By Dr. Shweta Lamba Narula
Hair fall typically increases during the monsoon season due to telogen effluvium - a temporary disruption in the hair growth cycle where humidity, sweat-related scalp inflammation, and seasonal stress push more follicles from the active anagen phase into the resting telogen phase. It is normal to lose 50 to 100 strands a day, but monsoon conditions can significantly raise that number for weeks at a time. Using a shampoo and serum with follicle-targeting actives like Redensyl and AnaGain helps support the hair growth cycle during this high-shedding period.
Why Does Hair Fall Increase in Monsoon Season?
Every monsoon, the same thing happens. The first rains are a relief, and then - about two to three weeks in - the hairbrush starts looking fuller than it should. Monsoon hair fall is one of the most consistently reported hair concerns in India during July and August, and it has a clear biological explanation.
Is It Normal to Lose More Hair During Monsoon?
Yes, within limits. Hair growth is cyclical. At any point, approximately 85% of scalp follicles are in the active anagen (growth) phase, while around 15% are in the telogen (resting) phase before shedding. Losing 50 to 100 strands a day is considered normal (DermNet, Telogen Effluvium).
During monsoon, environmental stressors - sustained humidity, heat, sweat accumulation, and seasonal nutritional changes - can push a larger proportion of follicles from anagen into telogen simultaneously. This is called telogen effluvium, and it results in a noticeable but usually temporary increase in shedding (DermNet, Telogen Effluvium). Shedding typically peaks at around 8 to 12 weeks after the triggering event and then gradually normalises.
What Happens to Your Scalp in High Humidity?
Humidity does not damage the follicle directly. The problem is what it does to the scalp environment. When the scalp is hot and humid for extended periods, sebaceous glands increase sebum output, and sweat accumulates faster than it evaporates. This creates a sebum-sweat layer that can clog follicle openings and create conditions for microbial activity.
Low-grade inflammation around the follicle - triggered by scalp build-up - is a recognised factor in disrupting the hair growth cycle. Indian monsoon conditions: temperatures above 28°C combined with 70–90% relative humidity sustained for months, make this more pronounced than the mild seasonal shedding seen in cooler climates.
Does Sweat on the Scalp Make Hair Fall Worse?
Yes, and this is often underappreciated. Sweat contains lactic acid, urea, and electrolytes. When it accumulates without regular cleansing, it can shift the scalp's natural pH - which normally sits between 4.5 and 5.5 - toward a more neutral level that favours microbial growth and scalp irritation.
High moisture in monsoon air also softens the hair shaft. The cuticle swells and becomes more vulnerable to mechanical damage - breakage from combing, tying, or sleeping on wet hair. What appears to be hair fall is sometimes mid-shaft breakage. Checking whether shed strands have a white bulb at the root (true follicular hair fall) or a frayed, tapered end (breakage) helps identify the right treatment.
What Ingredients Actually Help with Monsoon Hair Fall?
A monsoon hairfall shampoo needs to do more than cleanse. Two key actives to look for:
Redensyl - a patented complex that targets follicle stem cells in the outer root sheath, studied for its role in supporting the transition of follicles from telogen back to the growth (anagen) phase (StatPearls, Physiology, Hair - NBK499948).
AnaGain - derived from organic pea sprout extract. It acts on the dermal papilla - the structure that orchestrates hair growth via growth factors - to stimulate signals promoting follicle activation and growth-phase entry.
How to Use the Pilgrim Redensyl & AnaGain Range During Monsoon
Pilgrim's Redensyl & AnaGain Hairfall Control Shampoo combines both actives in a formulation for regular monsoon use. Wash 3 to 4 times per week - frequently enough to prevent scalp build-up, but not so often that the scalp lipid barrier is disrupted.
Follow with the Redensyl & AnaGain Hairfall Control Conditioner to detangle gently. Monsoon hair is fragile when wet - rough combing or towel-drying compounds breakage.
For targeted follicle support between washes, apply the 3% Redensyl + 4% AnaGain Hair Growth Serum directly to the scalp. Leave-on serums deliver actives at higher concentrations than rinse-off products - they are the most effective delivery format for follicle-targeting ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does hair fall increase during the monsoon season?
The increase is linked to telogen effluvium - a temporary shift where more follicles enter the resting phase simultaneously. Humidity, sweat-related scalp inflammation, and seasonal stress all act as triggers. Most people see shedding normalise within a few months once the underlying cause is addressed.
Is monsoon hair fall permanent?
In most cases, no. Telogen effluvium is temporary and self-correcting - once the trigger is managed, follicles typically re-enter the growth phase. Persistent, patchy, or progressively worsening hair loss should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
How often should I wash my hair during monsoon?
Wash 3 to 4 times a week during monsoon. Letting sweat and sebum sit on the scalp for more than 2 days creates conditions that aggravate follicle inflammation and hair fall. Use a mild shampoo that cleanses without stripping the scalp's protective lipid barrier.
Can I use the Redensyl & AnaGain Hair Growth Serum every day?
Yes - the Redensyl & AnaGain Hair Growth Serum is designed for daily scalp application. Apply a few drops directly to the scalp, not the hair lengths, and massage lightly to aid absorption. Do not rinse off. Consistent daily use builds the follicle-supporting effect over several weeks.
What is the difference between hair fall and hair breakage during monsoon?
Hair fall occurs when the strand detaches from the follicle at the root - there will be a small white bulb at the end of the strand. Hair breakage is a mid-shaft fracture from cuticle damage. Both occur in monsoon. Addressing scalp health reduces hair fall; a conditioner and gentle wet-hair handling reduces breakage.
Does diet affect monsoon hair fall?
Yes. Iron, zinc, and protein deficiencies are established triggers for telogen effluvium. Nutritional dips during seasonal transitions can amplify monsoon-related shedding. Adequate protein intake and iron-rich foods in the diet support follicle health throughout the season.
References
- Telogen effluvium - DermNet
- Hoover E, Alhajj M, Flores JL. Physiology, Hair - StatPearls (NBK499948)
