Adopt the Ayurvedic approach: Ayurveda believes that hair derives its nourishment from Asthi Dhatu i.e. bones, and healthy bones ensure healthy hair, informs Rajni Ohri, founder of an Ayurveda firm. To tackle hair fall, she recommends a diet rich in calcium, iron, Vitamin C, E, and B12. “The Ayurvedic approach is very holistic,” explains Ohri as she adds, “People with fine, soft and thin hair usually have a Pitta constitution so, oils to prevent hair fall must be cooling and nourishing like cold-pressed coconut oil. People with Vata dosha usually have coarse, brittle hair that breaks due to excessive dryness. This can be nourished with cold-pressed sesame oil. Those with Kapha dosha usually have thick, wavy hair that is prone to dandruff. They can use Neem and Karanj-based natural oils to nourish the scalp and further strengthen roots.”
Most experts advise you to ditch the chemicals and go for natural shampoos and conditioners that should be applied from root to tip. Beauty expert and co-founder of a natural brand, Simrita Singh, vouches for scalp massage with chemical-free oil and essential oils that can promote hair re-growth. “Essential oils are nature’s medicine and should be used carefully or in a readymade blended hair formulation. Rosemary and peppermint essential oils are amazing. However, people with high blood pressure should not use rosemary,” she cautions. “Brush your hair every morning with a naturally bristled brush, which can stimulate your hair follicles. Take high-quality multi-vitamin with anti-oxidants and omega 3s in the form of fish or flaxseed oil, and at least two 500 mg capsules of borage or evening primrose oil,” Simrita suggests.
Choose the right oil: Regardless of the season, the hair strands and roots always need their dose of oil nourishment. Natural oils are best to pamper the roots of your hair as they boost the moisture, revitalise dry strands and offer deep conditioning too. Supriya Arora Malik, founder of a brands, recommends plant-based pure cold-pressed oils but adds a word of warning, “Oiling your hair on a dirty scalp is the worst thing you can do to your hair. It only adds to the damage rather than benefiting the hair. Use the oils on a clean scalp the day you shampoo your hair, let it sit for two-three hours and then wash your hair the same day.”
She too recommends options depending on your hair type. “Argan oil protects hair against damage from UV rays and heat. It is ideal for dry, brittle, frizzy or coarse hair that is frequently styled and exposed to heat. Jojoba oil moisturises hair, prevents dandruff and dry scalp and makes hair soft and shiny. It is ideal for dry, damaged or dull hair and those with dandruff and dry scalp issues.
Grapeseed oil moisturises and conditions hair. It is helpful in fighting dandruff and reduces scalp inflammation in those who suffer from dermatitis. In addition, it blocks the production of DHT, a hormone that causes hair loss.
An excellent anti-bacterial oil that prevents dandruff is that of Neem, which prevents dehydration-induced frizz, breakage and split ends. The advent of the monsoon also sees lice breakouts in children, which can be prevented by using Neem oil too. Essential oils such as Lavender also contain antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which prevent a dry and itchy scalp. Apart from these, Geranium oil, Onion Seed oil and Clay Sage oil work excellent for hair during monsoons and all year round,” informs Supriya.
Choose the right hair products: If your scalp is extremely oily, chances are that your scalp may be producing excessive sebum because it is extremely dry and dehydrated. Cheat your scalp by providing it the nourishment it requires, using oils and scalp conditioners.
Beauty expert Sukoon Rajani, suggests, “Oil your hair but massage gently to avoid breakage. Shampoo your hair two-three times a week to keep your sticky and sweaty scalp healthy and wash off the rainwater that is loaded with pollutants. Accessorise with a scarf or hairband to protect your hair from losing excessive moisture.”
Be careful about the hairstyle that you choose during the monsoon season as it would have an impact on the health of the hair. One has to choose a very sensible hairstyle and it is always better to choose one which can bounce back into its original place easily after it gets wet.
Hair expert Dr Apoorva Shah, recommends a simple head oil massage of 10 minutes for active circulation in the scalp and advises against using too many hair products at this time of the year.
“The high level of humidity in the atmosphere can make your hair go limp. Therefore, avoid hairstyles which require your hair to be straightened, crimped or curled,” she adds.
Stay away from gels and sprays as much as possible, as they will make your hair and scalp sticky and oily and lead to dandruff. Make sure that your hair stays dry and use a towel as and when needed. Allowing your hair to remain wet for a long time can be damaging to it,” sums up Dr Apoorva.
