5 Common Hair Care Mistakes That Can Damage Your Hair During Monsoon And Humid Weather

Monsoon Hair Care Mistakes:  Monsoon brings relief from the scorching summer heat but also comes along with hair fall due to hair and scalp problems. Humidity, sweat, excess oil, and exposure to rainwater can weaken hair, making it more vulnerable to frizz, dandruff, fungal infections, and excessive hair fall. Here is a list of 5 common hair care mistakes during monsoon season that can greatly impact your hair health.

According to Dr Shitij Goel, Senior Consultant, Dermatology, ShardaCare-Healthcity, "The humidity of the monsoon creates an environment where the scalp becomes oily and sweaty, increasing the risk of dandruff, fungal infections and hair fall. It is important to follow the correct hair care routine during this season to keep the scalp and hair healthy.”

Common Hair Care Mistakes To Avoid During Monsoon

1. Tying Wet Hair

One of the biggest mistakes people make is to tie up their hair right after washing it or getting caught in the rain. Wet hair is fragile and breaks easily. Plus, trapped moisture on the scalp encourages fungal growth. Always let your hair dry before tying it.

Monsoon Hairfall (Image Credits: Canva)

2. Washing Your Hair Too Frequently

Many people wash their hair daily to remove the sticky feeling caused by humidity. But overdoing anything leads to damage. Regular washing might strip the scalp of its natural oils, leaving hair dry, brittle and more vulnerable to damage. Depending on your scalp type and activity level, shampoo two to three times a week with a mild shampoo.

Don't Wash Your Hair Too Frequently (Canva) 

3. Heat Drying

Frequent use of hair dryers at high temperatures can damage the hair cuticle, leading to dryness, split ends, and increased hair fall. Air-dry your hair whenever possible or use a hair dryer on a lower setting.

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4. Letting The Rainwater Remain On Your Hair

Rainwater is typically loaded with dust, pollutants and environmental contaminants. Leaving it on the scalp for extended periods of time can irritate the skin and increase the risk of fungal and bacterial infections. Always rinse your hair with clean water after getting drenched in the rain and dry it gently.

5. Overuse Of Hair Oil

While oiling is good for hair nourishment, the application of large quantities of oil in humid weather may cause dirt to stick to the scalp and trap sweat, which causes worse effects like dandruff and itching. A light oiling before washing your hair is sufficient.

Mindful Hair Oiling (Image Credit: Canva)

Tips To Maintain Healthy Hair This Monsoon

• Wash your hair with a mild shampoo 2-3 times a week.
• When you get home from being out in the rain, rinse your hair off.
• Keep your scalp clean and dry.
• Use a wide-toothed comb to minimise breakage of the hair.
• Do not share combs or towels to avoid scalp infections.
• Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of protein, iron, zinc and biotin and be well hydrated.

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When To See A Doctor?

Don’t ignore persistent hair loss, severe dandruff, constant scalp itching, redness or flaky patches. These symptoms could be a sign of an underlying scalp condition requiring medical attention.

According to Dr Shitij Goel, “Normal hair fall is about 50 to 100 strands a day; if you notice excessive hair fall with an itchy scalp or persistent dandruff, then you should check with a dermatologist. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage to the hair.”

Lastly, monsoon weather calls for a change in your hair care routine. Avoid wet hairstyles, keep your scalp clean, use mild hair products and eat a nutritious diet. Simple habits can make a lot of difference for your hair health. You can enjoy the rainy season without compromising the health and strength of your hair by avoiding the above-mentioned common hair mistakes this rainy season.