After the hot and scorching heat of summer, how calming and soothing this rainy season is! While this rainy season brings tranquility to senses but it does also introduce you to the scalp and hair woes.
Not to forget, with the onset of the monsoon season, raised levels of humidity in the atmosphere are most likely to create menace to hair and scalp skin. Along with frizzy and breakage prone hair, this weather is little unsuitable for scalp health as it can lead to dry and flaky scalp and even worsens existing dandruff problems.
Reasons for dandruff in monsoon season
Humid weather, which is a combination of heat and moisture, creates a perfect environment for the growth of Malassezia- dandruff causing fungus. Due to the rise in humidity, the body tends to produce more sweat in the scalp area which automatically leads to the overproduction of excess oil.
Unlike other seasons, this fungus grows and flourishes faster on a greasy scalp in the rainy season and summers. Over colonization of fungus disturbs natural skin cell renewal and leads to formation of white flakes and itchy scalp.
4 Easy Ways To Get Rid Of Dandruff
1. Fight dandruff fungus with the right anti-fungal shampoo
To prevent and get rid of dandruff in rainy season, first thing to do is to find a shampoo that can curb the growth of fungus while maintaining the scalp hygiene. But your normal cleansing shampoo may not be able to remove dandruff fungus and calm itchiness due to the lack of anti - fungal and anti inflammatory ingredients.
Look for an anti dandruff shampoo that can have following properties -
- With anti inflammatory properties calms irritation
- Possesses antifungal action to kill the Malassezia fungus
- Cleanses away dandruff flakes and dead skin cell build up
- Provides relief from itchiness
- Keep hair healthy and damage free
2. Keep your scalp and hair dry to avoid Malassezia growth
Dandruff and other hair issues like frizzy hair and hair fall can worsen due to the dampness in hair. Whenever you shampoo your hair or your hair get wet in the rain, dry them properly using a microfibre towel.
Don't make the mistake of tying your damp hair into a ponytail or bun. Now with that being said, moisture in wet hair help to multiply Malassezia for dandruff formation and indirectly creates the physical strain on hair roots, making hair fall off easily.
3. Control dandruff in the rainy season with a low glycemic diet
In the rainy season, munching on street and junk food can also be a reason for dandruff woes.
By keeping a check on “what should you eat or what to avoid” you can easily control dandruff in this rainy season.
There is compelling data from a few research papers that states the importance of a good diet to get rid of dandruff. This research study has evaluated dietary habits of healthy individuals and people having dandruff. Conclusion was made that vegetables consumption was more in healthy individuals.
Scientific explanation for this is, high processed foods (high glycemic index) like sugar, chocolates, cookies and meat are found to trigger sebum production in skin to trigger dandruff. On the other hand, a diet low in glycemic index and loaded with antioxidants is good for a healthy scalp.
These food items are considered good for dandruff prevention -
- Zinc
- Vitamin B
- Selenium
- Chickpeas
- Walnuts
4. Use pre wash anti dandruff lotion to tackle stubborn dandruff flakes in monsoon
Unlike other seasons, dandruff fungus grows and flourishes rapidly on scalp in rainy season. Due to the overgrowth of fungus, it gets hard to get rid of stubborn dandruff flakes. If you are particularly dealing with this type of dandruff, consider finding a pre-wash anti dandruff lotion. Such products are formulated to resolve stubborn, greasy, and flaky dandruff.
Opt for a pre wash dandruff lotion that has ingredients like -
Piroctone Olamine - Eliminates dandruff causing fungus and calms inflammation and itching without damaging the hair.
Zinc Pyrithione - Acts as a multitasker that tackles all the root causes of dandruff.
Tea Tree Oil - Has antifungal and antimicrobial properties that help to white flakes, calms itchiness, and improves overall scalp health.
Since dandruff can mostly be caused by fungal colonization of the scalp. And in the rainy season, fungal and bacterial infections are at peak and cause most scalp problems. It is important to switch to hair care products that have antifungal and antibacterial properties. Without any delay, follow above given dandruff care tips for a healthy scalp and more enjoyable monsoons.
