How can I reduce static in my hair?

Consider making a few changes to your routine, as certain behaviors can trigger static. Using hair tools like nylon brushes and hair dryers can exacerbate static, says celebrity hairstylist Adam Reed. Avoid excessive brushing excessively (you’ll just be adding more friction!). Instead, brush only as needed; if you need a brush, use one with natural boar bristles. If a comb will do, try a metal one. “The metal is conductive, which will actually help diffuse the electrons,” says Branch. How you sleep can even make a difference in how dry your hair is. Fabrics that absorb moisture from hair, including cotton, will strip your strands, exacerbating static. Branch recommends silk. A silk pillowcase works , but if you’re someone that tosses and turns a lot while they sleep, a silk hair wrap may be the best option to protect your hair.

Does heat styling cause static?

No. Although a hair dryer can make static worse, you won’t have to give up heat styling. “If you're blow drying your hair and it's getting staticky, wait until the end to run product through on a brush or your fingers,” Reed suggests. You can also use an ionic hair dryer, which will help rebalance the charge in your strands.

Do hair oils help static?

Yes, although there are a couple of factors to keep in mind. Hair texture, the degree of static you’re dealing with, and how much moisture your hair needs all contribute to the degree of efficacy oil can play in lessening static in your hair. “Oil can assist, but you need something with a resin or polymer blend in it as that will reduce the charge,” says Reed. “If an oil was heavy enough, that would make the hair oily, which is why a polymer blend is better.” Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment uses a blend of polymers to create glass hair with none of the grease.

The 13 Best Anti-Static Hair Products of 2023

The Best Anti-Static Hair Products — Byrdie / Alli Waataja

If you’re prone to frizz, you know what a relief it can be to get a break from poofy hair-inducing humidity. However, dry climates can cause a whole new pesky styling concern: Static. You may have intentionally caused hair static as a child by rubbing a balloon against your head, causing crazy flyaways—but unruly strands are not fun as an adult. “Static is caused by increased electrons in our hair strands,” explains Miko Branch, a hair care expert.

Hair normally has a negative charge, but when dry strands rub up against each other or a hat or scarf, a positive charge can build up, causing hair to quite literally stand on end. “Most people see an increase in static in the winter due to decreased humidity, which increases static electricity in the air,” says Cassandra Olivia, hair stylist and colorist.

While static can occur in all hair types, some hair is naturally prone to it—and if that sounds like you, you know how frustrating it can be. Thankfully, with the right products and a few lifestyle changes, you can forgo the flyaways. After consulting with hairstylists and conducting hours of research, evaluating hair products on formulas, moisturizing ingredients, and longevity, we compiled the best products for stopping static. We considered all different hair types and budgets, so there is a solution for everyone on this list.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Redken Frizz Dismiss Anti-Static Oil Mist at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Fine Hair:

Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer For Fine Hair at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Not Your Mother's All Eyes On Me Hair Perfector at Ulta

Jump to Review

Best for Flyaways:

Insert Hair Here Quick Slick at Ulta

Jump to Review

Best Preventative:

In Common Magic Myst 4-in-1 Universal Elixir at Incommonbeauty.com

Jump to Review

Best for Frizz Control:

Color Wow Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Hairspray:

Dove Beauty Style + Care Compressed Micro Mist Flexible Hold Hairspray at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Dry Hair:

Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Curly Hair:

Mizani 25 Miracle Milk at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Travel:

Kristin Ess Anytime Anywhere Recovery Balm at Target

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Redken Frizz Dismiss Anti-Static Oil Mist

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Can be used on wet or dry hair
Also tames frizz
Enhances natural texture
Pleasant smell

What We Don't Like

The light formula may not do enough for intense frizz

Few hair formulas are designed exclusively to tackle static, and this mist from Redken does just that. It uses babassu oil to control static and frizz while lightly conditioning hair. While it’s exceptional when used in the winter—just a few spritzes on dry hair and flyaways will be tamed—it’s a nice spray to keep on hand all year. When sprayed into wet hair, it helps your strands air-dry beautifully, showcasing your natural texture while putting baby hairs in their place. The gourmand smell is pretty nice, too.

