Monsoons may bring life to the parched earth, but often the hair pays the price. With the coming of the monsoons, most Indians experience a reviving assault on their population violent fall of hair. With increased humidity comes excess oil on the scalp and dandruff, and fungal growth that weakens the hair follicles and makes hair prone to breaking. Ayurveda, following a holistic and seasonal approach, provides natural and effective remedies to keep your hair strong and shiny in this humid ambience.
Why Slight Hair Fall During Monsoon
Based on Ayurvedic wisdom and clinical observations, the month of monsoon disturbs the Kapha and Vata doshas, rendering weak hair roots and clarity of the scalp. Higher humidity tends to hold dirt and develop fungus and could strip off the natural oils from the scalp, rendering it dry and weak. Rainwater is, many a time, acidic or polluted, which exerts irritation on the hair roots by stripping off their protective oils.
Ayurvedic Solutions: Expert Practices and Evidence
- Medicated Oil Massage (Shirobhyanga and Abhyanga)
Warm massage using oils applied to the scalp is the most important treatment for healthy hair: it improves blood circulation to the scalp, nourishes hair follicles, and cures fungal infections. Medicated oil has exhibited high benefits in improving hair texture and reducing dandruff and itching, while hair fall was less when compared to plain coconut oil over 40 days
- Herbal Cleansers and Masks
As per Ayurveda, mild cleansing is only required two or three times a week, with herbal options provided to do so. These herbs include Shikakai, Reetha, Fenugreek, Hibiscus, Triphala, or rinses of Neem or Amla. A study found that, during the monsoon, adhering to the 'Minus-One Rule' (waiting one extra day between washes) decreased perceived hair fall for 76% of the participants.
- Internal Nourishment and Lifestyle
Ayurveda emphasises the improvement of digestion (Agni) and balancing of Doshas through a diet rich in iron, zinc, biotin, vitamins A-K, soaked almonds, sesame seeds, ghee, and light meals such as khichdi. Herbal teas with Brahmi, Triphala, Yashtimadhu, as well as foods that support Ras Dhatu, are crucial for nourishment of hair.
- Jadi-Bootis & Oils for Hair Strength
A plethora of traditional herbs include Bhringraj (King of Hair), Amla, Brahmi, Neem, and Jatamansi in serious regard for the promotion of follicle stimulation, dandruff management, nourishment to the roots, and thicker and darker hair strands. Oils-wise, rosemary, castor, and onion oils are worlds apart in their effect; indeed, some studies favour rosemary oil over minoxidil, though blended formulations tend to provide maximum power.
I woke up like this. Dealing with this frizz is a daily struggle, but I'm owning it.
Studies reveal that subjects consuming the supplement showed marked improvements after 90 days in the reduction of hair fall with an increase in hair growth. The gummies combine multivitamins of A, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D2, and E, with biotin, selenium, zinc, iodine, choline, inositol, and amla extract, all reputed in Ayurveda for hair care. Checking and adjusting levels of Vitamin D, Iron, Zinc, Biotin(B7), Folate(B9), Vitamin E, and Vitamin C may considerably enhance hair density within three months.
Conclusion
Hair fall is a hassle that may feel inevitable during Monsoons; yet, Ayurveda can save the day with some clever traditional remedies. Herbal oils, along with a nutrient-rich diet and supplements, warrant restoration of a balanced scalp with life. Meanwhile, gummies are a palate-friendly, yet efficient emergency treatment to stave off deficiency, especially with clinical backing. Remember that monsoon-proof hair is all about balancing nourishment from within and without.
Inputs by Dr Sujit Paul, Spokesperson, Group CEO, Davaindia
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