Remember the episode of the popular American sitcom Friends where Monica's impeccable mane turns into a monstrous mass of frizz? Thanks to the rain!
Sure, her hair looked a bit exaggerated. But it definitely illustrates how the monsoon can wreak havoc on hair that you work so hard to keep well-groomed.
Limp locks, frizzy halos and even scalp infections can prove extremely troubling so be sure to take extra special care of your hair this season.
Here are a few tips to ensure that you never have a bad hair day this entire monsoon.
Beat the frizz
"Frizzy hair can be a real problem in the monsoon. The best way to beat it is to apply a good leave-in conditioner," says Nitasha Shukur, hairstylist and owner of Under The Treee at Tham Salon, Colaba, Mumbai.
Always use a good quality product. One of the best, which Nitasha recommends, is L'Oreal Liss Extreme Leave-in Conditioner (50 ml for Rs 500) .
How to use: Shampoo your hair, apply the leave-in conditioner and let it air-dry. Do not wash off.
Say no to hot hair treatments
A big no-no in the monsoon is harsh heat on your hair. According to Nitasha, "It's preferable to avoid treatments like straightening or perming during this season." Just put the hair-dryers away for the next three months!
Hairstyles get shorter
If you can't handle unruly locks, it's better to get a funky, short haircut this season. And those with curls can rejoice -- short styles are not restricted to those blessed with straight hair.
The hot trend of the moment is a short, asymmetrical bob with longer sides. It's easy to manage, low-maintenance, and works beautifully with curly hair as well.
Keep it clean
If it's raining you're bound to get wet no matter how big an umbrella you carry. "In such a situation," cautions Nitasha, "Wash your hair as soon as you get back home. Shampoo and condition it well to keep it clean."
Bottom line: If you get wet in the rain three days in a row, then that's three times that you absolutely must wash your hair, no exceptions. This keeps any potential scalp infections at bay.
Hair products
You can also use an anti-humidity hair gel to groom stubborn hair. Work a small amount through dry hair to settle it down. Once again, use a good quality product.
Top recommendations:
- L'Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art 'Fix Anti-Frizz' Anti-Humidity Spray (300 ml for Rs 800)
- John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum (24 ml for Rs 400)
- TIGI Bed Head 'Control Freak' Frizz Control Spray (250 ml for Rs 850)
Swap brushes for combs
Avoid brushing wet hair as it tends to break very easily. Towel dry hair after a wash and then, if you must, run a wide-toothed comb gently through your hair. Don't use a brush. Also, don't tie your hair up when it's wet. Let it dry completely first.
Home remedies
If commercial products are not your thing, you can concoct some hair care solutions from ingredients found in your kitchen at home itself. Here are two mixes that work well for your hair in the rains.
- Honey and olive oil mask
Mix two parts olive oil with one part honey in a cup. Warm slightly and then apply the mix evenly through your hair. Try and avoid the scalp as it tends to get oily in the rains. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash off with shampoo. This works to condition and repair your hair.
- Banana mash
Here's a quick, effective mask for your hair. Mash a banana, add a dash of olive oil if you like, and smooth over your hair. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then shampoo off with warm water. This works well in combating frizz in the monsoon.
Nourish your hair
Other tips for hair care are standard throughout the year: eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water.
The trick to taming your hair this monsoon is simple: a fuss-free haircut, regular shampooing and some of that leave-in conditioner. This will ensure that you're singing in the rain and definitely not courting the blues!
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