Hair Loss in Monsoon: Causes, Remedies, and Seasonal Care Tips

If you’ve noticed a few extra strands of hair on your pillow or bathroom floor lately, you’re definitely not alone. Hair fall during monsoon season is a common concern for many Indians — and yes, it can be pretty worrying. But don’t panic just yet. The good news is, this kind of seasonal hair loss is often temporary and totally manageable. The tricky part is figuring out what’s normal and what’s not. And more importantly, how to stop it from turning into a bigger issue.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about monsoon-related hair loss — from why it happens and how much shedding is “okay”, to practical remedies and dermatologist-backed advice. Whether you're losing a few strands or dealing with serious hair fall, this article's got you covered. Let’s untangle it all, step-by-step.

Why Hair Fall Increases During the Monsoon Season

Monsoon brings a sigh of relief from the sweltering Indian summer, but for your scalp — it can be a storm of its own. Increased humidity, dirty rainwater, and sudden changes in temperature all team up to weaken hair roots and cause more shedding than usual.

Common Causes of Monsoon Hair Loss

Let’s take a look at the most common culprits behind rainy-season hair fall.

High Humidity and Sweat Accumulation

The monsoon air is heavy with moisture, which makes your scalp sweat more and stay damp for longer. This sweaty, sticky environment is a party invitation for fungal infections and weakens the hair follicles. Basically, your hair is drowning in moisture, literally.

Scalp Infections Due to Rainwater Exposure

Ever got caught in the rain without an umbrella? We’ve all been there. Unfortunately, getting your hair drenched in rainwater — which often contains pollutants and dirt — can irritate the scalp. If you don’t wash it off quickly, it can lead to dandruff, itchiness, and yep, more hair fall.

Pollution and Dirty Rainwater Impact

Rainwater isn't always clean, especially in Indian cities. It picks up chemicals, dust, and grime from the atmosphere, turning it into a cocktail of scalp irritants. The result? Weak hair shafts that break easily and clogged follicles that stunt regrowth.

Is It Normal to Lose Hair in Monsoons?

Now here’s the question that haunts many of us in July and August: Is it normal to lose hair in monsoons? Short answer — yes, to an extent.

How Much Hair Loss is Considered Normal in Monsoon?

On average, shedding around 50–100 strands a day is considered normal. But during the monsoon season, that number can shoot up to 150. It’s a seasonal response — much like how trees shed leaves, our hair can go through a temporary “fall” phase too.

Still, if you're seeing big clumps every time you shower or comb, it might be time to dig deeper. It’s not just the weather — stress, poor diet, or hormonal imbalances might be playing a role too.

Monsoon Hair Fall: How Much Is Too Much?

So, we know it’s normal to lose some extra hair when the skies get cloudy — but where’s the line between seasonal and serious? That’s where most people get confused. Let’s break it down a bit.

Understanding Seasonal Hair Fall Patterns

Your scalp, much like your skin, responds to weather changes. During monsoon, hair roots tend to weaken due to excess moisture and lack of sunlight (yep, Vitamin D matters for hair too). That’s why shedding increases — and honestly, it's a little like your scalp saying, "Hey, let’s start fresh."

In many cases, this shedding is part of the hair’s natural growth cycle, where old strands fall to make space for new ones. But here's the catch — if you're losing more hair than you're growing back, that's when things get tricky.

Monsoon vs Other Seasons: Hair Loss Comparison

A lot of people don't even realize this, but monsoon tends to cause more hair loss than winter or summer. Why? Because the combo of high humidity and scalp infections is unique to this season. Summer has sweat, yes, but the air is dry. Winter dries your scalp, but doesn’t mess with the follicle as much as wet weather does.

So if you're asking, “Is my hair fall worse now than it was in May or December?”, the answer is probably yes. And it’s not just you — it’s super common across India.

When Is Hair Fall at Its Peak?

In Which Month Does Hair Fall Most?

This one gets asked a lot. Hair fall usually peaks in July and August, which are the height of monsoon in most parts of India. These months bring the most moisture and lowest air quality — a double whammy for your poor scalp.

Interestingly, September can also see heavy hair fall for some people. That’s because the effects of scalp damage during July-August often show up a few weeks later. Hair follicles don’t always react instantly — so you might be seeing the aftershock.

Is Monsoon Hair Loss Temporary or Permanent?

