Your brush can make your hair static primarily because static hair is caused by friction between your hair and another object. This friction transfers electrons, leaving your hair with an electric charge.
Understanding Static Hair from Friction
Static electricity in hair occurs when your hair comes into contact with another material, such as a brush. As stated in the reference, static hair is caused by friction between your hair and another object.
When you brush your hair, even with a wet brush, this friction can cause electrons to transfer between the brush and your hair. Specifically, the friction between the brush and your hair causes electrons to rub off on your hair, leaving it with an electric charge. This imbalance of charge causes individual hair strands to repel each other, resulting in the appearance of static hair.
Common Sources of Static Friction
According to the reference, the friction causing static electricity in your hair can come from various sources:
- Your hairbrush: As you use it to comb through your hair.
- Your winter coat: Especially when putting it on or taking it off.
- A scarf: When it rubs against your hair around your neck and shoulders.
Ultimately, the core reason your brush contributes to static is the physical rubbing action (friction) that disrupts the electrical balance of your hair strands, a principle that applies when brushing, regardless of whether the brush is wet or dry, though the effect of wetness itself is not detailed in the provided reference.
