Monsoon woes: Massage scalp with oil to prevent hair damage from humidity

Hyderabad: While the monsoon brings a refreshing change from the sweltering summer heat, the humidity in the air also arrives with a host of health issues with hair fall being one of them. The moisture in the atmosphere causes the hair to absorb hydrogen and excess of hydrogen makes the hair fragile, brittle and prone to hair fall.

Problems such as frizzy hair, dandruff, and hair fall, become more common in monsoons. Dr Pallavi Sule, a dermatologist and an aesthetic physician, suggests quick and easy tips to control hair fall and points to keep in mind to ensure adequate hair health during the monsoon.

Scalp and dandruff care

Avoid getting your hair wet in the rain. If it gets wet, wash it thoroughly. If you step out in the rain, covering the scalp in the rain helps, since rainwater in cities is usually dirty and polluted. It can be a source of fungal infection on the scalp.

Hair brushes have many teeth, which are likely to pull hair to a breaking point. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair after you shampoo and condition it. Try to avoid using a hairbrush until your hair is almost dry.

It is advisable not to use excessive heated equipment and styling products such as excessive gels/serums during this season as it causes the hair to turn dry and frizzy.

High humidity might cause dandruff issues, hence cleansing the scalp and keeping it dry will help. Use a good cleanser to wash the hair twice a week.

Treat yourself to a hair spa

Oiling is important. Massage the scalp with oil for at least 15-20 minutes before shampooing, as the hair becomes dry and frizzy this season. Warm coconut, olive or almond oils are good as they prevent dryness of hair and minimise hair fall. Do not use thick viscous oils as they would be difficult to wash off and would further need harsh cleansers, making the hair prone to damage.

A good hair spa cleanses the scalp, and the pores and removes all impurities. It will also help the dry damaged hair to get back in shape. If the hair is dry or hair fall is active, then start with a hair spa once in 15 days for at least a month and then shift it to once a month.

Hair masks

Apply hair masks once a week. These can be applied for 15-20 minutes and then rinsed off. There are various homemade packs and gels for the hair such as Aloe vera masks (gel); either fresh from the plant or the herbal ones available in the market, Hibiscus masks (gel) and banana and honey masks. Almond oil, Vitamin E capsules and olive oil help build shiny lustrous hair. Egg white is an excellent conditioner. A mint hair mask is good for oily hair and helps remove excessive oil. Curd/lemon in the right quantity can help cleanse the scalp of dandruff issues. Coconut milk and olive oil are excellent for frizzy hair. It has to be washed thoroughly because if it stays on the scalp for a longer time and gives rise to fungal infection.

Why do more hairfall issues occur in monsoon?

Dr Pallavi Sule, Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician says, "Usually, the hair sheds once a year. This is the natural hair cycle that one goes through. It can be different for each individual. Yet many people notice that they have more hairfall in the rainy season.

The reason is moisture on the scalp leads to fungal growth causing weakening of the growing hair. This fungus damages the hair bulb leading to hairfall. One more reason is breakage. The monsoon season is preceded by summer. The harsh UV rays damage the hair shaft and thereby the hair proteins. This leads to fragile hair and breakage. Therefore, it is good to use a UV protective conditioner to prevent this damage."