Take extra care of hair during monsoon

Anup Dhir | 10-July-2013

Monsoon is the season of excess humidity and presents unique challenges for skin and hair. Humidity affects hair badly. Hair attracts more dirt due to pollution during the seson, which decreases the shine and weakens the follicles of hair causing increased hair breakage

Dr Anup Dhir

It is very important to take special care of your hair during monsoon. Humidity is also known to dampen hair very much so that hair looks dull. It is important to shampoo your hair more often during monsoon to keep dirt at bay. Using Ayurvedic or natural oils can help deal with hair fall by strengthening the roots. Give condition to your hair after every wash during the rainy season. This will ensure your hair doesn’t become too frizzy.

Tips for hair care during monsoon

Wash with a mild use of shampoo daily followed by a soft conditioner is a must
Use of mild-warm water is recommended as it gently cleanses the scalp, but make sure it’s not too hot, else it could dry hair too
Use a deep conditioner at the ends of hair as they are most prone to damage
Take hair trim every 4-5 weeks during monsoon to remove the split ends
Keep a healthy diet - Moderate intake of proteins and iron like spinach and apple. For non-vegetarians, intake of chicken will provide hair with Vitamin B12. For vegetarians, soy is the best source for quality proteins
Additional stress on hair, like use of chemical hair colours, hair dryer on hot mode, permanent straightening and ironing etc. should be avoided during monsoon.
When hair gets wet in the rain, one should immediately wash hair as early showers contain toxins and acids due to pollution.
Wash the scalp with a mild anti-fungal shampoo, at least once a week for the people who do not have dandruff and twice to thrice a week for the people who have dandruff.
Wear protective hair cap while swimming or apply a silicone based serum in the hair during such activities.
Avoid use of products with formaldehyde and alcohol as they will dry hair. Instead, use natural herbal hair products.