Quick answer: Hair loss becomes more noticeable during the monsoon season as excessive moisture, perspiration, wet hair, and a greasy and flaky scalp make hair weaker and cause irritation to the scalp. However, most of the hair loss that occurs due to the monsoon can be easily controlled with proper scalp maintenance and hair care. Hair loss that is profuse and itchy, along with patches of baldness, lasting two to three months, requires consultation with a dermatologist.
Why Chennai’s Monsoon Hits Your Hair Differently
For most places in India, the southwest monsoon season is the period during which the greatest rainfall takes place. However, Chennai is an exception to the rule; whereas the southwest monsoon season is relatively weak in Chennai, the rainfall that occurs during the northeast monsoon season from October to December is the greatest for the whole year.
Taking into account that Chennai has humid coastal weather conditions and the fact that the hair fall season in Chennai begins in the fourth quarter of the year, one can only imagine how uncomfortable it is for the scalp to feel wet throughout the day.
What Actually Causes Monsoon Hair Fall?
According to dermatologists, the factors responsible for monsoon hair fall include many different elements. These elements may include humidity, perspiration, oily scalp, wet hair, outbreaks of dandruff, and weak hair shafts.
1. Humidity and an oily scalp
High humidity in the monsoon results in increased sebum secretion. The excessive sebum combined with sweat and dirt leads to blockage of pores on the scalp. This results in limpness of hair and difficulty in managing it.
2. Dandruff and fungal infections
An always-wet scalp is the perfect breeding ground for yeasts and fungi. Excessive moisture in the scalp results in fungal infections, which cause weakening of hair roots and increased hair fall. This is followed by itching, resulting in hair breakage due to scratching.
3. Breakage, not just root shedding
Moisture makes hair fragile. It absorbs moisture from the environment that results in frizziness and breakage. The moisture needs time to evaporate from the hair. Most of the ‘excessive’ hair that falls on your comb during monsoons is actually broken hair and not hair that was shed from the roots.
4. Tying, covering, or combing wet hair
Using caps or hoodies on moist hair weakens the hair strands. Using tight buns and aggressive combing in wet hair also causes breakage.
5. The monsoon doesn’t create hair loss on its own
It is important to note this point here. Humidity, excessive oil, sweat, and infections in the scalp lead to increased shedding of hair, but the monsoon does not cause hair fall suddenly. In case you already have pattern baldness, thyroid problems, anaemia, or hair fall after some illness or stress, monsoon can simply make the problem more visible.
Many blogs have been attributing the problem to lack of sunlight and vitamin D. While it might have an effect in some cases of hair fall, reduced sunlight in monsoon should not automatically be attributed to hair fall. Take tests before consuming any supplements.
Is Monsoon Hair Fall Normal?
The average person sheds about 50-100 hairs a day, and this is perfectly normal. Shedding, which is slightly increased during the rainy season and ends in about a month, is generally not a problem.
But not all rainy season hair fall is because of the season. Loss of hair in patches, an infected scalp, itching, pus formation, excessive hair fall, widened parting, and hair fall that lasts more than two to three months need to be checked by a dermatologist.
How to Control Hair Fall During the Monsoon: A Practical Routine
Keep the scalp clean, not stripped.
Keep your hair clean by washing it with mild shampoo more frequently if your scalp is oily and sweats a lot. In case of dandruff problems, consult your dermatologist regarding an anti-dandruff shampoo rather than trying new shampoos yourself.
Dry your hair properly.
In case of getting wet by rain, rinse your hair with water after reaching home and dry it completely. Never go to bed with wet hair. Make sure to use soft cotton towels and gently pat rather than scrub your hair. If you use a dryer, use cool or medium settings.
Go easy on oiling
Excessive oiling of the scalp during humid weather may increase your problem of dandruff and greasiness. If you apply oil, do it in moderation and remove it after some time.
Comb gently
Allow your hair to dry out first before brushing, and use a wide-toothed comb.
Choose loose styles
Stay away from tight ponytails, buns, or helmets on wet hair. Allow your hair to dry out before making it into a style.
Support hair from the inside.
Have adequate intake of proteins, iron, fruits and vegetables, and water even in cold weather conditions. Stay away from extreme diets in this season.
Don’t start new treatments without advice.
Stay away from chemical processes such as dyeing and strong homemade remedies in case of a flare-up during monsoon.
When Should You See a Dermatologist in Mogappair?
If any of these are happening, schedule a consultation:
- Continuing hair fall after two to three months
- Formation of bald spots or widening of the parting line
- Itchy scalp; flaky, red, sore scalp; bumps on the scalp that have pus
- Excessive hair fall right after illness, surgery, childbirth, or extreme stress
- Tiredness, weight gain/loss, or menstrual problems with hair fall
The dermatologist will then assess your scalp condition and whether there is any infection present, and also advise you to take a blood test if required. They will then be able to provide you with the treatment depending on the real problem; for example, medicated shampoo, antifungal, nutritional treatment, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1:Why does hair fall more in the rainy season?
High humidity, sweating, and damp hair contribute to greasy hair, increasing the chances of dandruff and fungal infections. Wet hair becomes weaker and more likely to break, so you end up with more hair in your comb.
Q2:How long does monsoon hair fall last?
In most cases, mild hair fall during this season may improve after a few weeks since the climate and scalp will have settled. Hair fall that persists after two to three months requires medical attention.
Q3:Can rainwater cause hair fall?
The combination of polluted rainwater and hair that remains wet for an extended period might irritate your scalp and weaken the hair.
Q4:Should I oil my hair during the monsoon?
The application of light oils that wash off in a few hours will be suitable for most individuals. Heavy oiling at night may increase the problem of greasy skin and dandruff in the humid environment.
Q5:Is monsoon hair fall permanent?
Shedding hair is normally temporary, but if there is any hidden cause, like pattern hair loss and deficiencies in the monsoon season, then it should be treated properly.
Q6:Where can I get hair fall treatment in Mogappair West?
You can get hair fall consultation and treatment at AMPPA Skin & Hair Clinic, Mogappair West.
Worried About Hair Fall This Monsoon?
If your hair loss does not settle down, or your scalp is giving you itchy and flaky troubles, do not delay until the rains are over.
Please visit us at AMPPA Skin and Hair Clinic, Mogappair West, Chennai, for a scalp evaluation and a hair-specific treatment regimen.
[Book a Consultation] | Call [072004 00387]