Understanding the phenomenon to combat it more effectively
When it absorbs less ambient humidity, the keratin in your hair dries out and becomes more electric. In winter, the lack of humidity in heated homes exacerbates this phenomenon. Conversely, in summer, the volume of keratin increases. This is why, in climates with high humidity, the inconvenience of electric hair does not exist.
Our 10 tips for combating electric hair
- Avoid actions that increase static electricity in the hair. Avoid all hair care products that dehydrate keratin: shampoos that are too detergent, blow-drying hair, intensive brushing during drying, manipulations (perming, straightening, colouring...) that reduce the cuticle's capacity (the outer part of keratin) to absorb moisture from the air.
- Beware also of objects in your environment that absorb little or no ambient humidity and therefore become electrical conductors (e.g. synthetic clothing, jumpers, hats, tights, synthetic carpets, etc.).
- Also to be avoided is tumble drying clothes, unless you programme the machine to stop when the clothes are not completely dry.
- Shampoo your hair once, no need to repeat the operation
- Choose a gentle shampoo, with a natural 100% cleansing base and no chemical ingredients.
- Pour shampoo over the top of the head rather than the ends. Emulsify with a little water, then gently massage your hair without tangling them too much. Above all, don't massage your scalp vigorously while shampooing.
- Apply a moisturising conditioner all over the hair. Leave on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
- For detangling and styling, use only natural tools: a brush with wide bristles, a tortoiseshell or horn comb, or simply your fingers (especially for straightened hair).
- In winter, adding water near the heat source humidifies the atmosphere and makes hair easier to style.
- Run your slightly damp hands through your hair. That's all it takes to rid your hair of static electricity and make styling easier.
Why is your hair electric?
The principle is the same as that of the magnet. Opposite electrical charges attract, equal charges repel. Your hair is attracted to your comb, brush or jumper because its static electricity charge is opposite to that of these objects. And, of course, the finer your hair the lighter they are and the more easily they are sucked up by surrounding objects.
And why is your hair more electric in winter?
Because the drier the air, the less it conducts electricity and the more objects can be charged. But in winter the air is much drier than in summer. To understand this phenomenon, you need to know that the volume of air contracts as it cools, which reduces the amount of moisture it can hold.
Jean-François Cabos is the creator of a unique hair care method based on the research he coordinated, which led to the publication of the book Hair, Roots of Life with Hélène Clauderer published by Robert Laffont (Collection "Réponses/ Santé").
