Why hair gets static and frizzy in winter | Hair care for the dry season to prevent flyaways and tangles

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The moment you take off your sweater, *snap!* You run a brush through your hair, and it stands on end, clinging to your face. As the season turns dry, static in our hair becomes an annual nuisance. It’s disheartening to spend the morning styling your hair perfectly, only to have it ruined the second you take off your scarf.

Many people resign themselves to thinking, "It's winter, what can you do?" However, if you understand how static works, you can significantly reduce it. Static isn't just uncomfortable—it’s also a factor you shouldn't overlook, as it leads to hair damage. In this article, we’ll explain why static happens and share practical steps you can take starting today.

Why does static electricity happen?

First, let's talk about the nature of static. We’ll skip the complex science and stick to the essentials.

Everything contains a balance of positive and negative electricity. However, when different materials rub against each other, negative electricity moves from one to the other, upsetting the balance. This state of "imbalanced, accumulated electricity" is what we call static.

Hair is said to be a material that easily holds a positive charge. What happens when each individual strand of hair becomes positively charged through brushing or friction with clothing? Just like the same poles of a magnet repel each other, the positively charged strands of hair push each other away. This is why your hair fluffs up or stands on end.

3 reasons why hair static increases in winter

Friction happens all year round, so why are we only bothered by static in winter?

Reason 1: Dry air

Static actually occurs in summer, too. However, in humid seasons, electricity naturally dissipates through the moisture in the air, making it harder to accumulate. In the dry winter, electricity has nowhere to go and builds up rapidly on your hair and body.

Reason 2: Heating makes it even drier

Using air conditioning or heaters dries out the indoor air even further. In winter, when both the outside and inside are dry, your hair is in an environment prone to static all day long.

Reason 3: Layers and scarves increase friction

Sweaters, coats, scarves, fleece—the number of items touching your hair surges in winter. Every time you get dressed or undressed, the friction against your hair creates opportunities for static to build.

It’s not "just" static: The impact on your hair

The problems with static go beyond the uncomfortable "snap" or messy hairstyles. It also has a gradual effect on the hair itself.

• Cuticles become easily damaged: Hair with static is said to have cuticles that are more prone to lifting and peeling.
• Easier to tangle: Spread-out strands of hair tangle together, and the friction caused by brushing them out leads to breakage and split ends.
• Attracts dust: Statically charged hair acts like a magnet for dust and other particles in the air.
• Looks dull: Because the hair is pointing in different directions, light doesn't reflect evenly, making it look frizzy and dry.

Damaged hair is more prone to static

Even in the same room, some people experience more static than others. One difference is the "moisture" held by the hair.

Hair that retains moisture well allows electricity to escape, making it harder for static to build up. On the other hand, hair damaged by color, perms, or heat from flat irons has compromised cuticles, weakening its ability to retain moisture. Dry hair is prone to both creating and holding onto static.

Measure 1: Replenish moisture in the bath

Now for some concrete measures. Start by getting your hair into a state where static is less likely to occur. The foundation is moisturizing care in the bath.

• Use warm water around 38°C (100°F): You might want to use hot water when it's cold, but water that's too hot leads to dry hair and scalp.
• Don't overwash: Harsh scrubbing or unnecessary double-washing strips away essential moisture.
• Be extra careful with your treatment: During the dry season, choose a treatment with high moisturizing power and be sure to leave it in for the recommended time.

In the KEMA lineup, the high-moisturizing Crema Treatment Black is particularly reliable during the dry season. By combining protein, amino acids, and natural oils, it replenishes moisture from within while conditioning the cuticles, resulting in a cohesive texture that suppresses frizz and spreading. For daily finishing, we also recommend Kematin to smooth the surface of the hair. Hair with a smooth surface is naturally resistant to friction.

KEMA Crema Treatment Black

A highly moisturizing type formulated with charcoal. It replenishes moisture from within, conditions cuticles, and creates a cohesive texture that minimizes frizz and spreading.

¥11,990 (tax included)

KEMA Kematin

A finishing treatment focused on finger-combability and cohesion. It smooths the hair surface, suppresses frizz, and makes hair easier to manage.

¥10,736 (tax included)

Measure 2: Protect moisture with leave-in treatment

The role of leave-in treatment is to keep the moisture you replenished in the bath locked in, even in dry air. As a countermeasure against static, this is perhaps the easiest step to feel a tangible difference.

