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| Sonashree Basu Tell us about your monsoon style at t2desk@abp.in |
Priscilla Corner on the hair horrors the rains bring.
A halo of frizz, tufts of hair that wisp out like horns, lacklustre locks, greasy-sweaty hair, and blow dries that don’t last past it getting caught in a three-second sprinkle of rain. The scalp too has its own set of woes as the fungi living on it thrives on the overall dampness causing infections and bringing on an itch that leads to scaly dandruff that fall snowflake like onto the top of ones shoulders. That’s what the monsoons mean for many a mane and that’s why it’s the most dreaded season for those wanting to hold on to any kind of style. Here are a few tips to have your hair and scalp behaving itself through this entire monsoon.
Fight the frizz
1. The first step begins with a suitable shampoo and conditioner. Your shampoo has to have a soothing, smoothing effect.
2. A leave-in conditioner helps weigh the hair down to submission.
3.Wide-tooth combs are your BFF. Never comb when it is bone dry, as this encourages static.
4. After a wash, gently blot dry the excess water out. Let hair air dry and then apply serum to slightly damp hair. Remember to apply serum only on the mid-lengths and ends.
5. For very curly hair, section hair into thin long strips and twirl around finger after applying serum.
Detox greasy and grimy
1. Shampoo with a milder product and more frequently.
2. Water down the conditioner in a 1:2 ratio so that it does not make the ends heavy and limp.
3. The last rinse can be done using the juice of a lemon — it’s great for shine and bringing the pH balance back.
4.If you have thin, limp hair avoid using a serum.
Combat scalp infection
This can be caused due to residues from pollution and hair products that cling to damp scalps encouraging fungal infection.
1. Add two drops of rosemary or tea tree essential oil to your shampoo, this will prevent hair loss and inhibit dandruff.
2. Conditioner should never be used on the scalp.
3. Dry hair thoroughly. Try not to tie the hair while it’s damp since trapped moisture worsens scalp infection.
5. Whenever possible get a little sun on your scalp. It is the ideal infection fighter.
Spa truth
Hair spas are better than oil massages in this season as the hair mask used is more easily washed off. Oil tends to cling to the scalp and hair, requiring more vigorous washing that in turn leads to frizz.
Have that haircut
If you have flirted with the idea of going shorter, “my hair just couldn’t cope with the monsoons” could be your perfect reason for taking the plunge. Shorter hair is easier to keep clean and self style. And there are a wide variety of curly graduated cuts to choose from.
10 tips from Consultant dermatologist Sachin Varma to keep your skin happy in the pitter-patter
1Fungal infection like athlete’s foot and ringworm can be avoided by keeping your skin dry. Bathing regularly using soap, talc after bath and maintaining good hygiene will prevent fungal infection. Timely advice by the doctor can combat fungal infection effectively. Bacterial infection like furuncle, carbuncle and cellulitis can also occur, especially after a superficial injury or after walking through waterlogged streets. Treat these early with local and/or systemic antibiotics.
2 Just because it is raining, don’t reduce consumption of water. Drink your usual 8-10 glasses; your skin is always thirstier than you are! The more hydrated you are, the more your skin will shine and look glossy. Plus, it will flush out toxins from the body and cleanses your skin pores.
3 Clean-tone-moisturise: High humidity helps dust particles stick to our skin even more, blocking your pores. So clean your skin regularly. Try to use a soap-free face wash. Follow up with a toner that will help close the open skin pores and retain pH balance. Stick to non-alcoholic toners. And don’t forget to moisturise just because there is humidity and water all around you!
4 Dead skin cells should be removed from skin through gentle exfoliation. Use a scrub on face once or twice a week to get rid of those dead skin cells and see your skin glow. Home-made scrubs or those available in the market can be used too to gently clean the skin and also moisturise simultaneously.
5 Use sunscreen regularly. Just because it’s cloudy does not mean your skin is protected from the sun. It is very important to guard your skin from the harmful UV rays, so always use a good sunscreen with a high SPF factor.
6 Avoid oily skin products like oil-based moisturisers, cream-based foundations and concealers. Opt for mousse-like products. Calamine lotion is also a good bet.
7 Avoid heavy make-up since it may block pores, causing pimples or rash. Remember that less is more.
8 Keep your hair clean since excess humidity combined with dust and hard water can predispose to dandruff and scaling of scalp (seborrheic dermatitis). Special anti-dandruff shampoos can help cure dandruff.
9 Avoid artificial jewellery since wet jewellery increases the chances of dermatitis. This may be especially relevant for people with sensitive skin or those with past allergies.
10 Green, leafy vegetables and plenty of fruit will keep you happy and healthy.
Write in with your hair horrors to Priscilla at t2desk@abp.in
