Monsoon hair fall is real and the culprit might be your scalp

First come the clouds, then comes the hair fall. You find it on your pillow, in your brush or coiled around your bathroom drain. Monsoon hair fall isn’t just seasonal drama: it’s biology, scalp science and sometimes, neglect. Rainwater dries on your roots, sebum gets trapped under sweat and your scalp turns into a damp buffet for fungal growth.

The good news is that it’s rarely permanent. The better news is that it doesn’t require a 12-step routine but a shift in how you care for your scalp when there's high humidity.

Why monsoon hair fall happens in the first place

Monsoon hair fall can be a byproduct of humidity, inflammation and a disrupted scalp microbiome. “High humidity traps sweat and sebum, disrupting the scalp’s microbiome and encouraging overgrowth of Malassezia fungi and certain bacteria,” a dermatologist tells Vogue India. “This leads to itching, inflammation and flaking. Think of your scalp in the monsoon as a tropical greenhouse—warm, damp and perfect for fungal overgrowth.”

And it’s not just seasonal chaos. A celebrity skin expert  explains, your scalp is “a mini-ecosystem”—home to nearly 1,00,000 follicles and vulnerable to build-up from natural oils, sweat and product residue. “It’s important to treat the scalp like you’d treat your face.” Skipping too many wash days or letting rainwater dry on your scalp only worsens this imbalance.

How to reduce hair fall during the monsoon season

Clarify, don’t strip

Use a gentle exfoliating or clarifying shampoo once a week to dislodge build-up. Avoid harsh surfactants, but look for scalp-focused ingredients like salicylic acid, piroctone olamine or tea tree oil to counter fungal overgrowth.

Don’t let rainwater sit

Rainwater is often acidic and full of pollutants. Letting it dry on the scalp without rinsing can worsen flaking, itching and breakage. “Careful drying after every wash and avoiding rainwater on the scalp” are key steps, says a Dr.

Keep conditioners off your roots

This should be the rule, regardless of the season. Apply conditioner only to mid-lengths and ends, and rinse thoroughly. If you have finer hair, a lightweight conditioner is enough. Skip leave-ins and heavy oils that weigh the scalp down or clog follicles.

Avoid wet-hair brushing (unless necessary)

Hair absorbs moisture, which causes it to swell and more prone to breakage. Avoid brushing your hair when it's wet. For people with curly hair, a wet-brushing is often a part of their CGM routine. Be as gentle as you can.

Reframe your relationship with oiling

Dr Prachi Bodkhe, dermatologist at Envi Aesthetics, says, “Heavy, sticky oils like castor oil, mineral oil or thick unprocessed coconut oil should be avoided, as they can trap sweat and dirt, making the scalp a breeding ground for yeasts, other fungal flare-ups and hair follicle infections. Avoid overly fragranced oils as they may irritate an already sensitive scalp.”

If you’re prone to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, skip oiling altogether.

You may think that you're shedding like a German Shepherd, but stress will make the situation worse. Focus on scalp-first care, and if you're losing an immense amount of hair for a long period of time, a trip to the doctor is worth it.

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for food, medicines, exercises and so on.   

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The Next Time You Put Sunscreen, Don’t Forget These Spots

Spending time outside in the sun is great for your mental and physical health. Health experts say that soaking in the sun outdoors doesn’t just get you a good dose of vitamin D, it also helps reduce stress and keeps you physically active. 

As summer hits its peak, many of us will be heading out a little more to spend some time in the sun, albeit with precautions because of the pandemic. 

 

Now, we don't need to remind you to apply sunscreen lotion on your body during the summer season to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Sunscreens are great. They filter or screen the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays and prevent sunburn and even skin cancer. The sun’s UV rays are the major cause of skin cancer and doctors say that sunscreens are a terrific tool to decrease your risk of skin cancers and skin pre-cancers. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that daily use of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing certain types of skin cancers by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent. They can also help prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun.

However, while you may be slathering your skin with sunscreen, are you sure you are protecting all the critical parts of your body? Usually, we tend to apply sunscreen lotion on our face, hands, arms, legs, and chest. But dermatologists say that there are some common portions on our bodies that many people forget to apply sunscreen to. Let’s take a look at some of them. 

