You know the type: roots that won’t hold up, flatness, and an itch you can’t ignore. It doesn’t take long for these monsoon issues to set in. Dermatologists will tell you it is the humidity at work, driving the oil, the dandruff and the shedding. There is a straightforward way to put a stop to it, provided you are mindful of how and when you do things.
Why your scalp turns greasy in monsoon
In a room full of moisture, the scalp tends to make more oil to even things out. According to Dr Blossom Kochhar, what you end up with is a combination of sebum, perspiration and the like – a sort of film that makes for heavy, listless hair.
And when that clogs up the follicles, you have problems on your hands. In such damp surroundings, dandruff, rashes and even some bacterial or fungal matter can make a home. You are left with an itchy, flaky head and hair that is not in the mood to be coaxed into shape.
What doctors want you to fix first
It begins with what you do right after you are rained on. Dr Pravin Bandokar, a consultant dermatologist with 20-odd years under his belt at Saifee Hospital in Mumbai, is on record for saying you should rinse and dry without delay. A damp scalp is a recipe for irritation and, in time, infection.
He would also have you put down the ties and styling tools while the hair is still wet. Slick strands are prone to tangles and breakage under any strain, and the moisture only adds to the trouble. Let it be and let it dry.
A good rule of thumb is to wash two or three times a week to get rid of the day’s grime and excess oil, but don’t overdo it. A standard shampoo and conditioner will do the job of cleaning and adding some sheen. Put the medicated shampoos away unless there is a prescription for them.
For a quick reset after being caught in a downpour:
– Get the rain off your scalp in short order
– Pat and air-dry until there is no dampness at the root
– Leave the hair be; don’t tie or style it yet
– No to the gels and sprays that leave behind residue
– Hold back on the oils for now
Build a simple, humid-weather routine
There is no point in using anything but the essentials. Dr Kochhar is for a lighter touch with cleansers and things like tea tree, neem or witch hazel to put a lid on oil and keep the scalp in check.
Then there is the question of styling. When you have a lot of sebum and sweat around, thick creams and sprays are just going to make the buildup worse.
A little restraint in your styling is good for the scalp; it gives it room to air out and keeps down the kind of residue that chokes up follicles.
Then there is the matter of hygiene. A change of pillowcase, a spotless comb or a towel you do not share with anything but your hair will keep old grime from making its way back to your head. It is an easy way to put a stop to the cycle of flaking and oil.
When you see more hair come out
Too much oil will weigh a style down and have it caving in on itself, especially when the air is thick with moisture. Dr Kochhar says if the scales are tipped, you might find more than usual on your brush. It can be disconcerting, but for the most part it is just the roots being put under some pressure, not something to be written off as permanent.
The answer is to be methodical, not forceful. A soft wash, making sure to dry completely, and a touch of conditioner will let the scalp get back in order. Do that with some care in how you style and you will take the edge off any strain on the follicles.
Is it time to see a doctor?
If basic maintenance is not enough to curb heavy dandruff, an itch that will not quit, or a noticeable increase in hair fall, Dr Bandokar would have you make an appointment with a professional.
Some habits to keep the scalp in good shape
It is what you do in between shampoos that makes a difference. During the monsoon, Dr Bandokar is for holding back on the blow dryer, colour and other chemicals. They only make it harder for hair to stand up to the humidity. Air-dry where you can.
And while an oil massage is nice, piling it on and leaving it in is no longer the move. Make it a rare and light affair. The priority is a clean, unencumbered scalp.
“Your scalp is skin,” says Dr Kochhar. “It is going to react to the elements, to stress, to what you put in your body.” So look after it with good food, water and a bit of stress management.
For the rainy weeks ahead, here is a checklist to work by:
– Two or three washes a week
– Some conditioner for a bit of smoothness
– Hold off on the heat and the chemicals
– Get the rainwater out of your hair and dry the roots
– Go with a tea tree, neem or witch hazel product
– Put on a fresh pillowcase and give the combs a once-over
– Put some protein and vitamins in your diet
What it all comes down to
You do not have to put up with a greasy, flaky head in the monsoon. A prompt rinse, a good dry and products that are not so heavy they stifle the scalp will do the trick. Consistency is better than a hard line.
There is no point in over-washing to get that squeaky-clean sensation. You want to be in equilibrium, not deplete the scalp. Make a few adjustments and you will be in a position to see the season through with your hair in better order.
*This piece is meant to inform and should not be taken as medical advice.*
