Fly-away hair is hair that is dry, frizzy, and full of static cling. It often sticks straight out from the sides of the head, and is a common occurrence in the winter when the air is especially dry. Luckily, there are many ways to manage the problem and prevent it from ruining a good hair day.
Preventing fly-away hair begins in the shower. A person with dry hair should choose a shampoo and conditioner that are moisturizing and designed to prevent frizzy hair. If possible, he or she should shampoo every few days or every other day to prevent stripping the hair of its natural oils. These natural oils are what keep the cuticle on the hair flat, preventing frizz and fly-aways. Conditioner should be used every day, and once a week, a deep conditioning treatment such as a hot oil treatment should be used. Right before exiting the shower, the hair should be rinsed quickly with cool water to smooth the cuticles.
Fly-aways are made worse when hair is broken or damaged. After the shower, the person should apply a leave-in conditioner or frizz-fighting serum, and gently comb wet hair with a wide-tooth comb. Hair should only be brushed when it is dry, and then with a soft-bristled brush, never one with plastic bristles, which can pull and break the hair.
It is best to allow hair to air dry, but if it must be dried with a hair dryer, the lowest heat setting should be used, and the dryer should be aimed down the hair shaft. Once hair has been dried, blasting it quickly with cold air can help set the style and prevent fly-aways. If it is necessary to wear a hat, one made of cotton rather than wool will be less likely to conduct electricity and cause static cling.
Even after all of this preparation, it is still possible to get fly-away hair in the winter. If that occurs, there are some quick fixes to try during the day. An unscented dryer sheet rubbed on the hair can calm hair quickly and can decrease static cling when rubbed on a shirt or jacket. A small amount of face lotion or hand cream can be rubbed on the hands and then through the hair to calm frizz; the roots should be avoided when doing this, because they could easily become greasy. An ice cube rubbed on the hair or even a slight misting of the hair from a spray bottle can also add a bit of moisture.
