How To Get Rid Of Flyaways – 6 Simple Ways That Really Work.

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You want to know how to get rid of flyaways fast. We don’t blame you!

Those sticky up bits of stray and unruly hair are the are the worst, especially when they ruin your freshly dyed hair.

But don’t worry, we’re here to help with your hair problems. We’ve put together everything you need to know about how to fix them, so you can feel confident and beautiful once again.

From why they happen, to what to do about them and even some natural ways you can banish them for good.

With our easy tips and tricks, you’ll be able to tame and smooth your strands in no time at all. And your hair will look amazing – without a single frizz in sight!

Read on to find out all you need to know!

How do you get rid of flyaway hair?

If you’re like us, you’ve probably spent more time than you’d care to admit wondering how to get rid of those broken hair tufts.

Whether it’s the wispy bits that always seem to escape your ponytail or the frizz that plagues you on humid days, flyaways can be frustrating.

Fortunately, there are a few simple tricks that can help:

#1 Use a boar bristle brush.

boar bristle hair brush
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For starters, try using a boar bristle brush to smooth down your hair. This will help to distribute natural oils from your scalp, which can help to tame loose wisps.

Expert Insights

“Dry hair might become frizzier when combed. When your hair is wet, use your hands to detangle it. You could also slowly comb your hair. Avoid repeatedly combing wet hair because doing so can cause hair loss. Rather, you can use your hands.”


Michelle Smith, Hair Specialist

#2 Use a leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum.

leave-in conditioner and hair serum
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You can also try using a leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum to help control frizz and static.

These products have a silicone base to help to coat and smooth your hair. Just be sure to apply it sparingly, as too much can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy. (Lip balms work in an emergency too!).

“Condition and mask with ingredients like irish moss, rice protein, silk protein. Dry your hair with a microfibre towel or cotton t-shirt for less damage.”

Bio Sakure, Biochemistry, Curly girl expert in natural curly hair

#3 Use a frizz-fighting shampoo and conditioner.

frizz-fighting shampoo and conditioner.
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If you’re struggling with frizz, try using a frizz-fighting shampoo and conditioner. These products are specifically designed to help control frizz and flyaways.

Expert Insights

“A couple of things that can help are to use old t-shirts to dry your hair. Regular towels actually cause a lot of hair damage. Secondly, rinsing your hair with cold water. Lastly, you can use the Curly Girl method which trades in damaging habits (like shampooing and heat styling) for a healthy curly hair regimen using just conditioner and gel.”

Noelle Rose, Lifestyle Blogger & Growing your Best Hair Coach

#4 Use a hair stick or wand.

hair stick or wand
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These clever products are like clear mascara wands and come as a clear gel or serum to smooth your hair and keep it in place.

Expert Insights

“If you decide to use a styling product, such as a blow dryer or straightener, be sure to use a heat protectant cream. A protectant product will help deflect any future heat damage, which brings about breakage and frizz.”

Hairstory, Professional hair care product line

#5 Use hair spray and an edge brush.

hair spray and edge brush
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And if all else fails, try using hairspray and an edge brush to keep your hair in place. Just be careful not to use too much product, as this can make your hair look dull and weighed down.

A good top tip is to spray a toothbrush with hairspray to gently comb them down. 

Expert Insights

“If possible, allow your hair to air dry instead of using a hair dryer. The heat from a hair dryer can cause frizz.”

Hairs Drying, Fashion Expert at Google 

#6 Avoid using hot tools.

hot tools
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Finally, avoid using hot tools on damp hair – like curling irons and blow dryers. They can cause your hair to frizz up even more. Instead, let your hair air dry or towel dry it gently with a microfiber towel.

If you’re still having trouble, try using a headband or scarf to keep them covered up and in place!

There are plenty of cute and stylish headbands and scarves out there, so there’s no need to suffer from haystack hair.

Expert Insights

“Heat can damage your hair and cause frizz. Try to limit the use of heat styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers. If you must use them, always apply a heat protectant first.”

Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, Dermatologist and Trichologist

What is flyaway hair?

