Rain brings much-needed relief from the dry, intense, and scorching summer heat. Along with the relief, it also brings an unwanted problem—yes, you guessed it right, excessive hair fall.
You notice more hair strands on your pillow cover, comb, or in the shower. But why does this happen? In this blog we will explore the reasons behind increased hair fall during the rainy season and how you can prevent it.
Why Does Hair Fall During Monsoons?
There are several factors contributing to increased hair fall during rains. Given below are the main reasons. Let’s take a look.
1. High Humidity
With rains, water vapors or humidity increases in the atmosphere. The increased moisture in the air leads to more sweating. And when sweaty scalp mixes with the natural oils and sebum, it clogs hair follicles. Those with oily scalp are more prone to clogged hair follicles. This weakens the hair roots, and leads to hair breakage.
2. Infections
Wet and humid weather creates the perfect environment for fungal and bacterial growth. An oily and sweaty scalp can lead to infections, dandruff, and itching, which further weaken the hair roots.
3. Frizzy Hair
The cuticles (the outer layer of the hair) lift up and swell due to humidity, making the hair rough, dry and frizzy. Moreover, frizzy hair is more prone to tangling which further leads to breakage.
4. Damaged Hair
Excess moisture from the air can make your hair weak and brittle. When hair is brittle, it is more likely to break off. The combination of humidity, frizz, and infections leads to hair damage and hence hair shedding.
Top Tips to Reduce Hair Fall in the Rainy Season
Hair fall during monsoons is quite common but it can be prevented by incorporating simple steps in your hair care routine. Here are some tips to maintain your hair health during the rainy season.
1. Keep Your Scalp Clean and Dry
High humidity leads to more sweating and clogged pores. So it is necessary to wash your hair regularly with a mild, sulfate- and paraben-free shampoo to remove sebum, sweat, and dirt. Wash your hair at least twice a week to keep your hair clean and pores open. Make sure to dry your hair completely, with a soft towel (just pat dry do not rub), before tying them up, as wet hair is more prone to scalp infections.
2. Condition Your Hair
Use conditioner or after-bath hair oil to keep your hair smooth and manageable. It helps to control frizz, moisturize the ends, and make your hair easier to comb through. It also reduces the tangling of the hair, split ends, thereby reducing breakage and shedding of hair.
3. Oiling / Hair Mask
Use a hair mask or oil your hair at least once a week to nourish and strengthen the roots. Hair oils/masks also reduce frizz, and add shine. Oiling your hair with natural oils like coconut, almond, or olive oil provides deep conditioning and prevents split ends. Apply the oil or hair mask about half an hour before shampooing for shiny and lustrous locks.
4. A Balanced Diet
Balanced diet is crucial for the health of your hair. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, and proteins are necessary for nourished hair and scalp. Focus on foods rich in biotin, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron, as these nutrients are essential for hair growth and strength.
5. Hydration
Drinking enough water is essential for the overall health of your hair. Staying hydrated helps to keep your scalp moisturized, which can prevent dryness and reduce the chances of dandruff. For hair growth, a well hydrated scalp is crucial. So drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
6. Avoid Over-Styling and Coloring
It’s best to avoid heat styling tools like hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons during monsoons. These can cause your hair to become dry and brittle, leading to increased breakage. The rainy weather already puts a strain on your hair, so it’s a good idea to keep your styling routine as simple and natural as possible. Avoid coloring or undergoing chemical treatments during this time, as these can further weaken your hair.
Conclusion
It’s quite normal to experience some hair fall during the rainy season as the natural hair cycle goes through growth, resting and shedding phases and more shedding occurs during certain times of the year, monsoon season being one of them. But apart from humidity, there are several other factors like stress, deficiency of some nutrients or vitamins or hormonal imbalance that can cause extreme hair loss. In that case you must visit a specialist.
Following the above mentioned tips go a long way to protect your hair and scalp from the harmful effects of environmental aggressors like moisture and humidity. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy the beauty of the rainy season without worrying about your hair.