Dealing With Monsoon Frizz? We've Got Experts To Help You

The monsoon season is underway and as much as we love it, there is also no denying how the rains can play havoc on skin and hair. From watching a flawless make-up look almost melt thanks to the perpetual humidity to dealing with hair fall, it’s not uncommon to see a struggle with the appearance during this time of the year. When it comes to hair, one such issue that we face during this season is perpetually frizzy hair. Constant, intense, stubborn frizz that just won’t quit. The kind of roughness in texture that no amount of conditioning or sleeping on pillow cases can tame. 

If you’ve been in that predicament, and often winced at how your hair is emulating Hermione’s in the first Harry Potter film, you’re not alone. The excess moisture in the air during the season contributes significantly to the frizz of the hair and it’s a problem felt by people everywhere. Talking about this, Dr Chetna Chabbra, Clinical Lead at Clinikally, explains: “Dry or porous hair acts like a sponge, so it eagerly absorbs the excess moisture that’s present in the air. The influx of water molecules disrupts the hair’s weak hydrogen bonds and forces the outer layer of the hair strand (the cuticle) to swell and lift. This makes the hair strands expand and curl in irregular directions, resulting in the fuzzy, unruly texture we recognize as frizz.” 

Changes you can make to your hair care routine to tame frizz

Avoid heavy oils

For decades, the standard monsoon advice has been to pile on heavy oils and moisturising creams, but experts now warn against this approach. Adding such heavy products in an already humid environment can accelerate cuticle swelling and worsen frizz. Additionally, the damage isn’t just limited to your stands. “High humidity combined with heavy, occlusive oils creates a greenhouse effect on the scalp,” warns Dr. Chabbra. “To keep both your scalp healthy and your strands smooth, shift your routine’s focus from intense hydration to active protection and sealing,” she adds.

Wash your hair with cold water

The temperature of the water while washing your hair is a big contributing factor for frizz (or the lack thereof). Dermatologist Dr. Shachi Jain points out, “Washing hair with cold water or at least using it as the last rinse and then ending the routine with a good hair serum post shower, will lock your cuticles and keep them smooth.”

Switch to Anti-Humectants

For the unversed, anti-humectants are ingredients that repel moisture, thereby helping in preventing frizz. “In dry weather, humectants like glycerin are great for drawing moisture into the hair, but during the monsoon, you want to block atmospheric moisture using anti-humectants.” explains Dr Chabbra.

Dry your hair gently

Subjecting the hair to friction can also lead to frizz. We suggest switching to a microfiber towel or a cotton T-shirt to dry your hair. “Always ensure your hair is completely dry before stepping outside, as damp hair absorbs humidity unevenly and exacerbates frizz,” states Dr Chabbra. 

Always apply products on damp hair

Whether it’s skincare or haircare, it’s a well-known fact that applying products on damp skin/hair leads to better absorption. Use products like leave-in conditioners and serums on damp hair to lock in moisture better.

Don’t over wash your hair

Over-washing your hair strips the scalp of moisture, leaving it dry and frizzy. Limit washing your hair 2-3 times a week, with a sulphate-free shampoo.

Products to use during the monsoon

During the monsoon, it is important to go for hydrating products, so that the hair does not turn to atmospheric moisture for hydration, which in turn leads to frizz. But also note that while these products lock in moisture, leading to a frizz-free texture, no product will offer a permanent solution to frizz, cautions Dr Shachi. Therefore, it is important to stay consistent, and include frizz-control products in every hair care routine. Opt for products with ingredients like ceramides, polymers, silicone, keratin, proteins, and amino acids. Here are our top picks that you can invest in this season. 

Kérastase Gloss Absolu Anti-Frizz Glaze Oil Drops

Minimalist Frizz Control SPF 30 Hair Serum

OUAI Anti Frizz Creme 

Kiehl’s amino acid conditioner with jojoba oil

Cosrx peptide-132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Treatment