Price at the time of publish: $36

Format: Spray | Size: 4.2 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer For Fine Hair

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target

What We Like

Affordable
Offers 24-hour protection against static
Reduces drying time
Protects hair from heat and UV damage
Recyclable aluminum package

What We Don't Like

Strong fragrance

We love a budget-friendly pick! This new primer from Eva NYC is specially designed for fine hair, delivering total defense against static with just one use while nourishing strands and protecting color treated hair. It uses argan oil, sunflower oil, and squalane to protect from heat and UV damage, yet is lightweight. The unique packaging of the spray bottle prevents leakage or accidental sprays with the click of a button. However, this formula has a pretty potent vanilla scent, so if that’s not your thing, you may not be a fan.

Price at time of publish: $13

Format: Spray | Size: 5.4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Not Your Mother's All Eyes on Me 10-in-1 Hair Perfector

Ulta

View On Ulta View On Target View On Walmart

What We Like

Offers thermal protection
Detangles
Deeply conditions bleached hair

What We Don't Like

Strong berry vanilla fragrance
Nozzle can clog

People with processed hair swear by this affordable styler, which deeply conditions, softens, and hydrates before heat styling. A blend of keratin and silk amino acids is great for colored hair, which needs both moisture and protein. The thicker formula works best when sprayed directly into hands then worked into the hair; your body heat and the warmth of your hot tools will emulsify the product and help it work to deliver serious shine. Keep in mind that because the texture is a little heavier, the nozzle may get clogged on occasion.

Price at time of publish: $7

Format: Spray | Size: 6 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Ulta

View On Ulta View On Ecosmetics.com View On Inhhair.com

What We Like

Travel friendly
Tames baby hairs
Light fragrance

What We Don't Like

Can get tangled in hair

This unique format is a must for those who face dealing with static, breakage, or unruly baby hairs on a regular basis. The lightweight essence is packaged in a mascara-like tube, so you can simply brush it through strands and put flyaways in their place. Fans of this formula especially love it for sweeping down face-framing baby hairs for a perfectly polished pony—just be sure to roll the wand up and out of your hair, lest it get tangled and disrupt your style.

Price at time of publish: $18

Format: Brush-in serum | Size: 0.6 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

In Common

View On Incommonbeauty.com

What We Like

Pleasant fragrance
Works on both heat-styled and air-dried hair
Good for all hair types

What We Don't Like

Can overspray easily

This multitasking formula combats tangles, frizz, flyaways, and static while reinforcing hair strength and protecting against future damage, all with just a few spritzes. With this combination of oils and vitamins, you don’t need heat styling to make your strands look great—our hair air dried flawlessly and felt super soft with this one. Plus, it’s created by celeb stylists Riawna Capri and Nikki Lee, so if you snag this formula, you can almost guarantee that you’ll have it in common (pun intended) with some of their clients—including Selena Gomez, Julianne Hough, and Vanessa Hudgens. The sprayer itself can be a bit powerful, so you may want to spray it into your hands first.

Price at time of publish: $35

Format: Spray | Size: 8.45 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Adds serious shine
Good for all hair textures
Protects against heat damage
Lasts up to three to four shampoos

What We Don't Like

You have to use heat for it to work

Byrdie’s writer Sarah Y. Wu says this spray is the easiest way to get glass hair that’s free of frizz or static. It uses a blend of polymers to lock our frizz and humidity and create mirror-like shine on all hair types. Both the scent and mist is light, so your hair won’t feel weighed down or over-perfumed. Providing heat protection, it does require the heat from blow drying to be activated, so it’s not for those days you want to airdry. But for when you bring out the heat tools, it will give you a professional blowdry at home with results lasting up to three to four shampoos.

Price at time of publish: $28

Format: Spray | Size: 6.7 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dove Beauty Style + Care Compressed Micro Mist Flexible Hold Hairspray

Target

View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart

What We Like

Not crunchy
Doesn’t flake
Doesn’t weigh down hair
Adds shine

What We Don't Like

Not for styles that need serious hold

Sometimes, you just need a reliable hairspray to control staticky strands and flyaways; this affordable option from Dove is a great pick. This formula offers lightweight hold in a superfine spray that easily covers hair with just a few spritzes, yet won’t leave your style feeling hard, crunchy, or stiff. Devotees of this formula swear by it for taming unruly flyaways and postpartum hair as well as for fighting frizz in humid weather. Be aware that because the hold is flexible and allows for more movement, this spray won’t be ideal for styles that absolutely cannot budge.

