What term describes the physical phenomenon resulting when hair becomes sticky due to rubbing?

The phenomenon where hair becomes sticky due to rubbing is best described by static. When you rub your hair, especially with a material that has a different charge, you are effectively transferring electrons and creating an imbalance of electrical charges. This process leads to the development of static electricity, which can cause the hair strands to attract each other or stick together.

This effect is most commonly observed when hair is brushed or rubbed with materials such as plastic or rubber, resulting in a build-up of static charge. This static electricity can manifest itself as the hair standing on end or clinging together, creating that sticky feeling.

Friction is involved in this process, as it is the force exerted when two surfaces rub against each other that facilitates the transfer of electrons, but it does not describe the end result - the sticky behavior induced by the static charge. Electromagnetism and conduction do not pertain directly to the physical effect seen in this case, as they refer to broader concepts of electric and magnetic forces or heat transfer mechanics, respectively.