You’re on your way home from work, or out running errands and a rainstorm appears seemingly from nowhere. Without an umbrella, you get thoroughly drenched and that includes your hair.
So, what should you do? Do you let it dry naturally, do you get the blow dryer out, or do you hop in a nice warm shower and shampoo?
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What Do I Do If My Hair Gets Soaked on My Way to an Appointment?
What you may need to do depends primarily on the circumstances. If you were on your way to work or an appointment, you certainly can’t shampoo, dry, or set your hair to appear more presentable. You probably won’t have the necessary tools or the time, but you still need to better how you look on the job.
What can you do? If your hair is long enough, a quick messy, freestyle updo can get you out of a jam. Keep some favorite hair combs, barrettes, and bobby pins in a desk drawer or purse just in case.
If your hair is short, a quick towel dry, even with paper towels will keep you from looking like something the cat dragged in. Dry as best you can and comb your short bob into the most presentable style you can. When you get home, wash your hair as soon as possible.
The Effects of Rain on Hair
When your hair gets drenched in a rainstorm it can suffer damage. Drenched hair can become unreasonably tangled, matted, or super frizzy. Rain may also carry lots of pollutants with it, so impurities and dirt will end up in your hair, and rain generally has a high acidity level.
There are a variety of risks you run by allowing hair and scalp to get wet in the rain. Consider these:
1. Common Cold
The most obvious risk when getting rain-drenched is coming down with cold and wet hair will allow the cold to penetrate your scalp and head. Afterward, you’ll get dizziness, a headache, and just feel downright miserable.
2. Dandruff
Dandruff can be a year-round condition, but rainy, humid weather can exacerbate this condition. Scalp irritation that causes the unsightly flaking can be associated with fungal conditions that wet weather can worsen.
Wash your hair regularly with a specifically formulated shampoo and do not leave your hair wet for long periods.
3. Dull or Oily Hair
Succumbing to a rainstorm that drenches your hair can leave it moisture-depleted and dull. It can also cause your scalp to perspire more causing an oily appearance and perhaps producing an unpleasant odor.
4. The Frizzes
Frizzy hair is the number one condition after rain, whether your hair gets wet or not. If you have curly hair frizzy hair can be synonymous with wild-looking hair. Condition your hair regularly to diminish the risk of frizzy hair.
5. Fungal Infections
A wet scalp and humidity in the air can cause your hair to remain damp for an extended period. This environment can be an open invitation to fungal infections like ringworm. This is the best reason to wash your hair after being caught in a rainstorm.
6. Hair Loss
Rainwater can weaken the hair’s structure, causing it to thin out. Select a gentle shampoo after a rain drenching.
7. Skin irritations and Itchy Scalp
Dirty rainwater combined with natural perspiration makes the scalp ripe for irritation. Often sulfur compounds can be found in rainwater due to pollution. Bacteria may breed on the scalp if left unwashed. These irritations can turn into something much more serious like folliculitis.
If your scalp tends to become irritated, consider using a product to keep it hydrated and soft. Your scalp should be hydrated, and your hair nourished. It should not be a party invitation for germs and irritants.
Should I Wash My Hair After Rain?
Ideally, yes you should. Considering all the pollutants in the air, you need to reconcile with the fact that these toxins will end up in rain-drenched hair and directly on your scalp.
1. Shampoo Your Hair
Choose a neutral shampoo that works for your hair type wash your hair as soon as possible after drenching it to remove dirt and pollutants from your hair and scalp.
Anti-bacterial shampoos are an optimal choice when wanting to counter the effects of a rainstorm. If you have recently washed your hair, shampoo it once. If you’re due to shampoo, go ahead and shampoo twice.
2. Apply a Balsam or Conditioner
Humid or rainy weather is generally the cause of frizzy hair. One method to decrease the risk of frizz is by applying a conditioner.
If you have naturally curly or permed hair, avoid silicone-based conditioners opting for anti-humectant products instead. You can opt to mix your conditioner at home using natural ingredients like yogurt and eggs.
3. Dry Hair Naturally if Possible
Gentle towel drying your hair will do wonders. Drying hair is important as overly humid scalps can be an invitation for infections. Remove all excess water with a soft towel and permit your hair to air dry naturally if possible.
Comb your freshly washed hair with a wide-tooth comb to reduce pressure on hair that may have been weakened by rainwater.
If you are in a hurry, get the blow dryer out, however, blow drying can expose your hair to heat damage. Use a protective foam or spray beforehand if you need to use a dryer.
You can use a diffuser on your blow dryer to reduce the risk of heat damage especially if you have curly hair. Use a low heat setting.
Are Lice Associated with Rain-Drenched Hair?
No, they are not. Lice appear on the scalp because lice eggs have been deposited there. If you already have lice, the dampness from rain-drenched hair may promote their proliferation, but rain is not a cause of lice.
Should I Wash My Hair After Rain?
Yes, absolutely and you should keep your hair as dry as possible if possible. If you must go out in the rain, bring along a rain cap or umbrella, and for those with long hair, consider an updo when the weather turns bad.
