PROBLEM: Static Attack

Cause:

Electricity in the air (usually caused by cold weather and dry central heating) mixed with a lack of moisture in your hair.

Prevention:

Switch to a slightly richer shampoo and conditioner – ones with moisturising, anti-static properties – and use an enriched heated styling product on damp hair (styling products applied to dry hair can make static worse). Waxes, especially firm control waxes, are the ideal styling product for static-prone hair, as they seal in moisture and flatten the hair shaft.

Quick Fix

To calm crackle and ease static, spray a flat brush or wide-toothed comb with hair spray and lightly comb it through from root to tip. Be careful not to over-brush, as this can make static hair stand on end. If you don’t have hairspray to hand, dab your fingers into some wax and run them through your hair.

Tip

Invest in an ionic hairdryer – these throw out negative ions, which flatten the hair cuticle and cancel out the ions that causes static.

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Problem: Bed Head

Cause:

Hair that’s past its ‘cut by’ or ‘clean by’ date in combination with friction and fidgeting.

Prevention:

Get rid of bed head for good by investing in static pillowcases. Cotton ones rub against the hair cuticle, making it point in every direction but the one you want it to. Fringes are especially problematic, so get a trim at least every four to six weeks. Also go to bed with dry hair. If it’s damp or sticky with styling products, you’re guaranteed to have problems when you wake up.

Quick Fix:

If you have long hair, put a blog of mousse on the problem area and, using a thin round styling brush or some mini-straightening irons, get as close to the roots as possible and tease it in the desired direction. For short hair, stick it back with gel or secure it with a pretty hair grip or slide.

Tip

If your hair is knotted and tangled, work through it with a wide-toothed comb rather than a brush – brushing will damage the hair shaft and cause split ends.