RAINDROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAD

Tresses under stress this monsoon season? Detangle your problems with these simple hair care tips

The onset of monsoons is quite well predicted by the changing texture in hair that reacts quite ellingly to the rising humidity. Whether one’s hair s straight, curly or just wavy, what has been working hroughout the year tends to fail as soon as the rains arrive. “The scalp is affected by humidity and can become itchy and flaky in monsoons. During the rainy season, dandruff, eczema, lice and f ngal infections are common. ep your hair dry and do not p out with wet hair while ’s raining. Moreover, the llutants in rain water n cause shaft damage. , in case you get enched in the rain, nse your hair mmediately with a mild ampoo and nditioner,” says Dr yal Gala, matologist, Gala Skin Hair Clinic. r Mohan Thomas, metic surgeon, Cosmetic urgery Institute, elaborates on two of the most common hair problems one faces during the monsoon season— split ends and dandruff. He also talks about remedial measures to combat them.

SPLIT ENDS

The strength of hair and its susceptibility to split ends is directly related to diet, hormones, and vitamins or minerals. While this is primarily caused by thyroid deficiency, excessive use of hot styling tools such as irons, hot curlers, blow dryers, hot combs, etc and overuse of chemical treatments (relaxers, perms, hair colour, etc) can cause split ends.

Therefore, do not use hot irons or blow dryers regularly. Stay away from chemicals — whether it is colouring, perming or relaxing your hair.

Trim your hair at a leve above the split ends so that the splits do not extend. Follow doctor’s prescription if thyroid deficiency is detected.

DANDRUFF

Dandruff can be caused by a number of things including dry skin, sensitivity to hair products, and skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. The overgrowth of yeast can also cause dandruff.

Use anti-dandruff shampoos as non-medicated shampoos do not help. Shampoos that contain ketoconazole, salicylic acid sulphur and coal tar preparations are most effective.

As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure and so it is when it comes to hair care during the rains. One way is by ensuring optimum health of hair with the right kind of daily routine.

Rashi Bahel Mehra, hair and skincare expert, Alanna, suggests the following tips:

nCurly or wavy hair

As these hair types have uneven surface, a hydrating and moisturising shampoo, and a conditioner will smoothen and help lock the moisture. Use a wide-toothed comb in the shower to help distribute the conditioner venly. Rinse hair with cold ater. Also, use a oisturising and oftening home-made hair mask such as a mix of yogurt and honey.

Straight hair

t tends to become oily nd greasy in monsoon ue to excessive umidity in the air. The alp also tends to get lier which decreases its olume. It is best to use lightweight conditioners, which will give the right kind of nourishment. One must also apply a moisturelocking dry oil or serum to get rid of static-induced frizz while it is still wet.

Coily hair

This type is most prone to breakage because the bonds in it are slightly weaker at the “bend” points. It is best to oil this type of hair only once a week and use a sulphatefree shampoo as it will save it from breakage. Wash this type of hair only twice a week. Use a mild serum along with a conditioner. It is best to comb this hair when it is damp. It is also suggested to finger detangle it before combing.

With inputs from Dr Monica Jacob, dermatologist, Bodyz Wellness, Kejal Sheth, nutritionist, Nutrivity.in, Dr Kaleem Khan, dermatologist, Wockhardt Hospital and Dr Saurabh Shah, dermatologist, Bhatia Hospital

Avoid heat styling during the rainy season

Trimmin hair at a level above th split ends ensures that thesplits do not extend

Opt for natural hair colours such as henna instead of chemical dyes during monsoons

PHOTOS: ISTOCK; FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY Nuts such as almonds and walnuts help ensure stronger roots and shiny hair

Keep yourself well hydrated for a healthy scalp