What is the result of static electricity on hair after rubbing?

When hair is rubbed, the process creates static electricity due to the transfer of electrons. This can cause individual strands of hair to become charged, leading to a phenomenon known as electrostatic repulsion. Because like charges repel, the charged hairs will push away from each other, making the hair stand on end and appear to be sticking out in different directions. This results in the hair appearing frizzy or unruly rather than smooth.

In contrast, the other possibilities do not occur as a direct result of static electricity. For instance, hair does not typically become smoother from static; instead, it creates the oppositional effect. While static can contribute to hair loss over time if the hair is subjected to severe damage, it does not cause immediate loosening or falling out as a result of rubbing. Hair color alteration does not result from static electricity changes either; color is determined by pigments, not static charge. Thus, the behavior observed of hair sticking out after rubbing due to static electricity aligns with the correct response.