Instead of praying endlessly for the rains to pour when you are indoors, shield your chemically treated hair from the monsoon menace with our expert tips.

Almost everyone has treated their hair these days to attain those luscious locks or perms. Come monsoons and one can expect the rains to wreak havoc on your well-groomed tresses. Similarly, the chemically attained to-kill-for curls and the perfect perm can also get ruined if not taken care of. So, here’s help to make your mane your crowing glory, despite the weather blues.

The whys and hows

Nobody wants limp locks, frizzy halos or itchy scalps but sadly, monsoons do bring with them these unavoidable but not impossible-to-tackle problems. Chemically-treated and stylised hair is prone to bigger risks, as the chemicals react to chlorine in the rainwater to adversely affect the overall well-being of the hair. So, the use of a proper shampoo plus conditioner is a must to remove the dryness (see Beauty Kit for recommendations).

Shirin Merchant*avers, “It takes a lot to take care of natural hair itself during monsoons, so chemically-treated hair needs extra attention. The perms and curls get frizzy and one has to use the right kind of shampoo and conditioner to get rid of the frizz and brittleness that come with the rains. Contrary to popular notion, hair does need moisture even during the rainy season and more so for treated hair. So, make sure you use a leave-in conditioner or a moisturising spray-on conditioner to give your hair a drink!".

Haircare regime

Take good care of your perm by regularly using a mild shampoo and conditioner to avoid frizziness.
Since the chemical treatment has already dried your hair out, use a styling product that is formulated for nourishing dry ends. You can also use a bit of diluted conditioner (just on your ends) before you step out.
Avoid blow-drying chemically treated hair. If really necessary, try a cold blast of air rather than hot air.
Chemical treatments tend to make the mid-lengths and ends of your hair quite dry, so make sure you use a wide-toothed comb or a paddle brush for your hair. Apply a detangling serum and start combing at the bottom and proceed slowly through one inch or so at a time.
Condition hair at least once a week with an intense treatment for damaged hair.
Colouring hair that is already treated can get tricky. Make sure you go for an ammonia-free colour — readily available in the market these days — to ensure that the hair looks healthy.
Avoid going for light tints, as they fade away easily. Opt for deep colours for a long-lasting experience and use a colour-enhancing shampoo accordingly.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, get wet and enjoy the rains but remember the tips provided.

*Shirin Merchant is a hairstylist and owner of Kut & Make Salon, Mumbai.