How To Care For Your Hair In Monsoon
The monsoon season brings respite from summer heat, but the high humidity can wreak havoc on your hair health and beauty routine. Frizzy, unmanageable hair troubled by breakage and split ends is a common monsoon concern.
By following some simple hair care tips tailored for the rainy season, you can maintain strong, healthy, and frizz-free hair even during the monsoons!
Protect Hair from Getting Wet
Avoid getting your hair drenched in the rains. Even a quick sprint in the rain can leave your hair sopping wet and lead to damage. Instead, make sure to carry an umbrella or wear a raincoat/hat when stepping out during showers. Water-resistant headgear like baseball caps can help shield your hair.
If you do get caught in the rain and your hair gets wet, it’s important to dry it out gently yet thoroughly once you’re back indoors. Don’t just let it air dry unattended. Blot wet hair right away with a soft cotton towel or microfiber hair towel. Be extra gentle and don’t rub vigorously. It’s best to squeeze excess moisture rather than rubbing hair strands.
Limit exposure to heavy rain/storms and humid weather conditions as much as possible to prevent hair damage. On damp or wet days, tie up long hair in a braid or bun to minimize contact with moisture-laden air. Use shower caps or plastic wraps as added protection if stepping out in very heavy rain. Avoid lingering outdoors during extreme humid days.
Shampoo and Condition More Frequently
Due to increased humidity, along with higher temperatures and sweat, hair tends to get oilier and dirtier faster during the rainy season. The ideal monsoon hair care routine involves shampooing your hair 2-3 times a week to wash away sebum, sweat, dirt, product residue and other impurities that can build up.
Use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo that won’t over-strip oils. Massage shampoo thoroughly into the scalp and through to the ends without tugging or tangling hair. Let it sit briefly before rinsing clean. If hair is especially oily, look for shampoos with lemon, neem or green tea that help reduce excess sebum.
Always follow up shampooing with a nourishing conditioner, applied mid-lengths to ends, to replenish moisture and seal cuticles. Detangle with the conditioner in hair using a wide-toothed comb before rinsing out thoroughly. Leave-in conditioners also help restore moisture.
Deep condition once a week to intensively replenish protein and moisture levels within the hair structure. This helps reinforce and future-proof hair against monsoon damage.
Use Leave-In Conditioners and Serums
After shampooing and conditioning, apply a leave-in conditioner or frizz control serum on washed, towel-dried hair. Concentrate on mid-lengths and ends and avoid the roots. Available as sprays, creams or serums, these products provide a protective layer that locks in moisture, prevents frizz and adds shine.
Look for formulas containing silicones like dimethicone that coat the hair and shield it from humidity. Natural oils like argan, jojoba, grapeseed and marula are also effective. A serum or cream with sunflower seed extract is a good option for extra frizz protection. When hair is still slightly damp, distribute the product evenly focusing on the most frizz-prone areas.
Using adequate leave-in conditioner is key to avoiding frizzy flyaways during the monsoon. For added protection, you can also use a smoothing hair butter or balm on drier sections to tame frizz. Don’t use too much product or hair may look greasy.
Deep Condition Once a Week
Schedule a weekly deep conditioning session all through the monsoons to intensely nourish and repair hair from root to tip. This is crucial for reversing any rainfall and humidity-related damage.
For the treatment, generously coat shampooed hair with a thick, creamy hair mask or deep conditioner. Cover hair with a shower cap and let the conditioner soak in for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing out. Apply mild, indirect heat with a hair dryer to help the conditioner penetrate better.
Deep conditioning provides an intensive moisture boost that smoothes the hair cuticles and helps retain natural oils. Look for nourishing ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, honey and avocado. For damaged hair, use a strengthening mask containing keratin or collagen.
Don’t Brush Wet Hair
One important hair care rule during the humid monsoon season is to avoid brushing your hair when it’s still wet. Wet hair is at its most vulnerable state, and pulling a brush through it can cause significant breakage and worsen tangles. Wait until hair is at least 80% dry before even gently running a brush or comb through it.
After washing your hair, use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to gently detangle. Start from the bottom and slowly work upwards to avoid tugging. Let your hair air dry naturally rather than rubbing with a towel. T-shirt material towels cause less friction than regular towels. You can also blot hair with an old cotton t-shirt.
Only use a hairbrush once hair is no longer sopping wet, to avoid ripping out strands. Use short, gentle strokes rather than forcefully dragging the brush through knots. Avoid brushing hair when it’s still even slightly damp.
Limit Heat Styling
Avoid using hot styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons as much as possible during the monsoons. Allow your hair to air dry naturally without any heat exposure to prevent damage from hot air. Turbulent weather and humidity already make hair more prone to dryness and frizziness.
Sit under a fan or wrap hair in a microfiber towel turban twist to hasten air drying. If you do need to use a hair dryer or other heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant product first to shield hair from extreme temperatures. Opt for lower temperature and fan settings.
Limit use of hot tools to 1-2 times a week at most, and give hair a break on other days. Overusing blow dryers, curling wands and straighteners will take a toll on your locks during monsoon season.
Adjust Your Diet
Boost hair health from within by eating a balanced, nutrition-rich diet. In particular, focus on foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids like fish, eggs and walnuts. Omega-3s make hair stronger and help keep the scalp hydrated and healthy.
Eat plenty of protein from sources like paneer, chicken, chana, milk and leafy greens. Protein is vital for hair growth and curbing damage. Drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices for a concentrated dose of antioxidants that benefit hair. Stay hydrated by drinking adequate water and fluids like coconut water.
Limit beverages like coffee, tea and alcohol that can dehydrate hair. Too much caffeine and alcohol intake can leave hair dry, brittle and prone to breaking. Avoid sugary and fried foods which can promote inflammation. Overall, a healthy balanced diet goes a long way towards supporting lustrous hair even in the monsoons!
By tailoring your hair care routine to suit the monsoon season and taking measures to preserve moisture and reduce frizz, you can enjoy lush, strong, and healthy locks even during the rains! Share your top monsoon hair care tips and product recommendations in the comments below.