As anyone who’s noticed extra hair on their towel or comb lately will tell you, there’s one real downside to monsoon–hair fall. Monsoon and hair fall go hand in hand. In fact, according to the World Trichology Society, we can lose up to 30% more hair during this season. But why does this happen? And more importantly, how can you stop it?

Why Does It Happen?

The root cause (pun intended) is humidity. Monsoon air is heavy with moisture, which makes your scalp sweat more and leaves your hair limp, weak, and prone to breakage. Add to that the build-up of oil, sweat, and pollution, and you’ve got clogged follicles and irritated scalps.

If at all you get drenched, then rainwater doesn't help either. It may look pure, but it’s often acidic and packed with pollutants that strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it dry, frizzy, and way more prone to falling out.
 

And let’s not forget the internal factors. During monsoon, our diets go haywire—we reach for pakoras more than protein, stay in more often low Vitamin D, and even slack on hydration. All this quietly takes a toll on our hair health. "Managing hair fall and thinning during the monsoon season, especially for men, involves a combination of scalp care, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medical attention. The increased humidity, fungal infections, and sweat can all contribute to hair weakening," says Dr Niti Gaur, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist Founder of Citrine Clinic.

How You Can Fix This

Shampoo Smartly

Ditch the harsh shampoos and switch to a mild, sulfate-free formula. You don’t want to strip your scalp dry, but you do want to keep it clean. Washing twice a week is ideal—more if you’ve been out in the rain. "Rainwater and humidity make the scalp greasy, inviting dandruff and fungus. Use a mild, sulphate-free shampoo with anti-fungal or clarifying ingredients. Ketoconazole shampoo (for dandruff), tea tree oil shampoo, or a mild daily shampoo like Sebamed or Cetaphil," explains Dr Gaur.

Use Conditioner Wisely

While it helps in combing and detangling the hair, it's only wise to use it smartly. "Apply conditioner only on the ends, not on the scalp," says Dr Gaur.

 

Lighten Up

Go easy on the oils and styling products. Heavy creams and serums trap moisture and grime, which makes things worse. Opt for lightweight, water-based products that nourish without buildup.

Feed Your Follicles

A good hair day starts in the kitchen. Add more protein (think eggs, fish, tofu), iron (leafy greens, lentils), and biotin (nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes) to your plate. Drink more water than you think you need—and yes, those supplements you’ve been ignoring might just help. "Get Some Sunlight; less sun means less Vitamin D which causes hair fall. Try to spend 15–20 minutes in indirect sunlight each day," Dr Gaur explains.

Avoid Drenching In Rainwater
Avoid getting wet in the rain, and if you do, wash and dry your hair as soon as you get back home. Never cover wet hair with a cap or hoodie—it weakens the strands and causes breakage.
 

Your Easy Monsoon Hair Routine

Morning:

• Cleanse with a gentle shampoo
• Use conditioner sparingly
• Apply a lightweight serum to keep the frizz in check

Once a Week:

• Do a warm oil massage (coconut or argan oil works wonders)
• Use an anti-dandruff shampoo if you’re prone to flakes
• Try a DIY hair mask with curd, honey, or aloe vera

Night:

• Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction
• Never sleep with wet hair

Monsoon hair fall is frustrating, but totally normal. With the right care, a few tweaks to your routine, and some hair-friendly food, your mane will bounce back.