Price at time of publish: $7

Format: Spray | Size: 5.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.9

Olaplex

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Designed to be used on all hair types
Offers thermal and antioxidant protection
Smells great

What We Don't Like

Easy to use too much, especially on fine hair

Just a pump or two of the jelly-like formula easily disperses through hair to hydrate, soften, and smooth while protecting hair from heat damage up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. After styling, your strands will be silky, shiny, and static free. Remember a little goes a long way, so your hair can become greasy if you use too much.

Price at time of publish: $30

Format: Serum | Size: 3 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Heat Protectant Leave-In Conditioner

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Walmart

What We Like

Fights static and frizz while adding volume
Beautifully defines waves, curls, and coils
Protects hair from heat styling

What We Don't Like

Scent may be too strong for some

Consider this formula a post-shower moisturizer for your hair—it hydrates and detangles strands while softening and adding shine, acting as the perfect foundation for the rest of your stylers. The lightweight moisture helps control and define curls and waves without weighing them down, even fine strands. It can also be used to help touch up hair throughout the day. While some love the scent, it can be a bit strong for those sensitive to fragrances.

Price at time of publish: $25

Format: Spray | Size: 8.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Kristin Ess Anytime Anywhere Recovery Balm

Target

View On Target View On Walgreens

What We Like

Easy to use on the go
Conditions and adds shine
A little goes a long way

What We Don't Like

Divisive scent
Too heavy for some textures

We like to think celebrity stylist Kristin Ess designed this product with some of her famous clients (like Lauren Conrad and Jenna Dewan) in mind. It’s incredibly travel friendly thanks to its stick format—nothing to see here, TSA!—and multitasks well, cutting down beauty bag bulk on the go. Rub a bit on your fingers and through your hair to control static, apply directly to an updo to add shine and light hold, or use the included bun cap to try it as an overnight deep conditioning treatment to let the nourishing coconut and castor oils really do their thing. Because it used two rich oils, it might be too heavy for certain hair types. It also has a strong scent that some folks don’t love.

Price at time of publish: $14

Format: Stick | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Aveda.com View On Davidjones.com

What We Like

Outstanding fragrance
Draws in moisture, even in dry climates
Activates waves and curls

What We Don't Like

Can be heavy if you use too much

Rich in humectants, this pomade draws moisture in, plumping up your hair and adding shine. It’s especially great for curly or wavy hair, as it activates your hair natural texture and adds definition. The vegan formula is perfumed with an aroma of jasmine, rose, certified organic clove and other pure flower and plant essences. Starring caster oil, a little goes a long way, so use a light hand when applying.

Price at time of publish: $32

Format: Pomade | Size: 2.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

NatureLab

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Naturelab.com

What We Like

Enhances color and shine
Skincare-like ingredients
Available in travel-size bottle

What We Don't Like

Not nourishing enough for curly hair

Thirsty strands will drink up this oil mist, which is designed to be used on dry hair to hydrate, thus controlling static. It features hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, to plump up strands. Platinum fiber and pearl extract add luminous shine without heaviness. We also like that this product is available in a travel-sized bottle, so you can throw it in your bag to control flyaways while you’re out and about. Those with curls may prefer a formula with more oils and polymers.

Price at time of publish: $19

Format: Spray | Size: 4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

R + Co Foil Frizz + Static Control Spray

R + Co

View On Neiman Marcus View On Randco.com View On Revolve

What We Like

Controls static and frizz
Great fragrance
Lightweight on hair, including fine textures
Not sticky or crunchy

What We Don't Like

May not stand up to particularly humid climates

Before you head out for the day, mist this formula over your hair to keep static at bay. Those who live in ultra-dry climates love this one for its ability to calm flyaways in winter, even when constantly putting on and taking off hats and scarves (try spritzing this product on them, too, for added control!). The luxe scent is also a lovely touch—it features notes of blood orange, leather, and woods.

