Hair fall rescue: How to protect your hair before the monsoon starts

The arrival of the monsoon brings much-needed relief from the scorching summer, but it also brings high humidity, sticky scalp, and an increase in hair fall. If you’ve noticed your hair shedding more than usual during this time, you're not alone. The pre-monsoon transition is a critical period to strengthen your hair and protect it from the harsh effects of rain, dampness, and pollution. Here's how you can get ahead of the season and rescue your hair before the monsoon hits.

Also Read: DIY hair masks for dry and frizzy hair: Natural solutions for silky, smooth strands

Why Hair Fall Increases During Pre-Monsoon

Before we jump into solutions, it’s important to understand why hair fall spikes before and during monsoon:

Humidity weakens hair roots

Excess moisture in the air opens up the hair cuticles, making strands frizzy, brittle, and prone to breakage.

Scalp infections

Sweaty scalps can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, leading to dandruff, itchiness, and hair fall.

Sweat and buildup

With increased sweating and pollution, the scalp can get clogged with oil, dead skin, and product residue—weakening follicles over time.

Pre-Monsoon Hair Fall Rescue Tips

1. Switch to a Mild, Anti-Fungal Shampoo: Look for shampoos that contain ketoconazole, tea tree oil, or neem. These ingredients prevent scalp infections and keep dandruff at bay. Wash your hair 2-3 times a week to keep your scalp clean and fresh.

2. Avoid Heavy Hair Oils: While oiling is important, switch to light oils like coconut, jojoba, or argan oil. Apply only to the lengths or lightly massage your scalp before a wash. Heavy oils can trap moisture and make the scalp greasy.

3. Rinse with Neem or Green Tea: A final rinse with neem-infused water or green tea can act as a natural anti-bacterial treatment. It soothes the scalp, reduces itching, and keeps fungal growth in check.

4. Don’t Skip Conditioning: Humidity can strip your hair of essential moisture. Use a silicone-free conditioner after every wash to lock in hydration and prevent frizz and breakage.

5. Avoid Heat Styling: As tempting as it is to tame frizz with heat, avoid using straighteners or curlers. The extra heat damages already fragile hair. Instead, go for air-drying and gentle detangling with a wide-toothed comb.

6. Tie Hair Loosely: Tight ponytails or buns in humid weather trap sweat and weaken hair roots. Let your hair breathe with loose braids or open styles when indoors.

7. Eat Hair-Healthy Foods: Include more protein-rich foods like eggs, nuts, spinach, and legumes. Also, drink plenty of water to flush out toxins that might affect your scalp and hair.

8. Trim Split Ends: Humidity exaggerates split ends and flyaways. A quick trim before the monsoon will help your hair look healthier and reduce unnecessary breakage.

DIY Pre-Monsoon Hair Pack

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp aloe vera gel

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

• 1 tbsp honey

• A few drops of tea tree oil (optional)

How to Use:

Mix all ingredients and apply to your scalp and hair lengths. Leave on for 30 minutes and rinse off with a mild shampoo. This pack soothes the scalp and nourishes hair without weighing it down.

Also Read: 4 natural morning remedies to help manage diabetes and blood pressure

The key to managing pre-monsoon hair fall is to stay consistent with your routine and avoid over-styling or over-washing. A little prep now will go a long way in ensuring your hair stays strong, smooth, and resilient through the rains. Start today—and let your hair shine, rain or shine!