Static. It’s a big problem during dry, winter months. Maybe you’ve had static cramp your style– walking around with a bunched up skirt or dragging an extra sock along with you the whole day without noticing (ahem, not that I know anything about that!).
When static stops you, get frugal! You can easily keep your look “electric” without letting static stifle you. Here are six frugal ways to stop static with items you probably already have in your home.
Metal Clothes Hanger
This tip comes from my friend Jonathan Elkhouri, owner and master stylist at Salon Khouri in Fairfax, VA. An unusual beauty hack for static hair is using a metal clothes hanger.
Just rub the hanger against your hair starting at the scalp and working it down to the ends. Doing this slowly will remove the static electricity from your hair. Jonathan also recommends using a weekly, deep conditioning treatment to prevent future “hair raising” experiences.
Aluminum Foil
Just like the metal coat hanger, aluminum foil can effectively combat static cling. The metal is a conductor, permitting electrons to flow freely from particle to particle, and thus it collects and transfers the static charge away from you. This method could also be a fun science experiment for your kids!
Dryer Sheet
A common staple in laundry rooms, the dryer sheet can be used to eliminate static in different applications. After all, dryer sheets cut down on static in your laundry during the drying cycle causing less electron exchanges, resulting in less static cling. If you have static, take a new dryer sheet and rub it against the problem area.
Dryer Ball
Another item you may have tucked away with your laundry goods is a dryer ball. This is supposed to have the same effect on static as dryer sheets. Just take a dryer ball and and roll it against the static-y section.
If you don’t have a dryer ball in your laundry supplies, you can make your own DIY wool dryer ball with wool string and panty hose.
Lotion
If you apply just a little bit of lotion to the problem area, it can be a quick fix to curb static. Lotion helps moisturize and thus reduces friction from the static buildup.
This method works best for hair, skin and stockings, but I don’t recommend applying globs of lotion to your clothing.
Water
A great way to moisturize is to simply add water. For static clothes you can take a damp cloth and apply to the problem area. I’ve temporarily stopped panty hose static in a pinch using this method.
If you find yourself in a bind and not at home, find a restroom, and simply take some warm water from the sink and run your wet hands over the problem area.
What ways do you prevent static? Do you use a commercially made product that you love to beat static or do you prefer the DIY approach? Be sure to share in the comments below.
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By contributing writer Laura
photo credit: Shawn Hoke – license
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