A comprehensive guide by best dermatologists in Gurgaon:

Our hair hardly gets a chance to flaunt its glory in the Indian climate. Summer goes away tied up in braids, flipped into buns, and secured in ponytails, all the while being wrapped in summer friendly headgears against the raging onslaught of the heat and harsh UV powered sunlight.

And then arrives the moisture laden monsoon. But it does not bring any respite from the heat, instead the humidity made matters worse. Now not only is the hair tied up but also wet from the perspiration of our scalp and frizzy due to humidity. 

Our hair often ends up becoming a silent victim to the sudden change in weather condition. As the monsoon goes into full swing, the increased humidity, sudden downpours, and the overall dampness in our surroundings leads to twice the hairfall one would normally experience during other seasons.

While we can’t change the weather, we can change how our hair adapts to the changes in the best possible way. Let us understand the impact of this transitional climate on hair health to determine which hair care routines can help maintain lustrous, healthy hair throughout the season.

5 Hair Problems Troubling You During Monsoons:

• Humidity and Frizz: Hair tends to absorb moisture from the air, causing the swelling of the hair shaft. This results in frizzy unmanageable hair. This is particularly cumbersome for those with naturally curly or wavy hair.
• Oily Scalp: The scalp tends to produce more oil during the monsoon. This is why hair is often greasy to touch and limp. This excess oil can end up clogging hair follicles too. This often causes dandruff and scalp acne.
• Unexplained Hair Fall: Humidity and swollen hair shafts make the hair heavy therefore weakening its roots. This constant moisture weakens strands causing hair breakage. Additionally scalp infections can also cause major hair fall.
• Dandruff and Fungal Infections: Wet hair is the ideal environment for fungal infections, dandruff and other scalp conditions. The scalp also tends to get itchy and in the process the infection further becomes severe. 
• Dull and Limp Hair: The natural volume and shine of hair disappears due to the constant exposure to moisture and the subsequent build-up of dirt and oil.

Of all the problems hair faces during the monsoons, hair fall is a constant problem every single individual faces. Losing hair is often more psychologically scarring than anything else.

When you find excessive hair on the brush or at the end of a shower by the bathroom drain a certain sense of insecurity gets triggered in all of us, after all hair is our crowning glory. But it doesn’t have to be all grey and cloudy in the monsoons. 

5 Effective Hair Care Strategies for Monsoon:

When life gives us humidity, we need to find ways to make sure that our hair gets space to breathe free from constant bondage and damp wetness. The best way is to come up with a proper hair care discipline so that our beautiful manes get the attention they deserve.

Here are some experts tips to ensure your hair remains healthy and vibrant during this season:

• Wash & Condition: Washing hair is imperative to prevent dirt and grime buildup on the scalp. Cleansing and conditioning with a mild shampoo removes dead skin build-up, fungal infections and hair breakage. A lightweight conditioner will maintain the moisture balance of your hair, thereby preventing split ends.
• Proper Drying: At a time when hair tends to stay wet, air and towel drying must be properly done. Avoiding heat-styling tools will prevent heat damage. When towel-drying, do not rub vigorously, instead pat dry to avoid breakage.
• Hydration & Nourishment: Just like our body, the skin on our scalp also needs to retain moisture. To ensure this, try hydrating hair masks once a week and eat foods rich in nutrients such as biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, to support hair health from within. 
• Protection from Environmental Damage: Protective head gear to shield your hair from rain and pollution is a good starting point. Additionally anti-frizz serums or leave-in conditioners help create a protective barrier against humidity and pollutants. 
• Minimize Hair Treatments: Lastly, minimize hair treatments during the monsoon. Any exposure to chemicals makes hair more vulnerable to damage. Hair treatments also provide a scope for heat damage, which as discussed, should be avoided in the first place. 

“To combat the adverse effects of the monsoon on hair, adopting a comprehensive hair care regimen is essential” says Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, leading dermatologist at the CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon.

While hair care rituals are mostly homemade and discipline of grooming your hair is handed down from one generation to another, extreme unexplained scenarios need medical intervention. This is why it is advisable to consult a dermatologist periodically to know how much and how far attention is needed.

The monsoon season, with its unique set of challenges, demands a tailored approach to hair care. By understanding the specific needs of your hair during this transitional period and incorporating the right practices, you can ensure your hair remains healthy, strong, and beautiful. If you need help, reach out to our expert dermatologists at the CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon and get a customised solution to your hair problems.