-wash days
Try: Oribe Mystify Restyling Spray
Not sure which product is right for your hair type? Ask your stylist to help customize a routine specifically for you.