Flyaway hair and baby hair is the bane of many people’s existence. You know, the kind of hair that seems to have a mind of its own and just won’t stay in place no matter what you do.

It’s the kind of hair that can make even the most polished person look like they just got out of bed.

And while some people have naturally sleek and smooth hair, others have to work a little bit harder to tame their flyaways.

It’s basically any hair that sticks up or out from your head in an unflattering way. It’s those pesky little hairs that just won’t stay in place, no matter how much gel or hairspray you use.

They can be caused by static electricity, humidity, or even just genetics and your natural hair texture. New hair growth can also be a reason for sticky-out hair. But whatever the cause, flyaway hair is definitely not a good look.

The good news is that there are a few things you can do to smooth your wild hairstyle.

If you’re struggling to tame flyaways, don’t worry – you’re not alone. But by using some of the tips and tricks listed above, you can tame those pesky little hairs and have sleek, smooth hair that stays in place all day long.

TOP TIP!

Spray a toothbrush with hairspray and gently comb stray hairs down. 

What causes fly away hair?

There are several things that can cause flyaway hair:

  • Humidity and Climate: Living in a humid area? This can be a prime reason for frizzy, flyaway hair.
  • Weather Conditions: Wind and rain aren’t just spoilers for outdoor plans; they also contribute to your hair becoming more unruly.
  • Hair Products with Harsh Chemicals: Products containing alcohol or sulfates can dry out your hair, leading to frizz and breakage.
  • Hair Handling: How you treat your hair matters a lot. Tying it up too tightly or frequently can cause breakage.
  • Product Buildup: Too much product can weigh your hair down and dry it out.
  • Heat Styling on Wet Hair: Using hot tools on damp hair is a fast track to damage and split ends.
  • Rough Towel Drying: Rubbing your hair too harshly with a towel can increase frizz.

So if you’re struggling, take a look at your lifestyle and hair care routine to see if there might be any changes you can make to make your hair more sleek and smooth.

Flyaway hair before and after

flyaway hair before and after
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Are flyaways damaged hair?

The short answer is no.

Accoring to our clever friends at the International Journal of Trichology, flyaways occur when the cuticle of your hair (the outer layer) raises up from the shaft or your hair breaks off leaving shorter, unmanageable wisps.

This can happen for a number of reasons, including damage from heat styling, over-brushing, or simply genetics.

While having them may not cause any further damage to your hair, they can be frustrating and difficult to tame. 

That said, if you’re constantly battling flyaways, it’s important to take a step back and assess your hair care routine to banish those stray hairs for good.

Natural Remedies for Taming Flyaways.

If you’ve ever had a bad hair day, you know the significance of a good hair day!

When your hair is cooperating, you feel more confident and put-together.

But when your hair is acting up, it can really ruin your day.

If you’re looking for a natural way to tame your hair, there are a few things you can try:

  • Coconut Oil: A small dab of coconut oil smoothed from root to tip can work wonders. It hydrates and nourishes your hair while taming frizz.
  • Olive or Argan Oil: No coconut oil? Olive oil or argan oil are great alternatives for smoothing out those flyaways.
  • DIY Aloe Vera Serum: Mix equal parts water and aloe vera gel. Apply it to your flyaways for a quick and noticeable fix.
  • Toothbrush Trick: Dampen an old toothbrush, spray a bit of hairspray on it, and gently brush through your hair. It’s perfect for keeping those flyaways in check.
  • Nutrition: Your diet impacts your hair too. Ensure you’re getting enough protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Foods like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds are great for healthy, shiny hair.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is not just good for your body and skin, but it also reflects in the health of your hair.

Remember, taming flyaways doesn’t always require expensive products or treatments. Sometimes, the simplest natural remedies can be the most effective. Try these tips and see how they work for you.

Flyaway hair FAQS

Are flyaways normal?

Yes, flyaways are actually quite normal. In fact, most people have them. 

They are simply those individual strands that stick out more than the others. So why do flyaways seem to be more noticeable some days than others? Well, there are a number of factors that can play into it.

How well you’ve slept, how much stress you’re under, the humidity levels, and what products you’re using all play a role in how your hair behaves.

They are more common in people with curly or wavy hair, as the natural texture of the hair makes it more prone to frizzing.

But they can occur in any type of hair.

Why do I have little hairs sticking up on my head?

There can be a number of reasons why you have little hairs sticking up on your head.

Some people are simply born with hair that’s more prone to flyaways, while others may experience them as a result of hair damage or dryness.

They can also be caused by static electricity, which is more common in the winter months when the air is drier.

We’ve noticed them more when we’ve had our hair blow dried as the pulling, brushing and heat styling can cause the cuticles to raise and the hair to break!

Baby hairs are new hairs that have not yet grown to their full length, and they can be very fine and delicate. These also can stick up from your head but tend to be found more round your hairline and nape of your neck.

Does hair spray help with flyaways?

We’ve all been there. You’re about to walk out the door, you take one last look in the mirror and think “damn, my hair looks good.”

But then you spot a lone strand of hair that just won’t stay in place. You try to pat it down with your hand, but it pops right back up.

You consider using a little bit of hairspray, but you’re not sure if that will just make things worse. So what’s the verdict? Does hairspray help?

The short answer is yes, hairspray can help with flyaways. But before you start dousing your head in aerosol, there are a few things you should know.

Hairspray works by coating the hair with a thin layer of plastic. This helps to hold the hair in place and prevents it from moving or frizzing.

But overuse of hairspray can actually make your hair look greasy, heavy, and dull. It can also cause buildup on the scalp, which can lead to scalp issues like dandruff.

So use hairspray sparingly, and only when you really need it. A light misting is all you need to tame those wispy locks.

How do you keep flyaways away without hairspray?

Whether you’re trying to take a selfie or just want to look nice for work, those pesky strands always seem to ruin your look.

But there’s no need to douse your hair in hairspray just to keep everything in place. Here are a few simple tips for taming your hair without resorting to chemicals:

  • If you have fine or oily hair, try using a dry shampoo instead of hairspray. Just apply it to the roots and brush through the rest of your hair. The dry shampoo will absorb excess oils and help keep your hair in place.
  • If you have curly hair, try using an anti-frizz serum. This will help to tame frizz and flyaways without making your hair greasy or heavy.
  • Use a wide tooth comb to brush your hair. This will help to distribute the natural oils evenly throughout your hair, and will reduce the chances of flyaways.
  • Try using a headband or scarf to keep your hair in place. A loose bun or chignon can also help to keep everything under control.
  • Use a hair mask or deep conditioner once a week to keep your hair supple and less likely to break.
  • If all else fails, use a little bit of hairspray to hide them. Just be sure not to overdo it!

Why is my hair static all of a sudden?

Ever have one of those days where your hair just won’t cooperate? Maybe it’s stuck to your head in all the wrong places, or floating around like it’s got a mind of its own. If so, you’re probably experiencing a case of static hair.

Static hair occurs when your hair collects too much electric charge. This can happen when your hair Rubs against fabrics like wool or polyester, or when the air is dry. Although it might be annoying, static hair is actually pretty harmless.

There are a few things you can do to reduce static:

  • Try using a humidifier in your bedroom or office. This will help to add moisture to the air and will reduce static electricity.
  • Avoid wearing synthetic materials, like polyester or nylon. Opt for natural fabrics like cotton or wool instead. A silk pillowcase will go a long way to stopping frizz (and wrinkles) too!
  • Rub a dryer sheet over your clothes before you put them on. This will help to reduce static electricity.

Parting words.

So there you have it! Six simple ways to tame those pesky and unwanted little strands.

And remember, every head of hair is different, so you may have to experiment until you find what works best for you.

If all else fails, just use a little bit of hairspray and you’ll be good to go.

And hey, if you love these tips, share the love on social media. Catch us on Facebook and Instagram @colouredhaircare. Let’s help everyone have a good hair day, every day!

This article was written by:

  • Nicola Freeman, Creative Director & Content Lead
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    Creative Director & Content Lead

    With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!