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As it gets colder: Build-up of static electricity

10:00
9 January 2024

As it gets colder
Build-up of static electricity

If you're wondering why you're suddenly receiving an abundance of electric shocks accompanied by static, fly-away hair, we're here to explain why.

In the cold weather, your hair is often electrically charged. One main cause of this, is low humidity.

This is because cold air can absorb less moisture than warm air. The air in winter is not only drier outside than in summer, there is also low humidity in your heated homes.

When the body becomes electrically charged due to friction, this charge can flow off more poorly in winter, than when the air humidity is high in summer.

When brushing your hair for example, negatively charged electrons are transferred to the comb. Positive charge collects up to the tips of the hair and since like charges repel each other, the hair "flies" away from each other, and towards the comb.

The same effect can be observed when a hat is pulled off the head or a sweater is pulled over the head, which we are often doing during this time of the year!

Tips to help your static hair:

  • Slightly moisten your hands with water and hold them close to your head! The hair will discharge itself from the moisture, even if you don't directly touch it.
  • Stroke lightly over the electric hair with a make-up remover, cleaning cloth, or even tumble-drier sheet! The contained moisture helps the hair immediately.
  • Briefly touch your hair with hands after moisturising with hand cream.

In general, your hair and your skin should be given special care in winter, but particularly amidst the dry, cold weather we are currently seeing.

It is important to provide the skin with sufficient moisture in creams, in addition to applying sunscreen, drinking plenty of water and eating nutritious meals.

It's getting colder through the week, so you're likely to be experiencing more static electricity than usual, stay up to date on the TemperatureRadar!

Cold days and nights to come!Cold days and nights to come!
6 tips for the coldread more
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