In dry weather like this, many people often feel a “shock” when suddenly experiencing an electric jolt upon accidentally touching metal objects, pulling on blankets, flipping light switches… or even just unexpectedly “bumping” into each other.
According to experts, this phenomenon is known as static electricity. The “shock” you feel is due to an electric discharge caused by static electricity.
Why Do We Experience Static Electricity in Winter?
Static electricity occurs due to an imbalance of electric charges on the surface of materials.
Static electricity is a phenomenon that occurs due to the imbalance of electric charges on the surface of a material. In fact, the accumulation of electric charges on the surface of an object, combined with friction, can lead to the occurrence of static electricity.
When two materials come into contact, electric charges transfer from one object to the other, resulting in a surplus of positive charges on one object and a surplus of negative charges on the other.
Humans can sense this imbalance of electric charges while wearing or pulling clothes, brushing hair with a plastic comb, or through other frictional actions.
The human body is also a very unique electrochemical machine, capable of generating a very small amount of electric energy, enough to cause a slight tingling sensation when accidentally rubbing against something.
This is also why when you inadvertently touch a metal doorknob, the negative charge on your body continues to increase until it generates a weak electric discharge that creates a spark between your hand and the doorknob, resulting in a slight tingling sensation.
Hair stands on end in dry weather.
The temperature during winter and autumn usually has very low humidity, leading to dryness and an increased likelihood of static electricity. Additionally, hair cannot regenerate on its own; it is made up of dead cells similar to nails. Thus, when damaged, hair cannot retain moisture and self-repair. As moisture is lost, the dry climate causes hair to generate static electricity.
Researchers suggest that water is a good conductor of electricity. Humidity in the air helps electrons move out of the human body before they accumulate too much, causing static electricity.
You might be surprised, but static electricity generated in hair does not mean that it only occurs in hair. Static electricity tends to transmit to confined spaces. Therefore, static electricity generated when clothes rub against each other can also transfer to the body and up to the hair.
According to researchers, static electricity mostly occurs in cold weather because the air at this time often lacks the necessary moisture to maintain electric charge balance.
On the other hand, warm air has higher humidity, which is why static shocks are less common in the summer.
Moreover, some materials commonly cause static electricity, such as rubber, nylon, synthetic fabrics, hair, fur, metals, etc.
Methods to Prevent Static Electricity in Hair During Winter
Increase Humidity in the Air
In winter, humidity in the air drops significantly. Using misting machines or humidifiers at home will help minimize static electricity and reduce shocks caused by friction between people and objects.
Pay Attention to Clothing Material
Clothes made from synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon can easily lead to static electricity. Therefore, it is advisable to wear clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton.
Regularly Apply Moisturizing Cream to Hands
Caring for your skin, especially by applying moisturizing cream to your hands, helps maintain appropriate moisture levels. Maintaining and increasing skin hydration is an excellent way to prevent static electricity in dry weather conditions.
Use Dryer Sheets
This type of sheet helps prevent electric charges from transferring to the body. (Photo: Internet).
Dryer sheets are designed similarly to paper towels but are thinner, serving to soften fabric fibers, help balance electric charges during the drying process, and prevent the accumulation of electric charges that transfer to the body.
Avoid Wearing Rubber Shoes
Rubber shoes are strong insulators, increasing the likelihood of generating static electricity when you accidentally walk across a wool or nylon carpet. Opting for leather shoes is more suitable for this weather.
