Crowning glory

Damp weather can play havoc with your hair. Here’s how you can get shiny locks before you dash off to college

The monsoons are a difficult time for hair. Srivani, final-year student of engineering in Hyderabad, used to dread the season because she lost so much hair. That is not the only hair problem the monsoons bring. “Rainy and damp weather can play havoc with our hair,” says Sukanya Kumari, a hair stylist trained at Toni & Guy, Singapore, and owner of Hilights Skin and Hair Salon. “They can lead to oiliness, dry hair, dandruff, itching or redness (from fungal infection), hair loss, dull hair and sensitivity of scalp.” The first step to beautiful hair is a clean and healthy scalp. Sukanya says that deep cleansing and exfoliation is vital, especially during the monsoon months.

Agrees Mamta V. “I shampoo once every two days and oil my hair a couple of hours before shampooing,” she says. However, Praveena Reddy, a student of University College of Law- Osmania Univesity, recommends a hot oil massage at bedtime. She applies a mix of coconut oil and almond oil and massages her scalp for 10-15 minutes with light strokes. “For soft hair, apply curds, lemon juice and neem juice. Leave it on forty minutes and wash off,” says Praveena. The lemon juice and curd help keep dandruff at bay.

Sukanya advises a paste of methi seeds soaked overnight mixed with curds (rinse after 20 minutes), lemon juice diluted with water and camphor mixed with coconut oil as remedies to fight dandruff. Mamta advises using a mixture of almond oil and lemon juice to keep off dandruff. The pack that she swears by is a blend of henna paste and neem powder that she applies once a month. “This helps prevent scalp infection, which can occur during the humid season. The pack works against dandruff and also conditions the hair,” she adds.

Praveena's favourite conditioner is a mixture of honey and warm olive oil. Vinegar mixed with warm water and flat beer is also a good conditioner.

Sabia Begum, who is doing MBA in HR from Osmania Univesity, is proud of her well-maintained waist-length hair. She washes her hair thrice a week with a mild shampoo and uses a mixture of castor, olive and coconut oil in equal quantities. She recommends a pack made with freshly-brewed green tea and an egg yolk to fight hair loss. “Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash off,” she says.

If you prefer drinking green tea, go ahead. “One of the reasons for hair loss is production of DHT (Di Hydro Testosterone), which attaches itself to hair follicles and stops hair production,” says Sukanya. “Drinking green tea four or five times a day helps as it is a miracle DHT blocker.”

Although she is usually too busy for it, Sangeeta recommends “hair treatments or spa once a month”. Many hair saloons offer students discounted rates; so carry your ID card and ask around for the best deal.

Praveena prefers a home spa. “I apply a mix of methi powder and mustard oil along the length of my hair and wrap it with aluminium foil. After sometime, I wash it off with shampoo. Then I apply a paste of almond powder and wash that off with water,” she says.

Sounds like too much work? Then at least follow the basics — do not rub your hair vigorously, instead dab it with a towel to soak up moisture; never brush wet hair; use a wide-tooth comb, preferably made of wood, to disentangle long hair. Also, drink seven to eight glasses of water a day, sleep for at least seven hours and eat healthy. And watch your hair shine!

- Moumita Chakrabarti

Handy tips