Maintaining the health and shine of your hair is of paramount importance during the monsoon months, as the increased humidity, frequent rainfall, and the possibility of fungal infections present unique challenges. These conditions often lead to problems such as frizzy hair, dull appearance, and hair loss, making hair care and styling more challenging. In addition, rainwater often contains pollutants that can damage hair cuticles and contribute to scalp problems such as dandruff and fungal infections. Keeping your hair clean, adequately moisturized, and protected from environmental aggressors is essential not only for its visual appeal but also for its structural strength.
Here are some indispensable tips shared by Nija Shah Goswami, CEO, Whiskers India, to help you maintain healthy hair during monsoons:
1. Keep your scalp clean: During monsoons, the increased humidity can lead to excess oil production on the scalp, which when combined with sweat and dirt can create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Regularly washing your hair with a mild shampoo helps remove these impurities, keeping your scalp clean and healthy. Proper drying is equally important, as moisture trapped on the scalp can lead to fungal infections such as dandruff. Choosing a shampoo specifically designed for regular use, such as the Intensive Repair Daily Shampoo, ensures that your hair stays clean without stripping off its natural oils.
2. Use a mild conditioner: Humidity in the air can make your hair feel damp, but it’s important to replenish lost moisture with a lightweight conditioner after each wash. Lightweight formulas won’t weigh down your hair, preventing that sticky feeling that can be exacerbated in humid weather. Focusing conditioner on the ends of your hair nourishes them and helps protect them from damage, without making your scalp overly oily.
3. Protect your hair from the rain: Rainwater may contain pollutants and contaminants that can strip the natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. Additionally, prolonged exposure to rainwater can upset the pH balance of your scalp, leading to a number of scalp-related problems. Using an umbrella, hat, or scarf can provide a physical barrier to protect your hair from direct contact with rainwater. If your hair does get wet, rinsing it with clean water as soon as possible helps remove any pollutants and minimize damage.
4. Minimize heat styling: Heat styling tools such as blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can further increase the effects of humidity, causing hair to become tangled and damaged. Air drying your hair whenever possible helps to maintain its natural texture and reduce heat stress. If you need to use a blow dryer, selecting a cool setting reduces the risk of heat damage while also speeding up the drying process.
5. Use good and natural hair serum: Humidity often causes hair to become frizzy, making it challenging to keep it smooth and manageable. Using a good and natural hair serum, cream or spray creates a protective barrier around the hair shaft, which prevents moisture from entering the hair and causing frizz. Natural oils such as argan, coconut or jojoba oil can also be effective in controlling frizz and adding shine to the hair without weighing it down.
By incorporating these detailed tips into your monsoon season hair care routine, you can effectively combat the challenges posed by humidity, rain, and environmental pollution, and ensure that your hair stays strong, vibrant, and healthy.
