Winter Static Is the Worst—Here's How to Beat It
Don't let science win.
![Elbow, Wrist, Black hair, Hair coloring, Feather, Fashion design, Liberty spikes, Headpiece, Bracelet, Dreadlocks,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/J5pH3DCW4YbFfdt2hkHTsQ-415-80.jpeg)
It's a chilly winter morning and you've finally washed your hair after, erm, how many days? You step outside and then all of the sudden... ZAP... there's an imbalance of electrical charges and your freshly-washed strands are all kinds of turnt up. Static electricity is the culprit and it's about time it stopped wreaking havoc on your coif. We asked pro hairstylist Kat Zemtsova to give us her expert tips on how to trounce cold weather static once and for all.
Avoid plastic hair tools. Plastic is an insulating material, thus aggravates static with its negative charges. "Stick to a brush with boar bristles, which will help spread your natural oils," advises Zemtsova. "You can also use metal or rubber combs."
Prep with a light moisturizing cream or serum. "This is what seals in the moisture that keeps static at bay," Zemtsova explains. We recommend Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream ($49) or Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum ($30).
Use anti-static spray. Static-Guard is a drug store staple that's not necessarily for hair—it can be used on fabric, carpet, and even electronics—but you should still keep it in your winter beauty stash. "Apply a small amount to your hair by spraying it into your brush or on your hands," says Zemtsova.
Run dryer sheets through your hair. Or better yet, try Kerastase Carré Lissant Hairstyle Touchup Sheets ($28 for a box of 50), which not only eliminate static and frizz, but also block humidity, tame flyaways, and combat dullness.
Use a humidifier at home. By raising the humidity level in your home, you'll have more moisture in the air, which will help to prevent static electricity from building up. If you don't have a humidifier, Zemtsova has another solution: "Sit in a steamed-out shower for a couple minutes as it will not only help get rid of static, but address the static-causing dryness that winter air creates."
Don't wear synthetic clothes or hats. Fabrics like nylon, polyester, and rayon will increase static. You can't go wrong by wearing cotton!
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
You should also check out:
Hair Solutions for Every Forecast
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
This Valentino Perfume Is the Best Fragrance of 2024, According to Beauty Experts
It's a layerable, floral fragrance.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Is Colostrum the New Collagen?
Doctors and wellness professionals have a lot to say about TikTok's supplement of the moment.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Fendi's First Fragrances Are Designed for Fashion Obsessives
It's finally available to shop.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Why Beauty Experts Are Calling Out Youthforia's New Foundation
This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published