How to Get Rid of Flyaway Hair

Co-authored by Jenny Tran

Last Updated: October 15, 2024 Approved

On cold winter days when hair gets dry, flyaways caused by static electricity can make the 'do that you worked so hard for in the morning fall apart. Whether it's static electricity or natural frizz, flyaways can be tamed. See Step 1 for both long- and short-term fixes for flyaways.

Part 1

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Fixing in the Moment

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That's what dryer sheets are for! you're thinking. Yep! They're excellent at controlling static electricity, and if you don't have any scruples about rubbing your hair with an anti-static sheet, they're very effective at taming flyaways. Perfect for when you're on the fly.
Okay, so you won't be able to do this once you've gotten to class or the office, but this method works if you're still at home when you get the Medusa hair. Just take an ice cube and run it over any hair that's acting up, i.e. hair that's too dry. Cold water helps your hair retain moisture and help control it.

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3
Use a small amount of non-greasy hand- or body-lotion. The operating term here is non-greasy. As with the dryer sheet, you probably don't associate moisturizing lotion with your hair. But dab a little bit in your hands, spread it out, and work it into your hair, concentrating on the problem areas. Remember that flyaway hair is dry hair, and infusing it with some moisture-trapping lotion can go a long way.
- Only do this method if you have medium to thick hair texture.
4
Use product specifically designed for your kind of hair. Flyaway hair is caused by dry hair, too much product build-up, or chemical damage. As hair gets drier, it produces more friction and static electricity. A silicone-based hair serum works for most kinds of hair, keeping it moisturized, shiny and flexible. But if you want to get serious about taming flyaway hairs, you'd consider what kind of hair you have and use product that's specifically designed with your hair in mind:
- Hairspray designed to combat flyaways is best for fine to medium hair. A quick spritz should get the job done without sacrificing any naturalness your hair usually has.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jenny Tran
  Professional Hair Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.}
- Lightweight pomades designed to trap moisture is best for thicker hair. The trick with pomades is applying only a little; it goes a long way! Make sure you spread the pomade over your hands and coat evenly before applying to flyaways.

Part 2

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Fixing Flyaways Long-Term

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^{[2]
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Research source} Less friction equals less static electricity. Running your fingers through your hair will reduce the amount of friction on your hair, while using a brush can increase it. The more friction and static electricity, the more flyaway hairs.
2
Use a shampoo especially for frizzy hair, and don't forget to condition! A couple things to note about using shampoo and conditioner to control flyaways:
- You don't have to shampoo your hair every day. Shampooing every day is a recipe for dried-out hair. Unless you work in a greasy, sweaty, or dirty place — or your hair desperately needs to be cleaned every day — try to only wash it once every two or three days.^{[3]
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  Research source}
- But when you do shampoo, choose an anti-frizz or moisturizing shampoo. Anti-frizz and moisturizing shampoos are packed with moisturizing agents like aloe vera, essentially providing extra safeguards against dryness. When shampooing, focus most of your energy on cleaning your scalp, not drying out your ends.
- Choose a shampoo that is made for your hair type. For example, if you have curly hair, choose a shampoo that is labeled as curly.
- Every time you shampoo, condition. Conditioning your hair helps keep it from drying out and breaking into flyaways and split ends. When you condition, focus mainly on your ends.
If you use many styling products in your hair, the build-up over time can cause flyaways. To combat this, use a clarifying shampoo at least once a month. Be sure to condition your hair afterwards.
Look for products that have the words "quat" or "amine" in them, as they do a better job of conducting electricity than silicone- or alcohol-based products. Products that conduct electricity better mean fewer flyaways.
5
Avoid hair breakage. Hair with too much breakage can cause flyaways as well. It is easier to prevent hair breakage than treat it. Handle your hair gently. Some ways you can prevent hair breakage include:
- Using silk pillow cases
- Putting heat tools such as hairdryers and curling irons on low settings
- Reducing chemical treatments
- Choosing cloth elastic bands
Remember that taming flyaways is all about keeping moisture locked in your hair. If you shampoo and condition the right way, use the right products, and control any flyaway frizz that crops up with anti-static cheats, you'll be golden.

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What are flyaways in hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Flyaways can be either broken pieces that stick out or new hairs that are growing in. They stick out from the rest of the hair creating a fuzzy effect.

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How can I tame my static hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Try adding a weightless oil like argan oil. You can also get static from product buildup in your hair, so you may want to try a clarifying shampoo.

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Question

What helps dry hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Adding moisture is the best way to fix dry hair. Look for conditioners and products enriched with essential oils such as argan or coconut oil.

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Tips

Don't pull your hair back into a very tight ponytail or pin your hair back tightly. This is what may have caused flyaway hairs in the first place.

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For the lotion method, if you are working on flyaways and are putting on body spray or perfume, use a scented lotion that is the same scent as your perfume or body spray.

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Sometimes the fine hairs near your hairline, your baby hairs, are prone to becoming flyaways, so you may want to style them or even try to grow them out.

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