From marigold to neem, here's how to care for your hair this monsoon (2024)

Shahnaz Husain

CEO, Shahnaz Herbals Inc.

Shahnaz Husain is the CEO of Shahnaz Herbals Inc. A prominent skin-care expert, she has helped put India on the world beauty map. She has also been recognised for her efforts with a Padma Shri.

The rains bring with them the much-needed respite from the heat, but they also often bring hair problems.

The humidity makes keeping the frizz away next-to-impossible. And the salt in the sweat makes the hair rough and robs it of its shine. Dust and grime also tend to stick to the hair.

While problems are aplenty, just follow these simple steps for healthy hair:

Tackling Dandruff

Sticky dandruff is common during monsoon. The scales, along with oil and sweat secretion, tend to stick to the scalp. The scalp is oily, while the hair is dry and dull. Sometimes, the flakes may even be yellowish in colour. Certain hair styling products or rich conditioners can clog the pores of the scalp and aggravate the condition.

For sticky dandruff, hot oil therapy is an excellent remedy.

Hot oil therapy

Heat sesame seed (til) oil or olive oil, and apply it on the scalp with cotton wool, rubbing gently to dislodge the flakes. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the hot towel around the head. Keep it on for 5 minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap 3 or 4 times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb the oil better. Leave the oil on overnight. Next morning, apply the juice of a lemon on the scalp and wash your hair after 20 minutes.

(Image: Thinkstock)

Neem Therapy

Add two handfuls of neem leaves to four cups of hot water. Let it stand overnight. Next morning, strain the liquid and use it to rinse the hair. It relieves itching and keeps the scalp healthy and free from infections. It also help get rid of dandruff.

You can also make a paste of the soaked neem leaves and apply it on the scalp, rinsing off with water after half an hour.

Sometimes sticky dandruff can be accompanied by bad odour during the rains. For a fragrant hair rinse, add the juice of a lemon and half a cup of rose water to a mug of water and use as a last rinse.

Shampoo: A must for a well balanced hair

Shampoo the hair more frequently during monsoon, especially if your hair is oily. Use a mild herbal shampoo. Rinse your hair well with water, to get rid of all soapy residues and the loosened flakes.

(Image: Thinkstock)

You can also apply egg white on the hair 15 minutes before shampoo. It helps to reduce oiliness and adds body. Lemon juice can be added to a mug of water and used as a last rinse. This helps maintain normal balance.

Henna Treatment:

A henna treatment will help to add body to your hair.

Add 4 teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, 2 raw eggs and enough tea water to the henna powder, to form a thick paste. Tea water can be made by boiling used tea leaves again in enough water, cooling and straining the liquid. Apply the henna paste on your hair and wash off after an hour. If you do not wish to use egg, add more tea water.

Marigold Rinsing

Marigold (gainda) flowers can also be used to prepare a hair rinse. It is particularly useful during the monsoons.

Add a handful of fresh or dried marigold flowers to three cups of hot water. Allow it to stand for an hour. Strain and cool the water and use as a final rinse. It benefits oily hair and adds body and shine.

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