 

1. Ears 

Research has shown that skin cancer can occur in any part of the ear. This includes the middle part (also known as the conchal bowl), which is reasonably protected from the sun. Precancerous abrasions too are commonly found in this area. So even if you are wearing a hat or a baseball cap while being out in the sun, your ears might be exposed. Make sure to thoroughly cover the top, back, and middle parts of the ears with sunscreen. This is particularly essential for people with shorter hair as their ears have higher chances of being exposed to the sun. 

 

2. Eyelids 

Dermatologists say that eyelids are possibly the most overlooked when it comes to sun protection. It’s estimated that almost 3% of all skin cancers develop here. You can, of course, protect your eyelids in summer by wearing sunglasses. But what if you forgot them? Or what if you fall asleep on the beach without them? That can be dangerous as your eyelids can get severely burned. Experts recommend getting an ophthalmologist-approved SPF 30 lotion and applying it gently on this delicate area. 

 

3. The tops of your feet

While the soles of our feet are protected against the sun’s ultraviolet light with a thick layer of dead skin cells, the top part tends to be highly exposed during the summer season as many of us prefer to wear sandals, flip flops, or skin-bearing footwear when out instead of shoes. And that’s one part that often gets neglected when we are putting on sunscreen. So if you don’t want to have a nasty red and painful sunburn on the top of your feet, or get some ugly sandal or shoe pattern marks there, always cover the area properly with sunscreen. 

 

4. Scalp 

Your hair does provide a bit of protection from UV rays, but you still need to be extra careful. Particularly if you have thinning hair or are bald. Getting a sunburn on your head can be quite painful and annoying as the scalp begins to peel and it looks like you have a horrible case of dandruff. It’s hence better to protect yourself by spraying some sunscreen on the top of your head whenever you plan on being outside for a long time. Sure, it might make your hair a little greasy and goopy, but at least you will have that extra layer of protection. You can wear a hat, of course, but not everyone is comfortable with that. 

 

Dermatologists recommend a gel-based sunscreen to more effectively cover and protect this area.

5. Around the eyes and the lips

 

Apart from protecting your eyelids with sunscreen, it’s equally important to apply the lotion around the eyes and lips. These are vulnerable areas and are often neglected while applying sunscreen as people usually focus on the cheeks, the nose, and the forehead. But this often leads to cases of fine and ugly lines around the eyes and the lips in many people after their day out in the sun. 

 

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the majority of lip cancers appear on the lower lip, and the leading risk factor for it is UV radiation from the sun. Lip balms with SPF protection should help. Or simply coat your lips finely with a good sunscreen. 

 

6. The lower leg 

The lower part of the leg doesn't sunburn frequently and that’s why it’s usually the last area that people put sunscreen on or just neglect it. However, doctors report that a very high rate of skin cancer occurs in the lower leg. This happens because it tends to get exposed with shorts and skirts. While rubbing sunscreen on your lower legs, be sure to also cover the back of your knees as that’s another tender spot that’s commonly forgotten. 

 

7. Around the armpits 

Another place that’s usually overlooked while wearing sunscreen is the armpits. The folds of skin on the shoulder and arm area surrounding the armpits are also often forgotten during sunscreen application. But getting a sunburn there would be a super painful experience as you wouldn’t be able to even move your hands around comfortably. Even if you do apply the lotion to your armpits and underarms, it can wear off in the summer because of sweating. So remember to keep applying sunscreen to these areas throughout the day. 

 

 

Bottom Line:

Skin cancers can occur anywhere. Even in the areas that don’t get sun. So never forget to put a thick layer of sunscreen on all exposed skin whenever you head out on a hot summer day. If you are outside for a long time, then it’s important to reapply the lotion about every two hours. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Also, make sure you check the sunscreen’s expiration date before using it. 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Dangerous side effects of colouring your hair frequently

Changing your hair colour can be an exciting way to refresh  ..

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Changing your hair colour can be an exciting way to refresh your look and express your personality. However, frequently colouring your hair comes with risks that can impact your hair health, scalp condition and even your overall well-being. While occasional hair colouring may not cause severe harm, excessive use of chemical-laden dyes can have long term consequences. Here’s a deep dive into the dangerous side effects of frequently colouring your hair regularly.

