Monsoon mane magic: Expert hair care secrets for rainy season

Monsoon season brings 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. Scalp issues like irritation and dandruff also become more common. 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.

The science behind monsoon hair woes
The monsoon's high humidity levels are the primary culprit behind our hair woes, says Dipti Bhadeshiya, Regional Technical Manager, Floractive Professional. "This moisture overload disrupts the hair's natural structure, causing the hair cuticle (the outermost layer) to rise. This raised cuticle leads to frizz, that uncontrollable puffiness that defies all styling efforts. Additionally, the constant dampness weakens the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage and increased hair fall," she explains.

Crafting a winning hair care routine
By crafting a targeted monsoon hair care routine, you can transform your mane from a tangled mess to healthy locks. Bhadeshiya recommends a multi-pronged approach to combat monsoon woes:
1. Gentle cleansing is key: Start with a gentle, clarifying shampoo that removes excess moisture and product buildup without stripping your scalp's natural oils. Look for formulas infused with hydrating heroes like argon oil or shea butter to keep hair from drying out.
2. Hydration is your superpower: Follow up with a deeply hydrating conditioner, focusing on the lengths and ends - the areas most prone to dryness and frizz. Embrace ingredients like coconut oil or glycerin, which act like moisture magnets, locking in hydration and minimising frizz.
3. Deep condition like a pro: Once a week, pamper your hair with a deep conditioning treatment. Choose masks enriched with proteins like keratin or collagen to repair damage caused by humidity and environmental factors. This extra dose of nourishment will leave your hair feeling strong and supple.
4. Wash wisely: While a clean scalp is important, over-washing can be detrimental. Aim for 2 to 3 washes per week, adjusting based on your hair type and activity level. Remember, a gentle cleanse is all you need to remove excess moisture and product build-up.
5. Protective styles are your friends: Embrace hairstyles like braids or buns to shield your hair from the elements. These styles minimise exposure to humidity, prevent frizz, and reduce friction-induced breakage. Opt for silk scrunchies to avoid pulling or damaging wet hair.

Building a monsoon haircare arsenal
When choosing products, prioritise those containing ingredients known for their hydrating, strengthening, and anti-frizz properties. The expert shares some key ingredients to look for:
• Coconut Oil: A natural moisturiser that reduces protein loss, keeping hair strong and supple.
• Glycerin: Acts like a magnet, attracting moisture from the air to keep your hair hydrated and prevent dryness.
• Keratin: Strengthens hair strands and repairs damage caused by humidity, leaving your hair smooth and manageable.
By incorporating these ingredients and following a targeted routine, you can effectively combat monsoon hair challenges and maintain healthy, lustrous locks throughout the season.
Ayurveda's take on monsoon hair health
"As per Ayurveda, Varsha Ritu (monsoon) significantly impacts our digestive system. During this season, digestive fire weakens, making it difficult to digest certain foods, especially fried, spicy, and fermented items. Poor digestive health results in malabsorption of nutrients, affecting overall hair health and making hair weak," shares Dr. Kajal Dhingra, senior ayurvedic physician and ayurvedic lifestyle coach at TAC, The Ayurveda Co.

Ayurvedic tips for healthy hair all season long
1. Shield your hair: Protect your locks from the elements! Use an umbrella, wear a hat with a breathable fabric, or tie your hair back in a loose bun to minimize exposure to rainwater and pollutants.
2. Combat moisture buildup: While keeping your hair clean is important, avoid overwashing. Daily washes can strip away natural oils, leading to a greasy scalp and dry ends. Aim for 2-3 washes per week, adjusting based on your hair type and activity level. Opt for a gentle, clarifying shampoo that removes dirt and product buildup without stripping essential oils.
3. Embrace natural exfoliation: Exfoliate your scalp once a week with a natural scrub made from Ayurvedic ingredients like Triphala powder (a blend of three fruits) or a paste of methi seeds (fenugreek). This helps remove dead skin cells, dandruff, and excess oil, promoting a healthy scalp environment.
4. Nourish with ayurvedic oils: Incorporate a weekly scalp massage with lukewarm sesame or almond oil. These oils are rich in nutrients that nourish the scalp and hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth. Apply the oil 2 hours before washing to allow for deep penetration.
5. Fuel your hair from within: Your diet directly impacts your hair health. Ensure a good intake of green vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids (found in fish, nuts, and seeds) to provide essential building blocks for strong, healthy hair.

Things to remember
1. Ditch the rough combing: Avoid combing wet hair, as it is more prone to breakage. Wait until your hair is at least partially dry, and start combing from the ends, gently detangling upwards. Use a wide-tooth comb to minimise pulling and damage.
2. Beware of inflammatory foods: Spicy, fried, and fermented foods can exacerbate scalp issues during the monsoon. Opt for a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, whole grains, and healthy fats. Consider incorporating amla (Indian gooseberry) into your diet, known for its rich vitamin C content and hair-boosting properties.
3. Avoid rubbing with towels: Skip the harsh towel drying! Towels can roughen the hair cuticle and cause frizz. Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands or pat your hair dry with a soft microfibre towel.
4. Minimise heat styling: Heat styling tools can be particularly damaging during the monsoon months. If heat styling is necessary, use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature settings low. Air drying is always the preferred option.
5. Don't over-wash: Washing your hair too frequently can strip away natural oils that protect your scalp and hair. Stick to a regular washing routine, and use a gentle shampoo that won't leave your hair feeling dry or stripped.
By following these Ayurvedic-inspired tips and adjusting your routine for the monsoon season, you can combat the challenges of humidity and keep your hair healthy, strong, and beautiful all season long.

DIY ayurvedic hair masks for monsoon

DIY mask to exfoliate

Ingredients
1 tsp methi dana (soaked overnight)
1 tsp Triphala powder
1 tsp curd

Method
1. Grind soaked methi dana to make a paste.
2. Add Triphala powder and curd to the paste. Mix well.
3. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair strands.
4. Gently massage/exfoliate for 3-4 minutes.
5. Leave the mask on for 30-45 minutes.
6. Rinse well and follow with a gentle hair cleanser.

DIY rosemary decoction for hair growth and frizziness

Ingredients
2 cups of water
3 to 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Method
1. Boil water in a pan and add rosemary sprigs.
2. Continue boiling until the water is reduced by half.
3. Strain the decoction and let it cool to room temperature.
4. Pour the cooled decoction into a spray bottle.
5. Spray the decoction on your scalp, section by section.
6. Let it stay for 1-2 hours.
7. Wash your hair with a gentle cleanser.