Look fabulous in the monsoon too

Skin and hair care tips this monsoon...
Dreamy rain against perfect cloudy skies might be the perfect filmi formula for romance, but real life is a stark contrast to all the 70 mm magic. The Indian monsoon is an everyday battle for your hair and skin that make you look far from glamorous. Here are some rainy day quick fixes to keep you looking fabulous and drive those monsoon blues away.
Be there for your hair!
From greasy, lifeless tresses to frizzy horrors that take you right back to the ’80s, the monsoon bring out the worst in your hair.Washing your hair regularly with a mild, moisturizing shampoo with natural extracts is your best bet. You can also pamper your hair with a warm oil massage at least once a week. Since the damp air makes your scalp vulnerable to lice and dandruff, be extra cautious — for one, don’t tie up wet hair. But most importantly, go slow on hair products. De-tangling and frizz-control serums are your best friends this season.
Quick fix: Banana pulp mixed with olive oil make for a great hair mask. Apply for 15 minutes before washing off. You can also try a mixture of honey and olive oil.
Get under your skin
What might seem like the most cliched of solutions might just be the most important one — a bath. Showers with soap-free cleansers go a long way in ensuring your skin is infection-free in high humidity environments. But ensure you dry yourself up thoroughly once you are out.
Fungus breeds on moisture that remains in the folds of your body. So wipe those arm pits, and joints with extra care. Using talcum powder to absorb the moisture is an easy way to keep infections away. Use of good anti-bacterial toners on the body is a pre requisite. Contrary to popular belief, sunscreens are as necessary in the monsoons to protect you from the UV rays as it is during summer. Sun rays can reach you through clouds and harm your skin. Use a mild, non-greasy sunblocks and avoid any other kind of make-up. Water proof-kajal and mascara are enough to brighten up those dull days.
Quick fix: If the monsoon is drying up your skin, crush a handful of almonds and mix it with honey to make a paste. Massage this on your face for a few minutes before rinsing it off. To beat the grease, use papaya pulp or oatmeal scrub as a cleanser and wash it off with cold water.
priya29ramachandran@gmail.com