Skin and hair care in India isn’t as uncomplicated as we would like it to be. What we can ascertain without a doubt is that our seasons of summer, winter and monsoon, really does not help the cause.
India is a country of extremes, from diversity of religions and languages, to climates, to even movies. But the question we will answer here is about how does one survive the much famed “Indian summer” or the much cherished of “Delhi Winters”?
In the guide to survive the seasons of India, we start with your hair, and in proceeding articles, we will cover the rest of the aspects to look and feel great, all year long.
The Indian Summers
The scorching heat, and incessantly dripping sweat can make one’s hair look dull and dead. Apart from that, the pollution gets the better of you and the tight bun you resort to leaves you with several broken strands all over.
There is only one way to survive this. Wash your head and scalp every day with a mild shampoo, and then condition it. Most Indian men and women tend to forget the conditioner. You better not!
Dove’s Damage Therapy is a great shampoo, and more importantly it is very mild. Oiling is necessary even if you feel hot. Opt for recognized and effective products like those of Parachute, or Vatica. And as always, don’t forget to wash them within 8 hours. Never leave home with the oil on, it not only attracts dust and pollution, but also the heat damages the follicles.
Apart from that, leave the mousse and spray alone, instead go for a nourishing serum that will protect you and your precious locks from sun and pollution. Again, Dove has a very good range for this. Lastly, for the sake of you head, skin, and overall health, always take an umbrella in the sun(even at the risk of looking stupid). Let’s see how the Indian summers get the better of you now!
The Chilly Winters
Winters can be harsh for Indians, but we all enjoy them much more than the summers. The head, specially the scalp needs a lot of moisturizing and conditioning in this weather.
While everything is going dry, and dandruff is causing you to wear monkey caps, do not-we repeat-do not go for a harsh one-time dandruff treatment shampoo. It will kill your cute little follicles, which might have you bidding a tearful farewell to the beauty residing on the top of your head.
Instead you can go for the home remedies that can get rid of dandruff, like curd and egg (it’s great for a shine too). Also, winter is a time you can flaunt those locks, so use products liberally, but intelligently.
Apply oil thrice a week, and try using a hot oil that will seep through the pores like Herbal Essence Hot Oil. To get rid of static and fly-aways, do not wear caps that react to cause static. Yes, as stupid as it may sound, it really does happen.
The Lovable Monsoons
India men and women love their monsoons, and the film industry thrives on the concept. But despite how romantic it seems, the monsoons can be a real pain for hair and skin care in India. It’s the time of suffocating humidity and sweat. The best way to take care is to be minimalistic.
Try not using any product, use a light shampoo and conditioner, and oil your scalp at least twice a week. Do not towel dry your head every time you get wet since the process if known to lead to a lot of fall and breakage.
Here are a few things you can do to make your hair look healthy and beautiful all year through in a country of deserts and glaciers!
Let us know what you think about this guide to skin and hair care for India, and its seasons of summer, winter and monsoon.