Hair damage and breakage

One of the most immediate effects of frequent hair colouring is serious hair damage. Hair dyes contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide, which strip the natural oils from your hair. Over time, this weakens the hair shaft, making it brittle, dry and prone to excess breakage.

Frequent bleaching and colouring also degrade the hair’s protein structure, leading to split ends and excessive hair fall.

Scalp irritation and allergic reactions

Chemical hair dyes can cause scalp irritation, redness, itching, and even severe allergic reactions in some people. Ingredients like paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a common component in permanent dyes, can trigger contact dermatitis.

If you frequently colour your hair and notice persistent itching or rashes, it could be a sign that your scalp is frequenting negatively to the chemicals present in the colour. In extreme cases, these allergic reactions can lead to swelling and painful blisters and other problems.

Increased hair thinning and hair loss

Excessive use of hair dyes on a regular basis can weaken the hair roots and cause thinning over time. The harsh chemicals used in the dyeing process strip the scalp of essential nutrients and oils, leading to a weakened hair structure. Frequent exposure to ammonia-based dyes can disrupt the scalp’s natural balance, making hair more vulnerable to shedding. Over time, this can contribute to a significant amount of hair loss and reduced hir density.

Altered hair texture

If you’ve been dyeing your hair frequently, you may notice that your hair no longer feels the same. Hait that was once soft and manageable may become rough, frizzy and difficult to style. The repeated use of harsh dyes can permanently alter the hair cuticle, leaving your strands dull, porous, lifeless and unmanageable,

Risk of long-term health issues

Several studies have raised concerns about the potential link between frequent hair dye use and serious health conditions. Some hair dyes contain carcinogenic compounds that have been associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly bladder and breast cancer. Additionally, repeated exposure to these chemicals can cause hormonal imbalances and disrupt the body’s endocrine system. While the research os ongoing, it is advisable to be mindful of the potential long-term risks of colouring your hair.

Dry and lifeless hair

Colour-treated hair requires care and hydration to maintain is health. Unfortunately, frequent exposure to hair dyes often leads to excessive dryness, making your hair look dull and lifeless. The natural moisture balance of the hair is disrupted, and without proper conditioning treatments, hair can become prone to frizz and lackluster appearance.

Potential eye and skin damage

If hair dye comes into contact with your eyes or skin, it can cause serious irritation. Accidental spills can lead to eye redness, swelling, and even chemical burns in severe cases. Prolonged exposure to hair dye on the skin can result in pigmentation issues, rashes, or burns, making it essential to handle these products with absolute care.

Environmental concerns

The impact of hair dye isn’t just limited to personal health; it also affects the environment. Many chemical dyes contain harmful substances that contribute to water pollution when washed down the drain. The disposal of these chemical-laden products contributes to environmental degradation, affecting marine life and water quality.

How to minimize risks

While it’s best to limit hair colouring, here are some tips to minimise damage if you choose to dye your hair frequently:

Use ammonia-free and natural dyes: opt for herbal or ammonia-free dyes to reduce chemical exposure. Henna and vegetable-based dyes are gentler alternatives.

Limit colouring frequency: Avoid dyeing your hair too frequently; try to stretch out the time between colour applications.

Invest in hair care: Use deep-conditioning treatments, hair masks, and leave -in conditioners to keep your hair hydrated, happy and healthy.

Perform a patch test: Before applying any new hair dye, conduct a patch test to check for allergic reactions.

Protect your hair: Reduce heat styling and excessive sun exposure to prevent further damage to colour-treated hair,

Consult a professional: If you frequently dye your hair, consider visiting a professional hair stylist who can recommend the safest products and techniques.

Here’s how to protect your skin and hair from harsh Holi colours

While colouring your hair is a fun and creative way to express yourself, it’s important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with frequent use of chemical dyes. Understanding the dangers and taking the necessary precautions can help maintain both hour hair’s health and overall well-being. If you notice signs of any damage, it may be time to give your hair a break and switch to safer alternatives. After all, healthy hair is always in fashion !

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs