Flyaways: How to Tame Unruly Strands in 7 Easy Steps

What Causes Flyaway Hair?

Flyaway hair can be triggered by a variety of factors, and identifying the cause of yours is key to keeping them at bay. So, if you’re wondering, “Why do I have so many flyaways?”, here are some of the most common reasons you might be dealing with this hair concern:

• Breakage: Are flyaways damaged hair? Not always, but they can be. Damaged hair is more prone to snapping, leaving behind shorter pieces that refuse to stay in place. Excessive heat styling, over-processing, and rough handling can all lead to breakage and flyaways. These shorter pieces tend to show up most around the hairline, where the hair is more fragile and exposed to the most tension and friction from tight hairstyles, frequent ponytails, and constant brushing and styling.
• Static electricity: Static electricity occurs when there’s an imbalance of electric charges between your hair and something like a scarf, hat, or even the air itself. It’s especially common in colder months, when low humidity dries out the air, making your hair more prone to picking up a charge through friction. As a result, the strands repel each other, causing them to lift and separate—hello, flyaway hair. The drier the air, the more static builds up, as there’s no moisture to neutralize the charge and keep your hair smooth.
• New hair growth: As hair naturally grows in cycles, not all strands grow at the same rate, meaning some are shorter and finer than others. These shorter pieces are more likely to stand up, as they’re too light to stay in place with the rest of your hair. This uneven hair growth often leads to baby hairs or wispy flyaways that pop up and are hard to tame.
• Dryness: When your hair is dehydrated, the cuticle becomes rough, which makes it harder to keep strands smooth and in place. As your hair loses moisture, it also loses its natural sleekness and flexibility, causing it to become more fragile. This lack of hydration can lead to breakage and the appearance of flyaway hair, as the drier, brittle strands are more likely to stick out and disrupt your style.
• Environmental factors: Weather conditions can play a big role in how your hair behaves. Wind can mess with even the most carefully styled hair, blowing strands out of place and creating flyaway hair. Whether it’s excess moisture or a lack of it, changes in the weather can make controlling flyaways more difficult.

Figuring out how to smooth flyaways begins with identifying the root cause—whether it's static, breakage, or dryness. Knowing what triggers those short pieces of hair to stand up helps you choose the right solutions.

What’s the Difference Between Frizz and Flyaways?

While the terms frizz and flyaways are often used interchangeably, they’re actually separate concerns with distinct causes. Understanding these subtle differences allows you to better target each problem with the right products and techniques.

The main difference between frizz and flyaways is the amount of hair impacted. Frizz usually affects larger sections of hair whereas flyaway hair is more localized.

Another difference between frizz and flyaways is their causes. Frizz happens mostly when it’s humid. It occurs when the hair's outer layer, the cuticle, lifts up, allowing moisture to get in and causing the strands to swell and look puffy or unruly. And during winter, dry air and indoor heating can dehydrate your hair, leading it to seek out moisture from the environment, which can result in frizz and static. Flyaways, on the other hand, are individual strands that stick up or out from the rest of your hair. They’re usually caused by breakage, static, or new hair growth.

How to Tame Flyaway Hair

Flyaways always seem to appear at the worst possible moments—right before you're about to leave the house or once you're already out the door. Whether they’re caused by static, dryness, or humidity, you don’t necessarily need to re-wash and blow-dry your hair to fix them. There are faster, easier fixes to get them under control. Here are some quick tips to help you tame flyaways and keep your hair looking smooth and polished (including options for on the go).

1. Use a flyaway hair stick

A flyaway hair stick is a quick fix for taming unruly hairs, especially when you’re wearing a slick-back look. These sticks come in different formulas, including wax, oil, and cream-based options. Keep one in your bag for easy, on-the-go touch-ups whenever hairs slip out of place. To use, simply glide the stick directly over areas with flyaways, such as your hairline or part, or apply a bit to your fingertips for more control. Then, press the hair down with your fingers or a comb to keep it looking sleek and polished.

2. Apply a lightweight hair oil or serum

To control flyaways without making your hair greasy, use a lightweight hair oil or serum. Redken Frizz Dismiss Anti-Static Oil Mist is perfect for fixing flyaway hair while adding shine and smoothness. Spray a small amount onto your palms or directly onto your hair, and gently smooth it over the top layer to keep flyaways in check. This lightweight mist is ideal for controlling static and humidity-induced flyaways, leaving your hair polished and manageable.

3. Try hairspray and a toothbrush

For a quick fix, opt for this trusty combination: hairspray and a toothbrush. Simply spray a little hairspray (we love Redken Max Hold Hairspray) onto a clean toothbrush or spoolie brush, then gently brush down any flyaways. This trick offers precise control and helps keep your style intact while locking in hold.

4. Use aluminum foil

Aluminum foil isn’t just handy in the kitchen—it’s also a quick fix for flyaway hair caused by static. The foil works by neutralizing static, instantly smoothing down unruly strands. Simply take a small piece of foil and gently glide it over the areas where flyaways are most noticeable, like the crown or hairline.

5. Use the right shampoo and conditioner

Dry ends can lead to more flyaways, so it's essential to choose a shampoo and conditioner that provide deep hydration. When your hair is well-moisturized, the cuticle stays smoother and lies flat, preventing the strands from sticking up or becoming flyaways. Hydrating formulas, like Biolage Professional Hydra Source Shampoo for Dry Hair and Conditioning Balm for Dry Hair, are perfect for combating dryness and reducing flyaways. These products work by replenishing moisture, sealing the cuticle, and improving your hair’s overall texture, making it less prone to breakage and static.

While this isn’t a quick fix when you spot flyaways out of the blue, consistently using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner will improve the condition of your hair and can help make flyaways less likely to appear in the first place.

6. Use a silk or satin scarf after styling

Wrapping your hair with a silk or satin scarf for a few minutes after styling is an excellent way to flatten down flyaway hair. The smooth fabric of silk or satin creates less friction compared to cotton or other materials, which helps prevent flyaways from forming. This technique is especially effective if you’re wondering how to tame flyaways or how to get rid of flyaway hair without using too many products. By reducing friction, the scarf keeps your strands sleek, smooth, and free of frizz or stray hairs.

Plus, using a scarf after applying a flyaway hair stick or other flyaway hair products can lock in the sleekness, giving you a longer-lasting sleek style.

7. Give your hair a cool blast

If your flyaways are caused by static or a bit of frizz, a hairdryer on the cool setting can help smooth them out. Gently blow the flyaways in the direction of your style, which will help them blend in with the rest of your hair. Before styling, use Kérastase Discipline Keratine Heat Protectant to prevent further damage and reduce flyaways caused by heat.

Next Up: How To Deep Condition Natural Hair in 5 Easy Steps

Header photo credits (left to right): @kerastase_official, @benjaminrosshair, @redkenpro