Monsoons bring a welcome respite from the summer heat, but it can wreak havoc on our hair. The surge in humidity disrupts the scalp and hair`s delicate balance, leading to frizz, limpness, and breakage. Increased humidity, unexpected rain showers, and dampness can lead to a host of hair problems, from increased hair fall and frizz to scalp infections.
However, with the right approach and products, you can navigate these challenges and keep your mane looking fabulous all season long. Fret not, we’ve got experts to help you with a monsoon routine, practical tips, and DIY hair masks that will keep your locks healthy and beautiful throughout the monsoon.
Understanding monsoon hair woes
Why does hair fall increase during the monsoon?
According to Dr Pranil More, hair transplant surgeon and director at Fusion Aesthetic Clinic, several factors contribute to increased hair fall during the rainy season:
High humidity and scalp infections: The high humidity creates a perfect environment for fungal and bacterial growth on the scalp. This can lead to conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, which weaken hair follicles and cause more shedding.
Acidic rainwater: Rainwater can be acidic and contain pollutants that damage the hair shaft, making it brittle and prone to breakage. It can also strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and weakness.
Damp hair: Hair is at its most fragile when wet. Leaving hair damp for extended periods, especially after getting caught in the rain, makes it more susceptible to breakage and encourages microbial growth on the scalp.
Weakened immunity and diet: Seasonal changes can affect your body`s immunity. A diet lacking in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin D can also impact hair health.
How to combat hair fall and other issues
To minimise hair fall and other monsoon-related issues, More recommends these key practices:
1. Keep your scalp clean and dry: Regularly wash your hair with a gentle shampoo to remove buildup. Always dry your hair thoroughly to prevent fungal growth.
2. Protect hair from rain: Use an umbrella or a hat to keep your hair from getting wet. If it does get wet, wash it immediately with clean water.
3. Eat a healthy diet: Include protein, iron, and zinc in your meals and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
4. Avoid heat styling and tight hairstyles: Minimise the use of blow dryers and straighteners, and skip tight ponytails and buns, which can cause breakage.
5. Use gentle treatments: Consider a nourishing oil scalp massage or a natural rinse like diluted apple cider vinegar to maintain a healthy scalp.
6. Skip chemical treatments: Avoid colouring or perming your hair during this season to prevent further damage.
Expert DIY hair masks for monsoon
More also shares some effective DIY hair masks using common Indian kitchen ingredients to address specific monsoon hair concerns:
1. Curd and honey mask for frizz
This mask deeply conditions and tames frizz. Curd`s lactic acid cleanses the scalp, and honey`s humectant properties lock in moisture.
Ingredients: 1 cup curd, 2 to 3 tbsp honey
How to use: Mix and apply to damp hair for 30 to 45 minutes. Rinse with a mild shampoo.
2. Fenugreek and coconut oil mask for hair fall
Fenugreek seeds are rich in proteins and nicotinic acid, which strengthen hair shafts and prevent hair fall. Coconut oil moisturises and reduces protein loss.
Ingredients: 1/4 cup fenugreek seeds, 1/2 cup coconut oil
How to use: Soak seeds overnight, grind into a paste, mix with oil, and apply to the scalp and hair for 30 to 60 minutes. Wash with a gentle shampoo.
3. Aloe vera and lemon mask for oily scalp
Aloe vera has soothing properties, while lemon juice acts as a natural astringent to balance the scalp`s pH and control oil.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup fresh aloe vera gel, 1 tbsp lemon juice
How to use: Mix and apply to the scalp for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse with a mild shampoo.
4. Banana and olive oil mask for dryness
Bananas are rich in vitamins and natural oils that deeply nourish and moisturise, while olive oil adds conditioning and seals split ends.
Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, 2 tbsp olive oil
How to use: Mash the banana until smooth, mix with oil, and apply to hair for 30 to 40 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Managing hair and scalp in high humidity
Which products combat frizz?
More explains that to fight frizz, you need products that create a barrier between your hair and moisture in the air. Look for these key ingredients:
1. Silicones (like dimethicone) create a protective seal.
2. Humectants (like glycerine) attract moisture, and when combined with silicones, they keep hair hydrated without absorbing excess humidity.
3. Natural oils and butters (like coconut oil or shea butter) smooth the cuticle.
4. Hydrolysed proteins (like keratin) temporarily fill gaps in the hair cuticle.
5. The most effective product types are serums and oils for a concentrated barrier, leave-in conditioners for a protective base, and creams and butters for thicker hair.
How often to wash hair?
For an oily scalp during the monsoon, More recommends washing your hair every other day or every two days. If your scalp is drier, washing every 3 to 4 days might suffice, but increase the frequency if you feel oily. Use clarifying or oil-control shampoos with ingredients like tea tree oil, salicylic acid, or charcoal. A scalp scrub once or twice a week can also be beneficial.
Professional styling and care tips
Swati Gupta, director and head of creative development at Bodycraft Salon, provides additional advice on styling and specialised hair care during the monsoon.
Using heat styling tools safely
Given that monsoon humidity already overloads hair with moisture, excessive heat styling can lead to brittleness and dryness. Gupta recommends embracing your natural texture. However, if you must use heat, always:
1. Prep your hair with a heat protectant spray.
2. Keep the temperature low.
3. Work in small sections to avoid overexposure.
4. Finish with an anti-humidity spray or serum to seal the cuticle and reduce frizz throughout the day.
Protecting chemically treated or coloured hair
Monsoon humidity is particularly harsh on coloured or chemically treated hair, causing the cuticle to swell and leading to faster colour fading. Gupta suggests:
1. Considering semi-permanent or glossing colour treatments that smooth the cuticle and add shine.
2. Switching to a sulphate-free, colour-protect shampoo and conditioner.
3. Using weekly deep-conditioning masks.
4. Opting for humidity-friendly hairstyles like braids, buns, or ponytails.
Lifestyle and diet for hair health
Beyond products, internal nourishment is key. Gupta advises:
1. Keep your body hydrated, it helps maintain scalp health and hair elasticity.
2. Including nuts, seeds, eggs, and lentils in your diet for proteins, biotin, and omega-3s.
3. Using a satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent breakage while sleeping. It prevents breakage and frizz, especially helpful during weather shifts.
Caring for pre-existing scalp conditions
The monsoon can worsen conditions like dandruff or psoriasis. Gupta emphasises the importance of treating your scalp and hair as two separate ecosystems.
1. Avoid over-cleansing and harsh shampoos.
2. Use scalp-balancing treatments that gently exfoliate. Ingredients like tea tree oil, salicylic acid, or neem can help.
3. Avoid product overload on the scalp; reserve heavy serums and conditioners for the mid-lengths to ends.
4. Keep your scalp dry, especially after rain, and avoid tying up wet hair for long periods.