Why Does My Hair Stick Up?

So, you’ve washed your hair, styled it perfectly, and shortly afterwards, you were greeted by a halo of frizzies. Or maybe you tried to slick your hair back into a ponytail but those pesky flyaways deemed you unsuccessful. Wondering why your hair insists on sticking up no matter how much you try to tame it? That's what we'll focus on in this article.

Static Electricity

In many cases, the root cause of those pesky flyaways is static electricity. When your hair rubs against itself or other surfaces, it collects electrons from those surfaces and develops an electric charge. As a result, your strands begin to repel each other and stick up.

There are a few things you can do to combat static electricity and keep your hair looking sleek and stylish:

• Use a leave-in conditioner or serum when you style your hair. These products will add moisture to your hair, which will reduce static.

• Use a humidifier in your home or office to add moisture to the air and help prevent static buildup in your hair.

• Carry a can of anti-static spray with you to help tame those flyaways. 

You Use the Wrong Products

If you're using the wrong hair care products, that can be the culprit behind your unruly strands. If you have type 3 or 4 hair, you need heavier products that will help to weigh down your hair and keep it from becoming frizzy and puffy. Type 1 and 2 hair doesn't usually have this problem since it's not as prone to frizz.

If you're using the wrong shampoo and conditioner, that can also be contributing to your hair sticking up. If your shampoo is too harsh, it can strip away the natural oils that keep your hair healthy and hydrated. This can lead to dry, damaged hair that is more likely to become frizzy. You can combat this problem by using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and a hydrating conditioner.

Your Ends are Split

Split ends are a major cause of flyaways and frizz. When your hair is damaged, the cuticle lifts and catches onto neighboring strands. You can prevent split ends by getting regular trims and using a deep conditioner once a week. If you already have split ends, you can use a split end repair serum to temporarily seal your cuticles.

You Live in a Humid Area

Humidity and sleek hair never coexist. If you live in an area where the air is full of moisture, it can penetrate your hair and make it swell. This can lead to frizz and flyaways. Anti-humidity hair care products come in handy on the most humid days.

You Have a Cowlick

A cowlick is a section of hair that grows in the opposite direction of the rest of your hair. Cowlicks usually appear at the crown of the head. You cannot get rid of your cowlick, but you can break out the gels and serums and style your hair in a way that minimizes its appearance.

So, there you have it - several reasons why your hair might stick up. If you're struggling with unruly strands, try out a few of the above tips and see if they help to tame your mane. Good luck!

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.