Experts weigh in on how to minimise the challenge of humidity and constant rain on the hair and scalp.
Bindu Gopal Rao
With the monsoon season officially here, it is essential to equip yourself with the right hair care products to maintain healthy and luscious locks. Here are some experts’ tips on ways to minimize hair damage in this season.
Mane Bane
The onset of the monsoon means that excessive humidity and sporadic rain showers can make the hair frizzy, dry leading to fungal infections. The monsoon hair care routine requires a tad bit of extra TLC. Taming the frizz, preventing breakage, and repairing damaged hair can be overwhelming and choosing the right products with the right ingredients play a crucial role in maintaining healthy tresses.
“When choosing hair care products for the monsoon, it is best to choose ones that are natural and with minimal ingredients. Plant-based ingredients like eucalyptus and coconut are ideal as they are gentle and nourishing. Fewer ingredients mean fewer chemicals, which helps maintain hair health. Always check the product label to be aware of the ingredients that goes into the product,” advises Seethala Karipineni, Founder, Saka Organics.
The Right Ingredients
This is the season, it is best to make product choices that can help hair e.g. an anti-dandruff, gentle and clarifying shampoo that keeps the flakes at bay, without stripping off the natural oils. Follow this up with a rich conditioner and serum to lock in the moisture, and shiny, glossy hair is revealed.
“Pro tip: try to wash hair with cold water for a healthy, clean scalp. Hyaluronic acid and aloe vera are your best friend. These humectants attract and retain moisture, keeping hair bouncy and frizz-free. Coconut, almond, and argan oil are emollients that deeply nourish the hair and scalp. They add shine, prevent breakage, and create a protective barrier against the dampness. Gentle, sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners infused with calming ingredients like chamomile or calendula will soothe any itchiness or inflammation,” says Dinyar Workingboxwalla, Celebrity Aesthetician & Co-founder, Beauty by BiE.
Product Mix
Apart from shampoo and conditioner, a serum helps in taming unruly hair and adds shine. Pick serums with ingredients such as silicone or keratin to protect your hair from humidity.
Jigar Ravaria, Co-founder, Beauty Garage Professional says, “When selecting monsoon hair care products, focus on ingredients that offer moisture retention and frizz control. Ingredients like shea oil, glycerine, amino acids, and vitamin E are beneficial as they help in maintaining hair health during high humidity.”
Hair oil is a must-have during the monsoon season due to its exceptional ability to combat the common issue of frizzy hair caused by high humidity levels. The increased moisture in the air can strip hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Applying hair oil regularly helps replenish these lost oils, providing much-needed hydration and nourishment to the hair strands.
Azeem Qamar, Regional Technical Manager, Shimmers Cosmetics Pvt. Ltd. adds, “Humectants such as glycerine or honey attract moisture from the air, keeping the hair hydrated without greasiness. Anti-frizz agents like dimethicone coat the hair shaft, reducing frizz and safeguarding the hair from humidity. Lightweight natural oils such as moringa oil nourish and protect the hair without weighing it down, enhancing shine and resilience against environmental factors.”
Holistic Care
When buying hair care products check for what hair type it is made for and its functionality. For example, shampoos are deep cleansing, nourishing, colour protecting, or a daily shampoo. To ensure moisture balance and retention, use a hydrating shampoo. To ensure that hair is nourished and hydrated, a professional deep conditioning treatment is also recommended once a week.
If you wear the hair long, hairstyles like ponytails, buns, or braids will limit exposure to the humidity. Hair health reflects overall health. Recommend a balanced diet of vegetables, meat, fruits and nuts replete with proteins, vitamins, and minerals can also help hair looking vibrant and healthy throughout the rainy season.,
