In our last post, we discussed about common skin problems in rainy season and skin care tips to counter them. Just as you have to take extra care of your skin in rains, your hair need special attention too. In this post, we would discuss about the common hair problems in monsoon and hair care tips to avoid them.
Common hair problems in monsoon
- The most common complaint in rainy season is hair fall. Hairfall during monsoon increases by about 30 per cent. While on a regular day you may find 50-60 strands of hair on your brush, but during rainy season this count may go up to 100.
- Humidity robs the hair of its bounce leaving them limp and lifeless.
- Dandruff worsens in rainy season as the fungus responsible for causing it flourishes in humid weather.
- Non-specific itchiness of the scalp and irritation are also common. These contribute to increased hair loss.
- Lice infestation is also common in the rains, as lice breed during this season.
- Bacterial and fungal infection of scalp is also common during monsoons. Exposure to polluted rainwater and warm humid conditions encourage growth of Bacteria/ fungus on scalp. As a result, some people develop painful pus-filled boils or severe itchy flaking patches develop over scalp.
Hair care tips in rain
- First and foremost requirement is regular hair wash. Hair should be washed after frequent intervals during monsoon, as delay could lead to oily scalp, excessive hair fall, dandruff and roughness.
- Always use a mild shampoo or a baby shampoo to wash your hair.
- Most of the times try to protect your hair from polluted rainwater. But if you get caught in rains, it is always better to wash your hair with a mild shampoo as you reach home.
- Do not forget to apply conditioner after every hair wash. Conditioning is very important in the monsoon, as excess humidity in the environment tends to frizz your hair. A good conditioner neutralises this frizzing and smoothens out the hair, making it more manageable.
- Always towel dry your hair completely. Use of hair dryers (though seems necessary) should be limited to as far as possible.
- Avoid brushing your wet hair, they tend to break very easily. Also, don’t tie your hair up when it’s wet. Let it dry completely first.
- Hair coloring or other hair styling (straightening or perming) is not a good idea in this season, as harsh chemicals damage hair and increase hair fall. Keep your hair as natural as possible.
- Scalp of most people is constantly sweating and is already oily in humid climate. Thus, it is recommended not to oil your hair as it may promote growth of dandruff.
- If you have very dry and lifeless hair and you wish to apply oil. Just apply oil on hair strands and at the end hair shaft rather than on scalp.
- Consult dermatologist if you have painful boils on your scalp, or have itchy scalp or dandruff.
- Don’t worry about hair fall as it is a temporary phase and would wane off with end of rainy season. Always remember excess worrying and stress about it about your hair fall may exaggerate this condition rather than helping.
- Just eat good nutritious food rich in fruits and vegetables and drink 8-10 glass of water daily. Take good sleep.
Hope you take these skin care & hair care tips to your heart and sail happily through this rainy season.
Have a healthy monsoon!!
Dr Monika Misra
Consultant cosmetologist at Dermacosm clinic
Dr Monika Misra is a consultant cosmetologist at Dermacosm clinic. She possesses more than 5 years of experience in dermatosurgical procedures, chemical peels, microneedling, and radiofrequency.
Latest posts by Dr Monika Misra (see all)
- Warts – all you need to know - July 8, 2018
- Gray hair – is there any cure? - January 28, 2018
- Chickenpox – myths & facts - July 30, 2017