Monsoon Hair Care Tips: Dos And Don'ts To Keep In Mind For Healthy Hair

One particularly distressing issue during monsoon is excessive hair fall, which becomes more pronounced with the increased humidity and stickiness in the air.

Dos And Don'ts To Keep In Mind For Healthy Hair

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With the onset of monsoons, comes a range of hair challenges. One particularly distressing issue is excessive hair fall, which becomes more pronounced with the increased humidity and stickiness in the air. Even those typically blessed with strong locks might notice an uptick in hair loss during this time. The reasons behind this unwelcome shedding can be varied, making it all the more disheartening to see your strands falling out. To manage this, we need to optimise our haircare routines for monsoons.

Causes Of Extreme Hairfall During Monsoon:

• One major factor leading to excessive hairfall is the humidity in the air. When the atmosphere is laden with moisture, our hair cuticles tend to swell, becoming fragile and prone to shedding.
• During the monsoon, increased dust and pollution cling to our scalps, clogging hair follicles, which inhibits hair growth and leads to shedding.
• The humid conditions of the monsoon also create a perfect breeding ground for fungal infections like dandruff and Tinea Capitis.
• The fluctuating weather can induce stress, triggering hormonal changes. This stress, combined with hormonal shifts, can result in telogen effluvium, a condition that causes increased hair shedding.
• Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of protein, iron, or vitamins, can also leave your hair more vulnerable to shedding during the monsoon season.

Dos And Don'ts To Keep In Mind:

Dos:

• Regularly wash your hair to keep your scalp clean and prevent the buildup of dust, pollution, and fungal infections. Opt for a mild shampoo.
• Apply conditioner to the ends of your hair to maintain hydration and keep frizz at bay.
• Gently towel-dry your hair and allow it to air dry. If you need to use a hairdryer, set it to cool to prevent heat damage.
• Boost your diet with hair-friendly nutrients like iron, protein, and vitamins. Integrate anti-hair fall oils, serums, or treatments into your hair care regimen.
• Style your hair in loose braids to reduce frizz and tangling caused by humid and windy weather.
• Regularly massage your scalp with lukewarm oil to enhance blood circulation and nourish your hair roots.

Don'ts:

• Avoid washing your hair too frequently, as it can strip natural oils, leading to dryness and increased hair fall. Washing 2-3 times a week is sufficient.
• Refrain from using hot water to wash your hair as it can cause dryness and brittleness. Opt for lukewarm or cold water instead.
• Minimise the use of hair dryers and styling tools to prevent further damage to already delicate hair. Use them sparingly.
• Avoid chemical treatments like colouring, perming, or straightening during the monsoon, as your hair is more susceptible to damage.
• Don’t ignore dandruff, as it can increase hair fall. Use anti-dandruff shampoos to keep dandruff at bay.
• Limit the use of hair styling products like gels, mousses, and sprays, as they can build up on the scalp and clog hair follicles.
• Avoid brushing your hair when it’s wet, as it is more fragile and prone to breakage. Gently detangle when semi-dry.

If you experience excessive hair fall, seek a dermatologist’s advice and treatment to restore your hair's health and ease your concerns.

(Mubarika Noor is pursuing M.A. (Mass Communication) from Aligarh Muslim University)