Let your hair down this monsoon: Follow these tips from dermatologists

Frizzy hair, itchy scalp, and dampness are common hair woes reported every monsoon. While there are some days to go before the rain sets in, it is the perfect time to start your hair care routine, say Mumbai-based experts

Monsoon may have the reputation of being a romantic time, thanks to movies and novels, but it is not exactly the season of love for your hair. Over the next months, a number of conditions will likely attack your scalp and mane. Even though most people are working from home and will not be stepping out in the rain as much, a hair care routine is still a must, note experts. That is because 'humidity', which does much of the damage, finds its way indoors too. So prepare in advance by working out a hair care routine for tackling this messy period.

Hair loss is a major issue during the monsoon, observes Dr. Rinky Kapoor, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics. Besides, humidity also makes the scalp oily which leads to dull and lifeless hair, dandruff, and itchiness. Breaking down the science behind this, she explains: “The high amount of moisture in the atmosphere causes the hair to absorb the hydrogen molecule and swell, thus making the strands brittle, frizzy, and prone to breakage.” Humidity, she adds, is also the culprit that robs the scalp of natural oils leaving us with weaker roots. “Dampness also increases the risk of infection in the scalp.”  

Dr. Rinky Kapoor

How to shampoo and condition

According to Dr Manasi Shirolikar, head dermatologist at Remedico, an online dermatology service, hair care routine does not need to be exhaustive -- a simple wash and condition twice a week is more than sufficient. “Switch to a gentle shampoo or reduce the amount of shampoo you use. Be sure to use a conditioner or leave-in conditioner,” she suggests.  

It is important for one's hair to be untangled before shampooing, continues Kapoor. While applying the shampoo, start with your scalp, and gently work to the tips. Do not rub the middle and end strands. “Drain water from your hair before applying the conditioner. Apply conditioner only to the tips of the hair, and leave it in for some time. Give it at least 2-5 minutes to work on your hair before washing,” she notes. 

Know the right products and accessories

Choose hair care products and combs wisely because they can -- quite literally -- "make or break" your hair. Kapoor shares that those with an oily scalp need a volumising and 'oil balance' (or free from harsh chemicals) shampoo. On the other hand, people with dry scalp should opt for a hydrating and moisturising shampoo. Lastly, thick and curly hair needs smoothing and oil balance shampoos. “As far as possible select products that don’t have any sulphates, parabens, and fragrances listed in the ingredient list. Don’t change the hair care product too often. Give the product some time to work on your hair and scalp and show its effects,” she says. 

Kapoor also stresses the significance of the right combination of comb and hair brush. “Fine hair needs brushes that can reduce the frizz and add volume, therefore select brushes with boar bristles, ceramic or iconic nylon," she says. "Similarly, curly hair needs detangling brushes or combs with bristles spaced wide apart. The gentler the brush, the better it is for your hair.” For daily use, a paddle brush does the job well, says the expert. One with boar bristles can help distribute the oils from the scalp to the hair ends.

A healthy lifestyle

A disciplined and healthy lifestyle overall is equally important for hair health. Your hair care routine will not bear any results unless you are mindful about your overall health. “Your diet is reflected in your hair. If your diet is lacking macro or micronutrients, you will see a lot of hair loss. Make sure you eat a balanced diet,” says Shirolikar. 

Dr Manasi Shirolikar

A good diet is the foundation of healthy hair and skin, agrees Kapoor. “One must drink a minimum of 6-8 glasses of water every day. Dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, eggs, whole grains, carrots, kidney beans, sprouts, dairy products, berries, and sweet potatoes provide the essential proteins, vitamin E, potassium, and iron to the hair follicles,” she advises. 

The dos and don'ts to remember

When it comes to taking care of your hair, here are essential points to keep in mind, as suggested by the two experts.

•    Shirolikar says that many people leave their hair oil overnight, which isn’t necessary. In fact, the oil can get absorbed into your pillow cover and can clog your pores leading to acne. Oil your hair just 2-3 hours prior to a wash. You can warm your oil slightly before application. 

•    Let the hair dry the natural way and never ever tie wet hair. Use a microfiber towel to dry your hair, suggests Kapoor.

•    According to Shrolikar, humidity can cause depletion of the natural sebum (oil) that conditions your hair, leaving it dry. Use a good leave-in serum on damp hair to prevent that.

•    While using shampoo, try to keep the water temperature lukewarm, suggests Kapoor. She also recommends applying the conditioner with a wide-toothed comb so that it spreads well.

•    Both experts stress on the fact that wet hair should not be combed.

Homemade hair packs to try (Courtesy: Dr Rinky Kapoor)

•    Make a paste of mashed mango and mint and apply it on your hair. Leave for half an hour and wash with a gentle shampoo. This pack will bring the shine back to your hair.

•    Mix a ripe banana with ½ tablespoon of honey and apply it on your scalp and hair. Leave this mask on for 50 minutes before washing. It is perfect to prevent dryness and make the hair softer.

•    The traditional hair mask made of 3 tablespoons of soaked fenugreek seeds along with six mint leaves, ½ lemon juice and some multani mitti (fuller’s earth) to the mix to make a smooth paste, does a lot of good for the hair and scalp. Apply from root to tips, leave for an hour, and wash with normal water. There is no need to shampoo.

•    A hair cleaning scrub made of two tablespoons of brown sugar, a few drops of lavender oil, half a tablespoon of coconut oil, one tablespoon of shampoo, and half a tablespoon of water is very helpful in revitalizing the scalp. Use this on the hair after shampooing, gently scrub the scalp, and leave for 10 minutes. Wash and condition normally. 

Disclaimer: It is important to note that everyone has a different hair type and this article is not meant as a replacement for a medical practitioner’s advice. Readers must always consult their doctor first before initiating any changes to their  hair care routine, diet or lifestyle

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