Get Rid of Those Annoying Flyaways

We all have annoying flyaways to deal with - those small pieces of hair that stick up or out at exactly the wrong moment, usually right after you've finished styling. Don't let your tresses get out of control. Instead, learn what actually causes flyaways (it matters for fixing them), and how to manage them depending on whether your hair is natural, heat-styled, or in extensions.

Flyaways and hair that sticks up are one of the most common concerns we hear from customers wearing extensions. The good news is that most flyaway problems are very fixable once you identify the cause.

"Flyaways are usually a sign that your hair is telling you something - often that it needs more moisture, or that there's friction or static buildup happening somewhere in your routine. Once you know the cause, the fix is usually simple."

- Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks

Why Does Hair Stick Up? Understanding Flyaway Causes

Before reaching for a product, it helps to know why flyaways are happening in the first place. The most common causes are:

Lack of moisture. Dry hair is porous and rough at the cuticle level. Static electricity builds up on dry hair much more easily than on well-moisturized strands, causing individual hairs to repel each other and stand up.

Static electricity. Friction between hair and certain fabrics - like cotton pillowcases, wool scarves, or polyester headbands - builds up static charge. Low humidity in winter makes this significantly worse.

New growth and breakage. Short pieces of hair along the hairline or part are often new growth or broken strands that haven't reached enough length to lay flat. These are the flyaways that are hardest to fully control because they're structural, not product-related.

Product buildup. Paradoxically, too much product can cause flyaways by weighing down some strands while leaving others uncoated and wild.

1. Moisturize Your Hair with Deep Conditioner and Oil

One of the biggest reasons you get flyaways during the winter and spring time is because your hair isn't getting enough moisture. Low humidity and dry air are major culprits. Solve this problem by using a natural deep conditioner on a regular basis. Small amounts of lightweight oil can also help replenish moisture - apply a tiny amount to the parts of your hair that are sticking up, and if possible cover with a shower cap for 10-15 minutes to allow it to penetrate.

The oils that work best for flyaways are lightweight and non-greasy: argan oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil all smooth the cuticle without making hair look oily. Avoid coconut oil on fine hair for this purpose - it can weigh fine strands down and cause a different problem.

2. Use a Lightweight Hairspray

As we've emphasized in other posts, you don't want to overuse hair products on extensions or natural hair - but a light hairspray used sparingly is actually excellent for flyaways. Spray a small amount on the problem area directly, or spray a little onto your hairbrush and gently smooth over the area. The key word here is sparingly - hairspray that dries stiff creates a different kind of problem.

3. Apply Leave-In Conditioner

Leave-in conditioner formulated to smooth flyaways works beautifully for those pesky stray hairs. Apply a small amount to the problem area and smooth downward. Don't overuse - too much cream will make your hair appear greasy. A small amount (think: the size of a pea) goes a long way for this purpose.

For emergencies when you're already out the door, a tiny drop of leave-in on your fingertip smoothed over flyaways is one of the most effective quick fixes available. It provides instant smoothing without the stickiness of pomade or wax.

4. Have a Dryer Sheet?

A dryer sheet is a fast-acting way to get rid of flyaway hair. Running a dryer sheet lightly over your hair will neutralize the static electricity causing hairs to stand up. This is especially useful in winter when static is the main culprit. Keep one in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups.

5. Get Your Flyaways Wet with a Little Water

If you didn't straighten your hair and you have naturally curly or wavy locks, just get your hands slightly damp and smooth over the flyaway hairs. The water reactivates any product already in your hair and helps the curl or wave pattern reassert itself over stray strands. Use just a little water so you don't counter your existing style.

6. Use a Silk or Satin Pillowcase

If you wake up with flyaways every morning regardless of what you do at night, the issue is often friction from your pillowcase. Cotton pillowcases have a rough surface that creates friction and static as you move during sleep. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction dramatically - and it's also much better for your skin and for the life of any hair extensions you might be wearing.

7. Try a Light Pomade or Hair Serum

For stubborn flyaways that nothing else will tame - usually the short hairs around your hairline or at the crown - a tiny amount of light pomade or smoothing serum pressed between your fingers and then smoothed directly over the problem area is your best bet. The key is using a truly tiny amount (less than you think you need) and warming it between your palms first to prevent a greasy or sticky finish.

Managing Flyaways with Hair Extensions

If you wear clip-in extensions or other extension types, flyaways can appear where your natural hair meets the extension hair. Here's how to blend them:

• Lightly backcomb the root area where clips attach before clipping in - this gives the clips grip and blends the transition area better
• Use a flat iron or curling iron over the top layer of hair where your natural hair meets the extensions to blend the two textures
• A light mist of hairspray over the whole style after finishing helps smooth the transition and control any stray hairs
• Use a loop brush or soft paddle brush to smooth the top layer of hair over the wefts

Frequently Asked Questions About Flyaways

One of the above techniques should work for your hair type and situation. Feeling confident about your hair - whatever style you're rocking - is what we're all about. If you have questions about managing flyaways with extensions specifically, feel free to reach out for a consultation.