Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present in the air. It is the atmospheric condition that causes moisture in the air to penetrate your hair cuticle, causing it to absorb excess water. This absorption disrupts the hydrogen bonds that hold your hair straight, leading to frizz and unruly hair. This makes hair more prone to breakage and fall.
The increased moisture and damp nature of the monsoon can create an ideal environment for the growth of fungi and bacteria. Scalp infections, dandruff and itchy scalp conditions can lead to hair loss.
The hair in the hygrometer shortens as the humidity increases. Straight hair will become wavy; wavy hair will become curly; and curly hair will become curlier.
Managing frizzy hair in humid weather can be a challenge. However, with the right hair care routine, you can keep your locks looking fabulous even in the most humid conditions.
Use a humidity-resistant hair spray
A humidity-resistant hair spray can be your best friend in the battle against frizz. Use an anti-humidity hairspray after styling. Look for a lightweight spray that provides a flexible hold without leaving your hair crunchy.
Apply it 8-12 inches away from your hair, spraying lightly and evenly once you have finished styling to help lock in the straightness and combat the effects of humidity throughout the day.
Heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling wands, can damage your hair and exacerbate frizz, particularly in humid weather. If you must use heat, styling your hair at the lowest setting and using a hot tool can help eliminate frizz without inflicting damage. A flat iron can help smooth out frizzy hair, while curling wands can help define curls in a controlled manner. However, air drying is the best option for hair care for frizzy hair in humid conditions.
Go short
During the monsoons, make it a point to get a regular haircut to maintain the shape of your hair.
The shorter the tresses, the fewer the hair problems. Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks helps prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft and causing further damage.
If you have split ends, it can worsen during the rainy season. Hence, regular trimming can help remove damaged ends and prevent further breaking. This also helps to keep your hair looking healthy and manageable. It also promotes healthy hair growth by removing damaged ends, making your hair look more vibrant and less prone to breakage.
Protect your hair from rainwater
Rainwater is bad. Although it can seem innocuous to get caught in the rain, exposure to rainwater is one of the primary causes of increased hair fall in the monsoon.
Rainwater is often acidic and can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and damage. This acidity has the potential to deplete hair of its natural oils, leaving it brittle, dry, and more prone to breakage. If your hair gets wet in the rain, wash it soon with a mild shampoo and conditioner to avoid greasy hair and maintain a healthy oil balance. Letting the rainwater stay for longer will make things worse and cause more hair fall.
Keep your scalp clean and dry
During the monsoon season, the increase in humidity and frequent rain can make your scalp sweaty and oily, which can lead to fungal/ bacterial infection and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff).
Wash your hair with a sulfate-free gentle shampoo at least thrice a week to get rid of extra oil, grime and perspiration.
Hair is at its weakest when it is wet. Ensure you thoroughly dry your hair after washing, as leaving it damp can further contribute to microbial proliferation. Let your hair air-dry naturally after every hair wash.
Aggressively rubbing your hair with a towel can cause breakage and frizz. Use a microfibre towel or an old cotton T-shirt to gently blot your hair dry, minimising mechanical stress and reducing the risk of cuticle damage.
Microfibre towels help absorb excess water without creating friction, reducing breakage and unwanted frizz.
Gently comb your hair
Wet hair is more susceptible to breakage, and the monsoon season often means your hair will be damp more frequently. Avoid brushing your hair when it is wet to prevent unnecessary strain on the hair strands.
Choose a wide-toothed wooden comb to detangle your hair during the rainy season, since plastic combs can generate static electricity, leading to more frizz.
Avoid sharing your comb, especially during monsoons, to prevent any fungal infections and lice. This will prevent any breakage or frizz during combing. You can also use the comb to evenly spread the conditioner through your strands.
Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots to minimise hair fall.
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