Tips to deal with frizzy hair

Frizzy hair? Blame it on the humidity. Limp hair? It’s excess moisture content again. There’s plenty of reasons to dread the monsoon. But we tell you how to prepare for those rainy days so that your locks look their best.

Fussy frizz

If you have dry hair, the open cuticles on your hair shaft will absorb the moisture from the air and make your locks frizzier and difficult to tame. Your hair looks unkempt, untidy and unhealthy. Plus, flyaways are impossible to control.

What to do: Fight the frizz by protecting your hair from humidity and heat. Make anti-frizz your best friend. Stock your shelf with anti-frizz products — shampoo, conditioner and serum or a leave-in conditioner, if that works better for you. Don’t wash your hair too often, as this will strip it of its natural oils. Avoid rubbing your hair; dab it with a towel to remove the extra water. Heat is your hair’s worst enemy as it will open up your hair cuticles even more. So ensure that at least the last rinse after a wash — particularly mid-length onwards — is with cold water. Let your hair air-dry if possible, or if you need to use a dryer, use it on the “cool” setting. “An ionic dryer is better as it helps to compress the hair cuticles, thus keeping out the frizz-inducing moisture,” advises Vidya Tikari, make-up expert. Ironing is a complete no-no. If you must, always use a heat protecting product. Choose a wide-toothed comb to smooth your tresses.

Irksome infections

A damp scalp is the ideal breeding ground for fungal and bacterial scalp infections. If you have an oily scalp you need to be wary of infections such as boils, excessive scaling, itchiness and dandruff.

What to do: “Keep your scalp absolutely clean, even if that means washing it more often,” says Dr Gulshant Panesar, consultant dermatologist. Never tie up wet hair; the dampness combined with sweat and dirt will lead to infections. Dry your hair thoroughly. If you do contract a scalp infection, use a medicated shampoo with ketoconazole or ZPTO but it would also be a good idea to visit a dermatologist or a trichologist.

Limp and lifeless

If you have an oily scalp, the humidity will make your hair limp and lifeless resulting in hair that lacks bounce and shine, and looks unhealthy.

What to do: Use a volumising shampoo and conditioner. Don’t use a creamy, moisturising conditioner, warns Natasha Sara, hair expert. Go for a layered cut to increase the volume. Use only non-greasy, lightweight styling products to avoid your hair weighing down.

Neem power

“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 your hair. It relieves itching and keeps your scalp healthy and free from infections. Neem also helps in fighting dandruff. You can also make a paste of the soaked neem leaves and apply it to your scalp. “Rinse off after half an hour,” advises Husain. Oil is often a suggested remedy for an itchy scalp but if you have an infection, do not oil your hair as it can spread the infection.