The monsoon haircare mistakes you could be making without realising, decoded by an expert

The monsoon may bring relief from the heat, but it can be less forgiving to your hair and scalp. Increased humidity, sweat, rainwater and prolonged dampness can create the perfect conditions for frizz, dandruff, scalp buildup and, in some cases, increased hair shedding. While seasonal hair fall is usually temporary, everyday habits, whether it is leaving the scalp wet for too long, over-oiling, or excessive heat styling, can make matters worse.

So, what should your monsoon hair-care routine actually look like? We spoke to Dr Geetika Mittal, Founder & Medical Director, ISAAC Luxe, to separate fact from fiction, understand the most common seasonal hair mistakes and learn styling tips for flawless hair days every day this monsoon. 

HELLO! India: Many people experience increased hair fall during the rainy season. Is monsoon hair loss a myth or is there a scientific explanation behind it?

Dr Geetika Mittal: Not entirely. Some people may experience increased hair shedding during the rainy season due to higher humidity, scalp inflammation, and the natural seasonal hair cycle, which can coincide with this time of the year. The increase is usually temporary and settles on its own. There are multiple factors that can contribute to increased hair fall during the monsoon, though.

HELLO! India: What are the biggest hair care mistakes people make unknowingly during monsoon?

Dr Geetika Mittal: One of the biggest hair care mistakes is leaving the scalp damp for long periods and not keeping it clean. Many people skip regular hair wash because they fear it will increase hair fall. Over-oiling and leaving oil on the scalp overnight, especially if you have an oily scalp, can worsen dandruff.

Using excessive hairstyling products without cleansing the scalp properly can lead to product buildup. Ignoring dandruff and scalp itching until they become severe can also contribute to hair fall. Frequent chemical treatments such as keratin or hair botox may weaken the hair bonds and lead to breakage. Similarly, excessive hair colouring, using heat styling tools without proper heat regulation, and styling without a heat protectant are all common mistakes that can damage the hair. 

HELLO! India: Heat styling tools can worsen damage, but humidity makes hair difficult to manage. How can people strike the right balance?

Dr Geetika Mittal: The goal should be to minimise heat exposure while still achieving manageable hairstyles. I always tell my patients that there's something called smart styling, so style your hair smartly. Always begin with dry or nearly dry hair, not soaking wet hair, because hair is at its weakest when it's wet. Use a heat protectant and avoid repeated passes over the same section of hair. Hold your hair dryer or styling tool at a safe distance and avoid concentrating heat on one area for too long. Combined with a heat protectant and the right styling technique, it can help you achieve healthier-looking hair without compromising on results.

If you're using a hair dryer or any other hair styling tool, choose one with intelligent heat regulation if it suits your budget, such as the Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer or the Dyson Airstrait. Intelligent hair technology in such devices either adjusts the air temperature as it gets closer to the scalp or simply uses high-pressure airflow to dry and style simultaneously, helping minimise unnecessary heat exposure while maintaining styling performance, especially useful in humid weather when frizz is a common concern.

HELLO! India: How often should we shampoo our hair during monsoon? Is daily washing recommended if the scalp gets sweaty or damp?

Dr Geetika Mittal: Shampoo frequency should depend on your scalp type. If you have an oily scalp with significant product buildup, or if your hair is frequently exposed to rainwater, you can shampoo daily. Similarly, people who sweat heavily can safely wash their hair every day using a gentle or clarifying shampoo to remove excess oil, dirt, and buildup. The priority is to maintain a clean, healthy scalp. Every time you shampoo, make sure you also use a conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends of the hair to keep the strands hydrated.

HELLO! India: When should someone consider in-clinic treatments for excessive hair fall or scalp concerns? Which treatments are most effective during monsoon months?

Dr Geetika Mittal: If excessive hair shedding continues for more than two to three months, or if you notice visible thinning, patchy hair loss, increasing hair breakage, or signs of scalp inflammation, it's important to seek a professional evaluation. Depending on the diagnosis and blood test results, treatments such as GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate), PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), low-level laser or red light therapy, exosome therapy, QR678 treatment, and IV nutritional therapies may be recommended to address different scalp and hair concerns.

Scalp hydrafacial treatments can also be beneficial during the monsoon. They help remove excess buildup and dandruff while restoring a clean, pH-balanced scalp environment that supports healthier hair growth. The monsoon itself is not a contraindication for these treatments. What matters most is adapting your hair care routine to the seasonal changes and seeking timely treatment when needed.