Who doesn’t like having lustrous and bouncy tresses all day long? But with the monsoon pouring in, bad hair days are the new normal. This surely doesn’t mean that one has to feel bad as there are lots of tips which come in handy in maintaining the beauty of your locks.
Rainy days are perfect for coffee and a book by the balcony but stepping out in the rain means hair damage. Though some may enjoy getting wet in the rain, the rainwater is bad for your hair as it is acidic, dusty and loaded with chemicals. So next time you step out in the rain remember to cover your head with a waterproof cap/hat or carry an umbrella.
Due to the increased humidity and moisture in the air, hair tends to become frizzy and is prone to breakage. Deep conditioning your hair in order to retain the necessary moisture and prevent hair breakage is important. As the scalp becomes prone to dandruff, care needs to be taken. The following tips can help:
Hot oil massage - Massage your hair twice a week with warmed oils like coconut oil or olive oil. Let the oil sit in your hair for 2-4 hours and wash away with a mild shampoo. Hot oil massages can stimulate the hair follicles and prevent hair loss.
Hair Wash - Use a mild shampoo to wash your hair. In case of dandruff or itchy scalp use an appropriate anti-dandruff/medicated shampoo on the scalp. But try not to apply the shampoo on the hair as it can make the strands dry and devoid of moisture.
Conditioning - Use a deep conditioner or DIY mask-like flax seed masks to deep condition your hair. The conditioner needs to be applied only on the hair strands and not on the scalp. Wash away the conditioner after 15-20 minutes. Conditioner with natural extracts like rosemary aid in adding an extra bounce to your locks. Use a wide teeth comb to separate the strands when the conditioner is applied. This helps prevent the formation of knots and tangles
After wash care - Dry the wet hair using a microfiber towel. It’s not advisable to comb wet hair as it can damage the strands and lead to breakage of hair. Avoid blow-drying hair and let the hair dry naturally. Try using the cold air function of the blow dryer when you use it at all.
Tying wet hair can lead to hair damage and bacterial/fungal growth on the scalp, so let the hair dry before tying up. This is also the season when salon appointments need to be postponed as salon treatments like hair colouring and perming can be a greasy affair. Professional hair treatments can weaken and damage the scalp and hair follicles and are best avoided in monsoon as the hair is also at its weakest during this time of the year.
Hair products like sprays and gels need to be avoided at all costs. Haircare products including shampoos and conditioners with sulphates and laureates need to be dumped for healthy hair and scalp. This is the season to try interesting hairstyles with scarves and get creative with hairdressing.
Unprecedented hair fall is a pretty normal thing during monsoons and you needn’t rush to hoard widely marketed hair products in distress. This is the time to eat and drink for your hair.
Eating sprouts and green leafy veggies can aid in keeping your hair strong and shiny. Caffeine is dehydrating for your hair and switching over to 8-12 glasses of water per day can do your hair wonders. Getting a good night's sleep is equally important for maintaining the beauty of your locks.
These tips can help you sail through the rains with healthy and beautiful hair. So braze up to bid adieu to your hair woes this monsoon!
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