Price at time of publish: $36

Format: Spray | Size: 5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

We named Redken Frizz Dismiss Anti-Static Oil Mist as our top pick for its ability to add nourishing moisture to hair without weighing it down. For those who aren’t afraid of a little pomade, you’ll love Aveda brilliant™ Humectant Pomade, which smells outstanding and adds a little grit to hair that’ll control static and flyaways without crushing volume. Those with fine hair will be obsessed with Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer For Fine Hair, which uses only seven ingredients to control static for up to 24-hours.

Meet the Expert

Miko Branch is a hair care expert and the co-founder and CEO of the hair care line, Miss Jessie’s.
Cassandra Olivia is a hairstylist and colorist whose work spans commercial and editorial campaigns. She is an expert on creating soft, silky, and static-free hair.
Adam Reed is a celebrity hairstylist, who works extensively with all hair types and is an expert in keeping static at bay, and hair smooth, whether on the red carpet, or in real life.

What to Look for in Static Hair Products

Type of Product

When choosing between sprays, gels, or serums, certain formulas do better at managing static. “Nourishing oils and serums help lubricate and keep them from chafing against each other,” says Branch. “The key is to use them sparingly so you don’t end up with matted down, greasy-looking hair.” Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum stops static while still feeling weightless. Gels and aerosols may contain alcohol, which is drying (more on this shortly).

Ingredients

Because hair is prone to static when it’s dry, you’ll want to look for moisturizing ingredients. Look for plant-based oils, which can go a long way towards rehydrating parched strands. We like how Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer For Fine Hair combines argan and sunflower oil, yet is lightweight enough for fine hair. “Moisturized hair has additional benefits too—it’s easier to style and typically has more shine. It’s also less prone to damage,” says Olivia.

You’ll also want to avoid drying ingredients, which will just make static worse. Alcohol (often found in certain styling gels and hair sprays) and sulfates (usually in shampoos) can strip strands of moisture. Overusing dry shampoo can also dry out your hair. “If you’re using dry shampoo, apply it in moderation so it doesn’t completely absorb all the oil out of the strands,” warns Branch. “You always want some in there.”

Longevity

If static is a serious concern of yours, you’ll want to look for formulas that claim hours of protection against it. For instance, Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment, is supposed to keep your strands glossy even after three to four shampoos. However, remember that static is exacerbated by dryness—so for true static defense, you’ll need to prioritize hydration by incorporating moisture into all steps of your routine.

FAQ

How can I reduce static in my hair?

Consider making a few changes to your routine, as certain behaviors can trigger static. Using hair tools like nylon brushes and hair dryers can exacerbate static, says celebrity hairstylist Adam Reed. Avoid excessive brushing excessively (you’ll just be adding more friction!). Instead, brush only as needed; if you need a brush, use one with natural boar bristles. If a comb will do, try a metal one. “The metal is conductive, which will actually help diffuse the electrons,” says Branch.

How you sleep can even make a difference in how dry your hair is. Fabrics that absorb moisture from hair, including cotton, will strip your strands, exacerbating static. Branch recommends silk. A silk pillowcase works, but if you’re someone that tosses and turns a lot while they sleep, a silk hair wrap may be the best option to protect your hair.
Does heat styling cause static?

No. Although a hair dryer can make static worse, you won’t have to give up heat styling. “If you're blow drying your hair and it's getting staticky, wait until the end to run product through on a brush or your fingers,” Reed suggests. You can also use an ionic hair dryer, which will help rebalance the charge in your strands.
Do hair oils help static?

Yes, although there are a couple of factors to keep in mind. Hair texture, the degree of static you’re dealing with, and how much moisture your hair needs all contribute to the degree of efficacy oil can play in lessening static in your hair. “Oil can assist, but you need something with a resin or polymer blend in it as that will reduce the charge,” says Reed. “If an oil was heavy enough, that would make the hair oily, which is why a polymer blend is better.” Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment uses a blend of polymers to create glass hair with none of the grease.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Emily Orofino has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. You can find her work on sites such as POPSUGAR, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, InStyle, Editorialist, and RealSelf. She has also lent her expertise to the marketing departments and product development teams of some of the industry’s most prestigious and well-recognized brands.

The 17 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry Hair of 2023