We all love winter hats. They look adorable and they keep your head warm in the winter–what more could you want? Yet we all could live without the crazy static that causes us to go from looking like Rachel Bilson to Marge Simpson. The best way to walk through a winter wonderland without worrying about your look is to know the science behind static electricity and what’s actually happening what that hat touches your hair.

It boils down to your basic atom. These atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Sound familiar? Sometimes the electrons are held together loosely so they can move from one atom to another. When an atom loses electrons, it is positively charged and when it gains electrons, it is negatively charged. See, easy stuff!

Then all the craziness happens. If two objects are made of different materials and are both insulators (they hold their electrons very tightly), electrons can move from one to the other when there is contact. The more they rub together, the more static charge builds up.

So when you put on your hat, it rubs against your hair and the electrons move from your hair to the hat so that each of your hairs has the same positive charge. Atoms of the same charge actually repel each other so your hairs are trying to get as far away from each other as possible. How do they do that? By ruining your hair day and sticking straight up in the air.

Now that you are an expert in the science behind static, here are some things you can do to avoid it:

1. Do not shampoo too much. Dry hair is the most susceptible to static and your hair is dry enough during the winter. Wash your hair every two or three days. Living Proof No Frizz shampoo repels dirt particles so you can do this without having your hair look greasy or dull.
2. Avoid plastic combs. Dry hair collects positive electrical charges with combed too much. Use hard rubber or metal combs or brushes made of natural fibers—experiment and see which one works best for you.
3. If you must blow dry your hair, use an ionic ceramic hair dryer. These dryers claim to remove the static charges before releasing them into your hair. It also dries your hair without taking out too much moisture.
4. Avoid wool, acrylic, or polyester hats. Instead look for hats made of cotton.

If you do want to rock the winter hat, you can prep your hair with a styler or hairspray (depending on the thickness of your hair) and spray Static Guard on the inside of your hat to try to prevent flyaways. Send us pictures of you rocking your best winter look!