For those who prefer a light finish or have fine hair, use our non-heavy Leave-in Balm. It smooths out frizz while providing a natural sheen. For those who want more shine or use hot styling tools, our non-sticky Penta S Oil is ideal.

KEMA Leave-in Balm

Blends in lightly without weighing hair down. A light, leave-in treatment that tames frizz while adding natural luster.

¥5,500 (tax included)

KEMA Penta S Oil

An oil that doesn't feel sticky and leaves hair silky. Use as a finishing touch to add sophisticated shine and better manageability. Also great before blow-drying or ironing.

¥5,940 (tax included)

Measure 3: Reconsider your brush and clothing "materials"

Static is often a matter of "compatibility" between materials. Some materials easily pick up a positive charge, while others pick up a negative one; the greater the difference in their properties, the more static is generated when they rub together.

※These are general guidelines. Results may vary depending on material processing and fiber blends.

Choose natural materials for your brush

Plastic brushes are said to be prone to static due to friction with hair. Simply switching to a wooden comb or a natural bristle brush (like boar or pig hair) during the dry season can make a noticeable difference. It is also effective to lightly apply leave-in treatment before brushing.

Choose materials for scarves and hats that touch your hair

Since hair easily picks up a positive charge, items like acrylic or polyester scarves, or fleece hats and hoods, are a recipe for static. When choosing things that touch your hair directly, opt for cotton, silk, or wool to help keep static down.

A little thought in how you layer your clothes

For example, if you wear a "polyester fleece" over a "wool sweater," the positive and negative properties are far apart, causing a large amount of static every time you put them on or take them off. By layering materials with similar properties, or perhaps adding a cotton shirt in between, you can reduce the amount of static that builds up on your body.

Measure 4: Maintain room humidity

The drier the air, the easier it is for static to accumulate. Conversely, keeping your room at the right humidity is effective for your hair, skin, and static prevention. Aim for a indoor humidity of about 40–60%.

• Use a humidifier (a hygrometer helps you keep track)
• Hang your laundry inside to dry
• Hang a damp towel on a hanger
• Make sure the heater's airflow isn't hitting your hair or face directly

Emergency tips for when you're out and about

Even if you take all the precautions, there are times when your hair might start to frizz while you're out. For those moments, remember these quick tricks.

• Apply a very small amount of leave-in treatment: This is the most reliable method. Spread it thoroughly on your palms, then gently pat over the frizzy areas.
• Pat your hair with hands after applying hand cream: A good alternative when you don't have your own products. After working hand cream into your skin, use the tiny amount remaining on your hands to lightly stroke the surface of your hair. Don't overdo it, as it can get sticky—use this strictly as an emergency measure.
• Touch a wall or the floor before touching your hair: This is a way to discharge the static accumulated in your body. Try touching a wooden or concrete wall with your palm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does wetting my hair with water stop static?

It will stop it temporarily, but it will return once it dries. Also, wet hair is delicate, so walking outside while it's wet can actually lead to damage. We recommend replenishing moisture with a leave-in treatment rather than water.

My bangs stick to my face because of static.

Because bangs are made of fine, light hair, they are prone to static. After applying leave-in treatment to your ends, try gently stroking your bangs with the small amount left on your hands. Applying it directly will make them sticky, so "only what's left on your hands" is the key.

My hair gets frizzy and spreads out after blow-drying.

You might be over-drying your hair, causing it to lose its moisture. Try using a leave-in treatment before drying, direct the airflow from top to bottom, and switch to a cool setting as soon as it's dry.

My child's hair also has terrible static.

Children's hair is fine and soft, so it tends to be prone to static. Just switching a fleece hat or hood for a cotton one can make a difference. Humidifying the room is also effective for the whole family.

Can I use anti-static spray for clothes on my hair?

Anti-static sprays for clothing are not designed for hair or skin. Do not use them on your hair; instead, use them on the clothing itself, such as scarves or coats. For your hair, please use hair care products.

Summary ─ Anti-static care is moisture care

Static in your hair is born from dryness and friction. The countermeasures are simple: "Maintain hair moisture" and "reduce friction." Replenish moisture in the bath, protect it with a leave-in treatment, and be mindful of the materials in your brushes and clothing. Also, keep the air in your room moist.

Hair that is resistant to static is also, by definition, healthy, moisturized, and shiny hair. This winter, instead of just enduring the "snap," why not use it as an opportunity to pamper your hair?