Hair & Body
Indian Monsoon and Haircare: Essential Tips for Healthy Locks
The Indian monsoon is a season of renewal and lush greenery, but it also brings with it high humidity, constant rains, and dampness that can wreak havoc on hair. We all laughed when Monica Geller complained about the humidity causing her hair to frizz up in the Barbados weather. Maintaining healthy locks during this time requires a specialized haircare routine to combat the challenges posed by the wet and humid weather.
Monsoon Mayhem on your Hair!
While it is understandable that getting wet in that first rain is romantic and fun, but monsoon moisture can lead to frizzy hair, dandruff, and an overall greasy scalp. The increased humidity causes hair to absorb more moisture from the air, resulting in swelling of the hair shaft and making it more prone to breakage and split ends. Moreover, frequent exposure to rainwater, which can often be can strip hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and lifeless.
Essential Haircare Tips for the Monsoon
- Regular Cleansing: Regularly cleanse your scalp and hair with a mild shampoo to remove excess oil and dirt that accumulate due to the humidity. Choose a shampoo with antifungal properties to prevent dandruff. This is particularly crucial for men, who often neglect hair care.
- Conditioning: Always follow up with a conditioner to lock in moisture and reduce frizz. Choose a conditioner suited for your hair type and focus on the ends to avoid a greasy scalp.
- Oiling: As our grandmothers often advised, regularly using hair oil provides essential nourishment. Light oils such as coconut or almond oil can nourish both the scalp and hair. Allow the oil to sit for a while after application so the roots can absorb the nutrients, helping to strengthen them.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Hair is sensitive to heat, and the warmth from appliances like dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can exacerbate dryness and increase frizz. For drying your hair, it’s best to let it air dry naturally.
- Protect from Rain: Always cover your hair when stepping out in the rain. Rainwater can be harsh on your hair, so use an umbrella or a waterproof hood to keep it dry.
- Diet and Hydration: It might be hard to believe, but your diet significantly affects the health of your hair. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals and staying hydrated is essential. Since hair is a part of your body, it needs the same nourishment you provide for your overall well-being.
- Hair Care: Natural ingredients like Aloe Vera, Yoghurt, Neem leaves, etc are excellent for deep conditioning and care for your hair. Recently, some Korean haircare products have shown excellent results when it comes to haircare. So whenever in doubt, always go natural.
Conclusion
Yes, monsoon can pose challenges for haircare, but with the right care and attention, you can fully enjoy this wonderful season. By following these simple haircare tips, you can relish the rains without worrying about hair damage. Embrace the season with confidence and maintain healthy, beautiful hair.