The first drops of monsoon not only perfume the soil but also bring new challenges for our hair. Increased humidity in the air, frequent exposure to rain, accumulation of sweat, and the constant fluctuations in temperature—all these factors disrupt the natural balance of the scalp. Consequently, hair weakens and begins to fall out from the roots, dandruff increases, and the dream of long, thick hair remains unfulfilled. In such a situation, a simple remedy hidden in the lap of nature—fenugreek, curry leaves, and coconut oil—can prove to be an effective shield for the hair.
Why does hair fall increase during the monsoon?
- Excessive Humidity: The increase in humidity in the air leads to rapid growth of fungus and bacteria on the scalp.
- Sweat Accumulation: Sticky sweat clogs the pores and weakens the hair.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Frequent temperature changes lead to irregular sebum production, increasing hair fall.
- Nutrient Deficiency: The consumption of fried and street food increases during the rainy season, leading to a decrease in the intake of protein and iron.
- Tying Wet Hair: Tightly tying wet hair pulls at the roots, doubling the breakage and fall.
Essential Ingredients (for two months of use)
- 2 tablespoons fenugreek seeds
- 15–20 fresh curry leaves (washed and dried)
- 1 cup pure coconut oil
- 1 small fresh amla or 2 dried pieces
- 1 teaspoon castor oil (optional, a boon for those with thin hair)
Method of Preparation
- Washing and Drying: Clean the fenugreek seeds and curry leaves, spread them on a cloth, and expose them to sunlight for half an hour to remove excess moisture.
- Preparing the Oil Base: Heat the coconut oil in a thick-bottomed pan over low heat.
- Roasting for a Pleasant Aroma: Add fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and amla to the oil. Keep the heat very low to prevent the nutrients from being destroyed. After about 8–10 minutes, the fenugreek will turn golden and float, and the curry leaves will become crispy.
- Ultra-Thickness Boost: Turn off the heat and add castor oil. This step is very useful for those with thin and lifeless hair.
- Straining and Storage: Once the oil has cooled completely, strain it through a muslin cloth. Fill it in a dark-colored glass bottle and keep it away from direct sunlight, in a cool place.
The Right Way to Use It
- Warm it Up: Before use, take only as much oil as needed and warm it slightly.
- Massage with Pads: Massage with the pads of your fingers for five minutes with gentle pressure in circular motions. This increases blood flow, and nutrients are absorbed faster.
- Overnight Treatment: You can wash it off after an hour, but for maximum benefit, leave it on overnight. Place a satin cover on the pillow to reduce friction.
- Mild Wash: Clean your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and apply a chemical-free conditioner.
- Frequency: At least twice a week, but the results appear faster with three times a week.
How does this tonic work?
- Fenugreek's Protein Boost: Hair is made up of approximately 70% keratin protein. The high-protein profile of fenugreek seeds repairs broken strands.
- Curry Leaf's Melanin Protection: Its fiber and iron work together to maintain natural color, preventing graying of hair.
- Coconut Oil's Lauric Acid Chain: The small fatty chains penetrate deep into the hair shaft and seal in frizz.
- Amla's Vitamin C Power: It fights free radicals, reducing scalp inflammation and accelerating hair growth.
- Castor Oil's Ricinoleic Acid: It neutralizes scalp pH, reduces inflammation, and makes hair roots thicker.
Additional Rainy Season Precautions
- After getting wet in the rain, immediately rinse your hair with clean water and dry it with a soft towel; do not rub.
- Once a week, add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to 1 glass of water for the final rinse—dandruff will disappear.
- Include pulses, paneer, flaxseeds, and green leafy vegetables in your diet. Take Vitamin B-complex supplements on the advice of a doctor.
- Do not create very tight hairstyles; choose satin scrunchies or claw clips instead of cotton.
- Minimize the use of straighteners or blow-dryers; if necessary, be sure to apply heat-protectant serum.
Do not let the pleasant monsoon season wreak havoc on your hair—so make the fenugreek-curry leaf-coconut oil tonic a permanent part of your hair care routine. With regular use for only two-three weeks, you will find that hair fall has reduced by 40–50%, the scalp feels fresh, and the hair has regained its natural shine and thickness. In the midst of the chemical products, this Ayurvedic elixir will strengthen your hair against every challenge of the changing season—so embrace nature’s gift this monsoon and enjoy the rain without worry.
