Monsoon Hair Fall: Why It Suddenly Increases This Season and How to Stop It Naturally

Around July of every year, there’s something rather peculiar that begins to happen in the Indian bathroom. More hair on the pillow. More hair in the shower drain. A comb that tugs out double the number of hair strands compared to April. Panic setting in? You’re definitely not alone because this problem, known as monsoon hair fall, is one of the most frequently faced issues among Indians. But despite this, very few understand the reasons behind it. Instead of rushing out to the pharmacy in a bid to get some costly shampoo or salon treatment, this guide explains the reasons for hair loss during monsoons, why it is experienced then, and ways to handle it with natural Ayurveda-based methods.

Hair loss during the monsoons is a very real condition, and it is supported by scientific research as well as the principles of Ayurveda. Dermatologists observe a 30 to 50 percent increase in patients who come to them complaining about hair loss during the monsoon months of July through September. It's easy to figure out why. There's an increase in humidity, there's an increase in the mixing of sweat with the oil on the scalp, faster growth of the fungi that cause dandruff because of warmth and moisture, and rainwater contains pollutants that harm the hair shaft.

From a scientific standpoint, three effects occur to your scalp during monsoon season. The first effect is that due to high humidity levels, hair becomes swollen and fragile. This means that your hair strands can easily break while combing and braiding. The second effect is that the pH level of your scalp is disturbed by acid rain and pollution, thus leading to weakened hair strands. The third effect is that your sweat is trapped due to the humidity and gives birth to Malassezia fungi, which cause dandruff and irritation on your scalp.

For ages now, even before dermatologists recognized monsoon hair fall, Ayurveda knew all about it. The classic literature defines monsoon as that period when Vata dosha is in excess while Pitta dosha is mildly increased. Both these factors influence hair directly. In rainy weather, due to reduced digestive power (Agni), there is less absorption of nutrition from the food, and since hair is among the last priority in the list of nourishment, it gets affected the most. Hence, Ayurvedic treatment of hair problems in monsoon involves two approaches simultaneously.

All hair that falls may not necessarily be a warning sign. Falling of 50-100 hairs a day is totally normal. Monsoon hair fall will, however, always manifest itself in certain patterns. These include: * Daily loss of more than 150 hair strands over two weeks * Thinning of hair at the top or sides of the head * Itching and flakiness of the scalp together with hair fall * Breakage of hair shaft rather than just hair fall * Over-production of oil or dryness of the scalp * Feeling sticky on the scalp after 24 hours of shampooing If all or any two of the above signs can be observed in oneself, then one has definitely gone beyond the realm of normal hair fall due to the monsoon season.

Oiling is by far the most potent practice for monsoon; however, it has to be done with the appropriate kind of oil. According to Ayurveda, application of warm and medicinal oils must be done during monsoon times in order to offset any imbalances caused by Vata and prevent inflammation. Two oil types can particularly help with monsoon issues. The presence of sulfur in onion oil helps boost hair protein as well as prevents scalp infections caused by moisture in monsoons. Bhringraj is referred to as the king of Ayurvedic herbs used for hair due to its effectiveness in preventing premature greying.

Yes, but the ingredient is more important than the name. There are contemporary hair serums with proven effects based on the use of ingredients like Procapil, Biochanin A, and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3. The mechanism of these substances works at three levels: an increase in blood supply to the scalp, inhibition of the action of hormones that make hair follicles smaller, and physical strengthening of the hair follicle attachment point. Unlike hair oils, Mintasense Plus Hair Growth serums are light and do not make the hair greasy, so they are very convenient to use during the monsoon when heavy oils cannot be used comfortably.

True, but what is more important is not the brand but the ingredients. Modern hair serums based on Procapil, Biochanin A, and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 are supported by scientific research. This trio of ingredients operates at three different levels. It improves blood circulation in the scalp, prevents the effects of DHT hormones responsible for the shrinking of hair follicles, and physically strengthens follicle anchoring. Unlike oils, serums are light and non-greasy and therefore perfectly suited for the humid monsoon season when greasy oils may be unpleasant. The product of Sehatokart's Mintasense Plus Hair Growth Serum with a 4.9 rating by 36 users is the product of choice.

Hair strength begins at the dinner table, and not necessarily on the scalp. Since the process of digestion slows down during the monsoons, try eating easily digestible foods along with foods rich in hair-friendly nutrients. You can take protein-rich foods such as moong dal, paneer and eggs. Take zinc- and biotin-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds, walnuts and curd rice. Also take seasonal fruits such as pomegranates and jamuns, which provide antioxidants. Stay away from oil-laden foods, sugars and cold drinks which further weaken digestion. If you lack appetite during monsoons, consider taking a multi-vitamin supplement from the vitamin-minerals page.

Apart from products and food, small daily actions will determine the fate of your monsoon hair fall. Here are some that need to become a part of your daily regime:

• Sleep for 7-8 hours a day - hair repair takes place at night.
• Massage your scalp with warm oil at least twice a week.
• De-stress yourself using basic pranayama or a walk for 10 minutes.
• Clean your comb once a week to avoid any bacterial growth.
• Change your pillowcase every three days when the weather is humid.
• Consume 3 liters of water despite lack of thirst.
• Cover your hair properly before going out in heavy rain.

These do not require anything from you, but combined will reduce your monsoon hair fall significantly in just one month.

The hair loss during monsoon gets corrected within eight to ten weeks of regular treatment. But sometimes, there is a need for a medical expert to handle it. You should visit a dermatologist or trichologist if you experience unexpected hair loss or balding, hair loss that persists for more than three months, increased scalp visibility through the hair, extreme sensitivity and pain of the scalp or a burning sensation, or unexpected hair loss along with symptoms such as tiredness, weight gain/loss, or hormonal changes. This could indicate thyroid disorder, iron deficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, or telogen effluvium. All of them are treatable conditions, but not with hair oil alone.

The hair loss during the monsoon can be terrifying due to its rapidness and visible impact, but it's actually one of the easiest seasonal issues to deal with if tackled right from the start. How? It is quite easy; you just have to improve the health of your scalp from the outside with the help of medicated Ayurvedic oils, protect your hair from getting damaged due to humidity and rainwater, nourish your body from inside with good nutrients, and be regular for around six to eight weeks. Forget about those costly salon sessions and chemical treatments. Believe in the goodness of natural substances like onion, bhringraj, Procapil-based serum, etc. Give your hair the monsoon-ready care it deserves — explore Sehatokart's Ayurvedic hair range today and take back control this rainy season.