Is Rain a Blessing for Our Hair? (It is, But with Some Precautions)
Hi all! It's just me and my passion for hair and their well-being, or does it have something to do with our surroundings😅? Well, it's both, and that's why I often draw inspiration from the environment (in which we live) to discuss almost anything I can about hair.
Last time, I wrote about the climate-induced heatwaves and how they are harmful for our hair (and our very existence). That one you can find on our official Medium account. Additionally, it informs us on how to save our climate for future generations. So, make sure you read it 😇.
And for this retrospective, I again targeted a season and its connection with our hair. However, this time the reasons are different from the last one. It's about the rainy monsoon season in North America and how you can protect your hair in the constant wet weather.
While the sounds of raindrops on your windows and streets may offer you moments of relaxation and coolness, the story is a bit different with your hair. And that’s not only because of the effect of the weather, but also because of the approach you take towards hair care.
So now, I am going to highlight a few practices for hair care during the wet season and how you can amend them (if incorrect) to keep your hair shiny, relaxed, and full of life during Monsoons. Let’s find out!
A girl is embracing upcoming rainstorm on a balcony - image provided by Unsplash
How Rain Can Become Hazardous for Hair (It’s Mostly in Your Approach)
Well, blaming the rain alone is not enough, as there are some other factors involved that can make it a nuisance for the hair. The following are some of the crucial ones I will highlight below.
The First Rains (Do They Have Pollutants?)
The biggest concern, according to dermatologists, is not the rain itself but the environmental pollutants that can mix with the raindrops. These drops on your head will work like little bombs of destruction.
And unfortunately, in most areas around the world, this is a prevalent situation with the first rains in the wet season. And if you enjoy these rains without covering your hair properly, you are sure to suffer from scalp irritation and possibly hair loss.
The best way to go? Try to avoid the first few rain spells until the environment is cleaned of its pollutants.
Hard Water Minerals are a Concern
This one you probably might not have heard about much, but it is nonetheless important to know. I know that many people consider rain a natural hair cleaning shower. However, that is not usually the case.
Over time, hard water minerals that build up in your hair from your use of tap water will not get cleaned by the soft rainwater. It will worsen the buildup of minerals in your hair and make your hair look dull and lifeless, prone to more damage and breakage.
There is no cure for that except that you don't wet your hair in the rain for an extended period. And if you are far away from any shelter, do keep a hat or umbrella when going outside.
Tangles and Frizz are a Guarantee
With the joys of rain comes the discomfort of tangles and frizzy hair. While this may happen with our normal home water, nothing adds more stubborn tangles and frizz than rainwater.
Why is it so? Because the chemical composition of rainwater makes the outer layer of our hair, known as the cuticle, rough and frayed. In such a case, hair strands can easily become tangled and prone to breakage.
And especially if there is a windy thunderstorm, it will be a master stroke of chaos for your hair. How to protect your hair and enjoy the rain at the same time? If you want to give some rainwater to your hair openly, apply some coconut or olive oil before heading out.
Both of these natural agents will absorb lots of water content, keep your hair strands smooth, and protect the scalp and cuticles against the harsh rain shower.
Woman walking in a street with an umbrella in rain - Image provided by Unsplash
Rain is Not So Big a Concern for Hair (With Some Precautions, Of Course!)
Now that’s true! If you are wondering that up till now I have been badmouthing rain for hair, there is a slight difference 😉 You can enjoy all the wet season without worrying about hair damage.
However, there are some minor practical things you have to ensure for your hair just before the wet season starts.
Here they are:
The Classic Umbrella: So, our traditional weapon against wet, soaking rain is still effective in modern times. Therefore, enjoy as much rain as you like, but just cover your head with an umbrella (of course, not in a hurricane 😆).
Use Tap Water: It is not always possible to cover your hair when rain starts. In that case, whenever you get the chance to reach the first facility where tap water is available, use it to wash your hair gently.
Wide-Tooth Comb & Happy Rain: Another very useful tool for your hair in the wet season. All you need to do is roll this comb in your hair after every short interval while you are enjoying your spell of rain – simple ☺️!
Deep Condition Your Hair: During the wet season, it is of utmost importance that you deep-condition your hair once a week. It will keep your hair nourished, smooth, and healthy, so you can enjoy rain as much as you do.
Additional Clarifying Works: Along with deep conditioning, an additional help from clarifying shampoo will make your hair better equipped to withstand harsh rain-inflicted buildup. Clarifying shampoos clear away dirt and pollutant buildup in your hair, especially when exposed to constant rain.
Girl dancing in rain with an umbrella - image provided by Unsplash
Enjoy The Wet Monsoon Season (And Don't Worry About Hair)
Well, if you have neatly understood the above-written paragraphs, I can safely vouch for you to enjoy the wet season without worrying much about your hair 😇Remember that all it takes is a little precaution for your hair, and the rest is only fun.
While these steps should be enough for hair to bear the wet season easily, if you still encounter any unusual things in your hair in the wet season, you should better go to your hairstylist or a dermatologist for an opinion.
It is possible that sometimes the issue lies deeper than what is seen on the surface, and in that case, a professional hair stylist or a dermatologist will become very handy.
And with this note, I would like to wish all of my friends a very happy and enjoyable wet season in the Northern Americas ☂️😇
