There’s something romantic about the rains — the smell of wet earth, hot cups of tea, and that comforting sound of raindrops tapping on the windowpane. But, let’s be honest, the monsoon also brings along something rather unwelcome: hair fall. If you’ve noticed extra strands clinging to your brush or mysteriously showing up on your bathroom floor, you’re not alone.
But why does your hair seem to shed more during this season? Here's what’s really going on.
1. Humidity Is the Main Culprit
One of the biggest changes during monsoon is the spike in humidity. All that extra moisture in the air messes with your scalp’s natural oil balance. For some, this results in an oily scalp which attracts more dirt, dust, and pollution. For others, it leads to dryness and an itchy scalp. Either way, the result is the same — weakened roots and increased hair fall.
2. Rainwater Isn’t As ‘Pure’ As It Seems
We’ve all romanticised the idea of getting drenched in the rain (and who can blame us?). But rainwater today contains pollutants and acidic particles, especially in urban areas. If this water sits on your scalp for too long or isn't washed off properly, it can cause irritation, fungal infections, and even clog hair follicles — all of which contribute to hair shedding.
3. Fungal Infections Flare Up
The damp environment during monsoon is a perfect breeding ground for fungi and bacteria. If your scalp remains damp for extended periods (thanks to rain or sweating), it can lead to fungal infections like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. These weaken the scalp barrier and interfere with healthy hair growth.
4. Lack of Proper Drying
Let’s face it — drying your hair completely during the monsoon is a task. But leaving your hair damp for too long makes it more prone to breakage and fungal infections. Wet hair is also more fragile and easier to damage, which could be why you’re seeing more strands on your pillowcase.
5. We Tend to Wash Our Hair More Frequently
To deal with the stickiness and sweat, most of us start washing our hair more often in the rainy season. But over-washing can strip the scalp of its natural oils, making hair brittle and dry. And brittle hair? Yep, that breaks more easily.
How Can You Reduce Monsoon Hair Fall?
Use a mild, clarifying shampoo (like one with tea tree oil or black truffle extracts) that can cleanse without over-drying.
Avoid stepping out with damp hair — always dry it gently but thoroughly.
Oil your hair once a week, but don’t go overboard, especially if your scalp tends to get greasy.
Eat well — a diet rich in protein, zinc and iron goes a long way in controlling seasonal hair loss.
Don’t ignore the basics: tie your hair loosely, avoid heat tools, and comb gently.
When Should You Worry?
Seasonal hair fall is normal — losing about 50–100 strands a day is nothing to panic about. But if you’re noticing bald patches, thinning hairlines, or consistent heavy shedding for months, it might be worth speaking to a dermatologist.