Monsoons bring 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. Increased humidity, unexpected rain showers, and dampness can lead to a host of hair problems, from increased hair fall and frizz to scalp infections.

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.  

Understanding monsoon hair woes

Why does hair fall increase during the monsoon?
According to Dr Pranil More, hair transplant surgeon and director at Fusion Aesthetic Clinic, several factors contribute to increased hair fall during the rainy season:
High humidity and scalp infections: The high humidity creates a perfect environment for fungal and bacterial growth on the scalp. This can lead to conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, which weaken hair follicles and cause more shedding.

Acidic rainwater: Rainwater can be acidic and contain pollutants that damage the hair shaft, making it brittle and prone to breakage. It can also strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and weakness.

Damp hair: Hair is at its most fragile when wet. Leaving hair damp for extended periods, especially after getting caught in the rain, makes it more susceptible to breakage and encourages microbial growth on the scalp.

Weakened immunity and diet: Seasonal changes can affect your body's immunity. A diet lacking in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin D can also impact hair health.

How to combat hair fall and other issues
To minimise hair fall and other monsoon-related issues, More recommends these key practices:

1. Keep your scalp clean and dry: Regularly wash your hair with a gentle shampoo to remove buildup. Always dry your hair thoroughly to prevent fungal growth.
2. Protect hair from rain: Use an umbrella or a hat to keep your hair from getting wet. If it does get wet, wash it immediately with clean water.
3. Eat a healthy diet: Include protein, iron, and zinc in your meals and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
4. Avoid heat styling and tight hairstyles: Minimise the use of blow dryers and straighteners, and skip tight ponytails and buns, which can cause breakage.
5. Use gentle treatments: Consider a nourishing oil scalp massage or a natural rinse like diluted apple cider vinegar to maintain a healthy scalp.
6. Skip chemical treatments: Avoid colouring or perming your hair during this season to prevent further damage.

Expert DIY hair masks for monsoon
More also shares some effective DIY hair masks using common Indian kitchen ingredients to address specific monsoon hair concerns:

1. Curd and honey mask for frizz
This mask deeply conditions and tames frizz. Curd's lactic acid cleanses the scalp, and honey's humectant properties lock in moisture.

Ingredients: 1 cup curd, 2 to 3 tbsp honey
How to use: Mix and apply to damp hair for 30 to 45 minutes. Rinse with a mild shampoo.

2. Fenugreek and coconut oil mask for hair fall
Fenugreek seeds are rich in proteins and nicotinic acid, which strengthen hair shafts and prevent hair fall. Coconut oil moisturises and reduces protein loss.

Ingredients: 1/4 cup fenugreek seeds, 1/2 cup coconut oil
How to use: Soak seeds overnight, grind into a paste, mix with oil, and apply to the scalp and hair for 30 to 60 minutes. Wash with a gentle shampoo.

3. Aloe vera and lemon mask for oily scalp
Aloe vera has soothing properties, while lemon juice acts as a natural astringent to balance the scalp's pH and control oil.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup fresh aloe vera gel, 1 tbsp lemon juice
How to use: Mix and apply to the scalp for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse with a mild shampoo.

4. Banana and olive oil mask for dryness
Bananas are rich in vitamins and natural oils that deeply nourish and moisturise, while olive oil adds conditioning and seals split ends.

Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, 2 tbsp olive oil
How to use: Mash the banana until smooth, mix with oil, and apply to hair for 30 to 40 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Managing hair and scalp in high humidity