How to Get Rid of Flyaway Hair in Pictures (Before the Shot)

6 min read · Glowmaxx

The quickest way to get rid of flyaway hair in pictures is to smooth it down right before the shot: spray a little hairspray onto a clean toothbrush or brush (not onto your head) and brush the flyaways flat, or run a dryer sheet or a tiny bit of hand cream lightly over the top of your hair. Then check your photo against a plain background, since backlight makes flyaways glow.

If you're never sure whether your hair is what's making photos look messy, Glowmaxx scores hair as its own lever from one selfie and tells you if it's the thing to fix today. Start my glow-up

What causes flyaways

What are flyaways? They're short, fine hairs that stick up or out from the rest of your hair, usually along your part, the crown and around your hairline. Most people have them. They're especially noticeable in pictures because light catches them.

Common causes:

• New growth. Short hairs that are growing in stand up before they're long enough to lie flat. Totally normal.
• Breakage. Hairs that snapped from heat, tight hairstyles or rough brushing.
• Static. Dry air, wool hats and hoodies charge your hair so strands push away from each other.
• Dryness. Dry hair is lighter and frizzier.
• Backlight. In photos, light from behind you lights up every loose strand like a halo.

That last one matters. Sometimes the fix for flyaways in photos isn't your hair at all; it's turning around.

The 30-second fix before a photo

Here's the easiest, most efficient way to get rid of flyaways right before a picture.

The toothbrush and hairspray trick

1. Keep a clean toothbrush just for hair (or a spoolie or small brush).
2. Spray a little hairspray onto the bristles, not onto your head.
3. Brush the flyaways gently in the direction your hair goes.
4. Hold for a few seconds.

Spraying the brush instead of your hair gives you control and stops that crunchy, shiny look.

No hairspray? Use gel

A tiny dab of gel on the toothbrush works the same way. Use very little; you want smooth, not wet.

The dryer sheet swipe

Lightly run a dryer sheet over the top of your hair from front to back. It helps with static flyaways. Keep it light, and don't use a scented one if fragrance bugs your skin.

Hand cream or lotion

Rub a pea-sized amount between your palms until almost gone, then lightly press your palms over the top of your hair. Great for how to get rid of flyaway hair on top of head.

Water only

For how to get rid of flyaway hair without products, wet your fingertips, shake off the extra and smooth. It works for a quick photo, but it won't last as long.

Tools you already have

You probably have everything you need for a flyaway fix at home or in your bag.

A note for guys: flyaways at the crown and around a part are just as common for short hair. A tiny bit of matte paste or pomade rubbed flat between your palms and pressed on works well. It's the same trick in a different product.

The tricky part is you can't see the top and back of your own head well. Flyaways that look fine in the mirror show up in every group photo.

Glowmaxx gives you a second pair of eyes. Take a quick selfie and it scores hair from 1 to 10 with a one-line note, alongside skin, grooming, posture and angle, and light and fit. If hair is your lowest lever today, your three moves will tell you what to do about it. Start my glow-up

Styles that hide them

If flyaways keep showing up, choose a style that works with them.

• Slicked-back ponytail or bun: smooth the hairline with a toothbrush and gel before tying.
• Braids: keep most of the hair contained.
• Loose, textured styles: a few flyaways just look like texture.
• A side part: your part might be the worst spot; switching it can hide new growth.
• Headbands, clips or a cap: cover the crown or hairline.
• For guys: a textured crop or messy quiff hides flyaways better than a very sleek side part.

Also consider your haircut. Some cuts fight your texture and make flyaways worse. Our guide on how to pick a haircut for your face shape covers texture as well as shape.

Stop them at the source

How to stop flyaway hair long-term, naturally:

1. Condition every wash. Even a light conditioner on the ends helps.
2. Microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt instead of rubbing with a rough towel.
3. Less heat, and use a heat protectant when you do use it.
4. Wide-tooth comb on wet hair instead of pulling a brush through.
5. Silk or satin pillowcase, or a satin bonnet or scrunchie, to reduce friction overnight.
6. Soft hair ties instead of tight elastics in the same spot every day.
7. Regular trims to remove split ends that break into more flyaways.
8. A humidifier in dry winter months can help with static.

Remember that short new-growth hairs are normal and will lie flat once they're longer.

Picture-day plan

Here's the full plan for how to get rid of flyaway hair in pictures on a day that matters, like school photos, graduation or a big event.

The night before

• Wash and condition.
• Dry gently, then sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase, or tie hair up loosely.

The morning

• Style as usual, then smooth the hairline with toothbrush and gel or hairspray.
• Pack a mini kit: toothbrush in a bag, travel hairspray or gel, dryer sheet, bobby pins.

Right before the photo

• Check in your phone camera, not a mirror. Hold it up to see the top of your head.
• Smooth with the toothbrush trick.
• Stand so the light is in front of you, not behind. Backlight turns flyaways into a halo. The same light tips help you look less tired in photos.
• Avoid a busy or bright background right behind your head.

That's the whole method: 30 seconds with a toothbrush, the right light and a style that works with your hair.

Check your hair before the next photo

Glowmaxx runs in your browser, nothing to install. Take one selfie and in about a minute you'll get a glow score out of 100, a hair score with a one-line note, and three moves for today aimed at your lowest lever. The photo is scored once and then thrown away.

Start my glow-up

FAQ

How do I get rid of flyaway hair in photos without editing?

Spray hairspray onto a clean toothbrush and brush the flyaways flat right before the shot. Then stand with the light in front of you, because backlight makes loose strands glow.

How do I get rid of flyaway hair without products?

Wet your fingertips, shake off the extra water and smooth the flyaways down. A clean toothbrush with a little water works for the hairline. It won't last all day, but it's enough for a photo.

What are flyaways, and are they normal?

Flyaways are short, fine hairs that stick out from the rest of your hair, often new growth or broken strands. Almost everyone has them, and new-growth flyaways lie flat as they get longer.

How do I stop flyaway hair on top of my head?

Press a tiny amount of hand cream or hair cream between your palms and smooth it over the top of your head. Long-term, condition regularly, use less heat and try a satin pillowcase.

What's the easiest way to get rid of flyaways?

The toothbrush trick: hairspray or gel on a clean toothbrush, then brush the hairs flat. It's fast, cheap and works on the hairline, part and crown.