To smooth flyaways, put a very small amount of hold product on a fine bristle comb or brush, not on your hair, and sweep it lightly over the surface in the direction your hair lies. The bristles lay the short hairs flat against the longer ones, and the trace of product keeps them there. Applying product to the tool first is the trick that stops flyaway fixes from turning into greasy patches.
What causes flyaways?
- New growth. Short hairs growing in are too light to lie flat with the rest.
- Breakage. Hairs that have snapped part-way stick up, often around the parting and hairline.
- Dry air and static. Heating, cold weather and synthetic fabrics lift fine hairs.
- Dryness. Hair that lacks moisture has a rougher surface and does not sit smoothly.
- Friction. Hats, scarves, pillowcases and rough towel-drying.
Knowing the cause helps. Static calls for a little moisture. New growth and breakage call for light hold.
Which product should you use?
| Product | Hold | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Hairspray, sprayed on the comb | Light to medium | Most hair, quick fixes |
| Wax or gel stick | Medium | Sleek ponytails, buns and partings |
| Light styling cream | Soft | Dry or frizzy hair worn down |
| A drop of hair oil or serum | None, adds weight and shine | Thick or coarse hair |
| Water | Temporary | Static, when nothing else is to hand |
How to smooth flyaways, step by step
- Style your hair first. Flyaway control is the last step.
- Load the tool, lightly. Mist the bristles once with hairspray, or swipe them across a wax stick, or touch them to a pea-sized amount of cream spread on the back of your hand.
- Start at the parting. Lay the bristles flat and sweep outward from the part, following the direction of the hair.
- Do the hairline. Brush short hairs back and to the side with small strokes.
- Smooth the crown with one or two light passes.
- Use the tail for single hairs. Slide the pointed end under a stubborn hair and tuck it beneath the layer above.
- Stop. Each extra pass adds product.
Why a bristle comb with a tail?
Closely set bristles catch fine, short hairs that the teeth of an ordinary comb pass straight over. A narrow head lets you work precisely along a parting or hairline. A pointed tail on the same tool means you can draw or tidy the parting and tuck in stray hairs without picking up anything else.
The Uexim pointed-tail bristle comb is a bristle comb with a pointed tail for sectioning, intended for smooth, tangle-free everyday styling at home. It is made of wood and comes in seven style options, so check the photos for the shape you prefer.
Fixes by situation
Sleek ponytail or bun
After tying, load the bristles with wax or gel and smooth from the hairline toward the elastic. Finish the nape and around the ears.
Center or side parting
Redraw the part with the tail. Then smooth each side away from the part with the bristles.
Hair worn down
Use the softest option: a trace of cream on the bristles, swept over the top layer only. Too much hold makes loose hair look stiff.
Static
Dampen your palms and smooth them over your hair, or mist the comb with water. A little leave-in conditioner on the lengths reduces static through the day.
Baby hairs
Brush them in the direction they grow with a tiny amount of gel, or leave them soft. Avoid pulling them tightly every day.
How do you prevent flyaways in the first place?
- Condition every wash, and use a leave-in if your hair is dry.
- Blot hair with a towel instead of rubbing.
- Point the hair dryer down the hair, from roots to ends.
- Use heat protectant, and keep heat tools at moderate temperatures to limit breakage.
- Sleep on a smooth pillowcase, or tie hair loosely.
- Avoid tight elastics in the same spot every day.
Common mistakes
- Spraying hairspray straight at the parting. It lands wet and leaves a visible patch.
- Using oil at the roots. It reads as greasy within the hour.
- Brushing against the direction of the hair. It lifts more hairs than it flattens.
- Too much product. Start with less than you think you need.
- A dirty tool. Old product on the bristles goes dull and sticky.
Care
Wipe product off the bristles after use. Wash them now and then with a little shampoo and lukewarm water, keeping a wooden handle as dry as possible, and let the comb dry with the bristles facing down.
Frequently asked questions
What is the quickest fix for flyaways?
One mist of hairspray on a bristle comb or a clean toothbrush, swept over the surface.
Are flyaways a sign of damage?
Not always. Many are new hairs growing in. Lots of short, uneven hairs around the hairline or parting can point to breakage.
Can I use a toothbrush instead?
Yes, a clean one works for small areas. A bristle comb covers more and usually has a tail for parting.
How do I stop flyaways in winter?
Add moisture: a leave-in conditioner, a humidifier indoors, and natural-fiber hats or a silk lining.
The bottom line
Product on the tool, not on the hair. A light sweep with close bristles in the direction the hair lies, and the pointed tail for the last few strays.
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