Monsoon scalp struggles: Doctor shares 4 reasons why dandruff flares up during rainy season and how to manage

Monsoon scalp struggles: Doctor shares 4 reasons why dandruff flares up during rainy season and how to manage

Monsoon scalp struggles: Doctor shares 4 reasons why dandruff flares up during rainy season and how to manage ByAdrija Dey Jun 20, 2025 08:49 PM IST Share Via Copy Link Know the reasons behind why your scalp is acting up during the monsoon and what you can do about it. This expert-backed guide covers all essentials.

Monsoon season brings cool air and cosy weather, but it also quietly invites trouble with a host of skin and haircare issues, particularly increasing dandruff. Even when your haircare routine seems in check and going all fine, the sudden onslaught of humidity, sweat, and rain during monsoon may throw your scalp health completely haywire. You need to be well-informed about seasonal dandruff to be able to tackle it.

Keep your scalp health in check with the help of appropriate haircare routine.(Shutterstock)

ALSO READ: Can you get rid of dandruff permanently? Dermatologist answers

Dr Vishalakshi Viswanath, Consultant Dermatology at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, shared with HT Lifestyle how dandruff increases during monsoon and how one can manage it easily. 

Explaining the basics, she elaborated, “Dandruff is not merely a dry scalp or just a cosmetic problem. The causes of dandruff are multifactorial. Increase in sebum production (oiliness of hair), colonisation of the scalp by a yeast fungus (Malassezia) and individual susceptibility (genetic, hormonal, stress) can contribute to dandruff issues. Many seasonal factors disrupt the scalp skin barrier function, leading to increased sebum production and yeast colonisation, thereby worsening dandruff.”

Dr Viswanath shared a guide, outlining all the essentials you need to know about monsoon dandruff, from the reasons, treatments, to when one should visit a doctor: 

1. Increased humidity:

High moisture content and humidity cause an increase in scalp yeast.

A damp environment facilitates Malasseziaovergrowth

A humid atmosphere, leading to excessive scalp sweating and oiliness, causes scalp irritation and inflammation

Often, people avoid regular hair wash during monsoons, leading to an oily scalp and an increase in yeast

The dermat concluded, “Appropriate consultation with board certified dermatologist for individualised treatment approach and stubborn dandruff is mandatory.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.