It is pretty difficult to resist the urge to flaunt shiny, poker-straight hair gracefully running down the back. But monsoon may play spoilsport to your hairstyling plans. But fret not, we have your back. If you have been recently tempted to go through any of those harsh chemical treatments like permanent hair smoothening and other procedures and are now wondering if the damage is irreversible, worry not. We spoke to experts to get the best haircare tips for you to follow during this gloomy weather.
Are hairstyling treatments that bad?
If good quality products are used and the procedure is done right, normally there is no damage to the hair, agree most hairstylists. “What I personally do is sit down with the client and check for the porosity of the hair. The procedure should be done only if the hair is healthy. If a person is opting for a chemical treatment, she should be informed about the aftercare treatment. Compliance with the recommended aftercare will prevent damage to the hair. But if the person continues with normal shampoos and oils her hair regularly without going for frequent hair spas, there can be damage because she is basically destroying the rebonding we have done,” says Meryl-Joy Nash, a Pune-based hairdresser with around 30 years of experience.
Each chemical procedure comes with its own set of aftercare products. Preferably one should stick to the same brand’s shampoo, conditioner and serum. In that case, the procedure stays better and there is less damage. Normally what many people do is they first start with the branded ones and then shift to cheaper brands and that is when the damage comes in. Good aftercare is very important. If a person’s hair is already weak and the hairstylist over-processes her hair, that causes the damage. If a person who is a henna or organic colour user chooses to go for these rebonding treatments, of course they will face hair damage.
When these procedures are done, the hair becomes brittle and highly porous. It loses its elasticity. So the person undergoing such treatments must use suitable products to regain that elasticity. A moisturising or hydrating conditioner will be good for your hair. “Depending on the procedure the person has done to their hair, we decide on the hair spa. This weather brings a lot of frizz to the hair due to the humidity. So we recommend using hair serums before and after using heat appliances, in case of severely damaged hair. If the elasticity is not maintained and the person wants to repeat the procedure in a few months, the hair burns,” adds Meryl-Joy.
Prachi Jain, a haircare formulator from Rajasthan who runs a haircare brand called Skinzaar, said, “The hair, no matter the consistency, remains very weak and sensitive during the monsoon. So I would not endorse going through such treatments at this time of the year. But of course, there are a few remedies. Shampooing your hair opens up the pores. So use a hair mask that penetrates the hair shaft on a deeper level and helps lock moisture. That provides deep conditioning to the hair. As a thumb rule, use shampoos free of sulphate, paraben, alcohol and silicons, no matter the season.”
Hair essentials
Meryl-Joy stresses enhancing your vitamin consumption during monsoon. Go for salmon oil, omega, Vitamin C, Vitamin B 12 and zinc capsules for hair regrowth. Check your vitamin, iron and calcium levels. If these levels are low, there will be hairfall.
“When there is so much rain and humidity, your hair needs hydrating products and not moisturising ones. Use hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Using a serum is a must. Make sure you apply it at least two inches away from the scalp. And I also advise against towel-rubbing of hair. Just wrap the hair with a towel after washing your hair with conditioner and remove the towel after 10-15 minutes. I also recommend shampooing the hair even if the hair has only slightly been touched by a light drizzle. You should not go to sleep after getting your hair wet in the rains; that will give you fungal dandruff on your scalp. Massaging your hair with almond oil is best suitable for this weather because almond oil is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial,” says Meryl-Joy.
Nidhi Jindal, a dermatologist who also does hair consultation and treatment, does not recommend “hair-damaging treatments”. “Now if we anyway end up doing it, we have to take care of our hair at each and every step. We must use a mild, sulphate-free shampoo and a good conditioner thereafter because the hair has received a lot of chemicals already. You do not want to use a strong shampoo and further that damage. While using the conditioner, apply it to the shaft and never to the scalp”.
Sneha Bhattacharya, owner of Miss Maedelin, says, “One problem with this season is that the hair gets greasy very easily. So the best thing to do for your hair would be to go for water-based products for the hair roots and cream-based products for the rest of the hair. This will prevent any buildup on your scalp. When one is looking to buy natural hair-strengthening products, including hair tonics and hair creams, one must look for amla, bhringraj, fenugreek, aloe vera, hibiscus, etc. in the list of ingredients. Olive oil, sesame oil and butter will help nourish dry hair. After treatment, one can use products containing wheat protein, pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol), keratin protein etc.”
Tips to follow
Nidhi advises using a broad-tooth comb before hair wash. Once you have washed your hair, the thumb rule is to start at the bottom end and work your way up. First, smoothen out the ends by detangling the knots. Doing the other way round will end up damaging your hair. Comb your hair when it is partly wet and partly dry. If your hair is dry and entangled, use a good serum before combing your hair.
“Use a hair mask once a week to nourish your hair. Prepare the mask at home by making a smooth paste of yoghurt and coconut oil. Apply it to your hair thoroughly, both at the tip and the roots, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Another mask you can create and apply to your hair is raw banana mixed with olive oil. Apply it throughout the hair. You can wear a shower cap to retain the moisture and the heat produced inside. That will help nourish your hair. Wash off your hair using a sulphate-free shampoo and a good conditioner,” adds Nidhi.
Limit your use of heat tools like blow-dryers, be it cold air or hot air. Do not use hot water for hair wash. Use lukewarm or normal water. Avoid hard water. You can use bond protectors. Go for haircuts once in six weeks at least, especially if there are split ends.
Natural butter and olive oil-based cream can give the hair a very natural shine. For hair roots, one must go for extract base containing ingredients in water form. That will prevent buildup and dandruff. Anti-hair fall and hair growth tonics can be used daily. It is also important to make sure the hair tools and the towel are clean. And one should not keep one’s hair roots wet all the time in this weather.
Use wide-tooth wooden combs with soft bristles to avoid hair fall. Sharp bristles promote hair fall. Massing the scalp with lukewarm oil is very important at least once a week. “At least 60g of protein consumption a day is also good and reduces hair fall. Have plenty of legumes, millet, lentils, greens, sprouts, etc. Avoid petroleum and mineral-oil-based products. They claim to be anti-frizz but they do quite the opposite. Use lightweight oils instead. The idea is not to make the hair heavy or sticky. Use a scarf while travelling. Protect the scalp at any cost. You can use satin-based crunchies or pillows. Cotton opens up hair pores. So it is better avoided. It is important to increase the intake of Vitamin D to prevent hair fall,” says Prachi.
Protection of hair at night
Comb your hair before going to bed. Try and minimise the friction of hair with the pillow. “Contrary to popular notion that cotton is good, it can actually lead to more hairfall when there is friction with hair. Use a satin or silk pillow cover,” says Nidhi.