Dermatologist reveals why hair fall worsens in the rainy season and natural ways to stop it

Rain, humidity and pollution can weaken your hair during monsoon—but small lifestyle tweaks and natural remedies can keep it healthy (Image: Pexels)

The monsoon season brings along not only joy and relief but also an increase in hair fall and if you are someone who has noticed more strands on your comb or in the shower during this season then you’re not alone. According to experts, dampness in the weather can weaken hair roots, making them fragile and prone to breakage.

One can also blame poor eating habits and inconsistent hair care routines that further aggravates the issue, putting your hair at greater risk. However, with a few preventive steps and natural remedies, one can control monsoon-related hair fall.

Also Read: Monsoon hair fall and scalp issues: 5 myths you believe and the facts you must know

Dr Rakhi Awasthi, a Mumbai-based dermatologist and trichologist, says that hair fall during the monsoon is very common and one need not to worry about that. “Rainwater often contains dirt and pollutants, which can accumulate on the scalp and damage hair health. High humidity also increases the risk of fungal growth and scalp infections, both of which contribute to hair thinning.”

Awasthi suggests reasons behind hair fall and steps to follow to have healthy hair in the monsoon:

High Humidity Weakens Follicles

Why it occurs: Constant exposure to moisture leaves your scalp damp, weakening hair follicles.

Remedy: Use aloe vera gel on your scalp once a week. Aloe vera will absorb moisture and help strengthen roots naturally.

Rainwater Pollution

Why it occurs: Rainwater can contain pollution in the city that can irritate the scalp and damage the hair shaft.

Remedy: If rainwater gets in your hair, rinse it off with clean water right away. Wash your hair with a neem infused herbal shampoo to cleanse the scalp.

Fungal Infections

Why it occurs: You are breeding fungi when your scalp is moist, especially if your hair is wet for an extended period of time.

Remedy: Apply a mixture of coconut oil and a few drops of tea tree oil twice a week. Coconut oil and tea tree oil both have fungal killing properties.

Sweat and Dirt Accumulation

Why it occurs: Sweat collects environmental contaminants that can clog up the pores in the scalp, creating further hair loss.

Remedy: Clean your hair 2–3 times a week using a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo, and rinse with diluted apple cider vinegar to help clean your scalp.

Reduced Sunlight and Vitamin D

Why it occurs: When you're outside even less when it's cooler, your vitamin D levels may go down affecting overall hair strength and growth.

Remedy: Foods containing vitamin D like eggs and mushrooms, or being in the sunlight for morning time for 10–15 seconds will boost your vitamin D.

Also Read: Hair expert Jawed Habib shares fool proof way of curing hair fall; says, “No one’s hair should break before 50”

Poor Monsoon Diet

Why it occurs: We typically eat more oil and fried foods when dealing with rain, missing out on essential nutrients.

Remedy: You can include foods rich in zinc like nuts, iron like lentils and amla (Indian Gooseberries) and eat spinach cultivated in the time of rain, to nourish your hair from the inside.

Washing Hair Too Frequently or Not Frequently Enough

Why it occurs: You over wash your hair and strip it of natural oils, or you don’t wash your hair frequently enough to get rid of sweat and grime.

Remedy: A reasonable routine would be washing your hair every 2 to 3 days or more, and using herbal hair packs, like hibiscus or methi seeds, on those off days.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.