Good news — for most people, it’s temporary. If your hair care and health are in decent shape, the lost strands usually grow back within a few months. But — and this is a big BUT — if you already have underlying hair conditions like alopecia, PCOS, or iron deficiency, the monsoon stress can worsen things. And in those cases, it might not fully recover without treatment.

Just to be clear, losing 200 hairs a day isn’t always “normal.” Yes, it can happen during monsoon, but if that’s happening every day for weeks, don’t just shrug it off. Talk to a trichologist or dermatologist.

Effective Monsoon Hair Care Tips to Reduce Hair Fall

Okay, so now that we’ve identified the “why” behind hair fall during monsoon, let’s get into the “how” — as in, how to stop it (or at least, slow it down).

Scalp and Hair Hygiene During the Rainy Season

Clean scalp = happy hair follicles. During monsoon, aim to wash your hair 2–3 times a week, especially if you’ve been out in the rain. Don’t let sweat, oil, and pollutants sit on your scalp too long — it clogs follicles and weakens the roots.

Avoid heavy, creamy conditioners on your scalp. Apply them only on the mid-lengths and ends. Otherwise? You're just feeding the fungus party.

Proper Hair Drying Practices After Getting Wet in Rain

If you get caught in the rain (and honestly, who doesn’t?), dry your hair as soon as you’re indoors. Don’t tie it up when wet — that’s a recipe for breakage and dandruff. Use a microfiber towel and avoid rubbing. Pat it dry gently.

Best Diet for Stronger Hair in Monsoon

A healthy scalp starts from the plate. Add these to your monsoon diet:

• Spinach, amla, curry leaves (iron & vitamin C)

• Nuts like walnuts, almonds (biotin & omega-3s)

• Eggs and lentils (protein, zinc)
  And drink water! People often skip water in cooler months, but hydration still matters.

How Hair Oil Affects Hair Loss in Monsoon

Ah, the age-old question: To oil or not to oil?

Should You Oil Your Hair in Monsoon?

Yes — but carefully. Oiling nourishes the scalp, but in a humid climate, it can also trap sweat and dirt. If left on too long, it may worsen hair fall instead of fixing it.

Best Oils to Use During the Monsoon

• Coconut oil: light, anti-fungal

• Neem oil: fights scalp infections

• Bhringraj oil: promotes regrowth

Oil your hair no more than 1–2 times a week, and don’t leave it overnight. Two hours before shampoo is ideal.

Oil Dos and Don’ts During Humid Weather

• Do warm the oil slightly before applying

• Don’t apply on wet or dirty scalp

• Do use mild herbal or sulfate-free shampoo to wash it off

Can Monsoon Hair Loss Be Reversed in Winter?

Natural Regrowth After Seasonal Hair Fall

Yes! Once the rains fade, and your scalp returns to a balanced state, hair fall generally slows down — and new hair starts sprouting again. Winter brings dry air, but it’s also a great time for hair oils and masks to nourish the roots.

Best Winter Hair Care to Recover from Monsoon Hair Loss

• Oil regularly (and rinse it out well)

• Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction

• Get trims to remove split ends and boost growth

• Avoid tight hairstyles and too much heat styling

FAQs About Hair Loss in Monsoon 

Is it normal to lose hair in monsoons?

Yes, losing 100–150 strands a day during monsoon is considered normal. Beyond that, it's worth looking into underlying issues.

Is losing 200 hairs a day normal?

Not really. That’s on the higher side. It may be due to infection, poor nutrition, or hormonal problems. A doc visit might help.

In which month does hair fall most?

Usually July and August, but in some areas, it can peak in September too.

How can I stop hair fall in monsoon naturally?

Maintain scalp hygiene, eat iron- and protein-rich food, avoid tying wet hair, and use light oils like coconut or neem.

Does rainwater damage hair?

Yes — especially polluted rainwater in urban areas. It can lead to scalp infections and brittle strands.

What is the best shampoo for monsoon hair fall in India?

Look for sulfate-free shampoos with anti-fungal ingredients like tea tree, neem, or salicylic acid. Mild ayurvedic brands like Kama Ayurveda, Mamaearth, or Sebamed are worth exploring.

💬 Monsoon may mess with your hair, but armed with the right care — and a bit of patience — you can bounce back stronger (and shinier).