Monsoon Skincare & Haircare for New Moms: Natural Ways to Combat Postpartum Hair Fall & Breakouts

Okay lets be real - every woman who has given birth can whole heartedly agree that postpartum hairfall is a nightmare! The hair can fall in so much volume that you are left thinking - "Am I going to go bald!" Drains, sink clogged with hair, even when the housemaid sweeps the house, her expressions are to be captured when she sees so much hair on the floor! So lets accept it: while your heart grows fuller, your skin and hair often take a beating. Add the monsoon’s humidity, sweat, damp air, and clogged pores to already fluctuating postpartum hormones, and you’ve got a perfect storm for:

• Sudden hair fall

• Oily scalp and dandruff

• Back acne and facial breakouts

• Rashes in skin folds

• Uneven skin tone

According to a 2023 study published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal, nearly 65% of postpartum Indian women report increased skin and hair issues during monsoon, primarily due to sweat retention, fungal overgrowth, and stress.

This blog is your science-backed, home-remedy-rich guide to manage postpartum skincare and haircare naturally during the rains — without expensive salon visits or chemical-loaded products. Because your body deserves as much care as your baby does.

Understanding What’s Going On — The Science Behind Hair Fall & Skin Breakouts

1. Postpartum Hair Fall Peaks Between 3–6 Months

During pregnancy, high estrogen levels pause the natural hair fall cycle, giving you lush, voluminous hair. But after delivery, estrogen drops sharply, pushing 30–60% of hair into the telogen (shedding) phase. This can worsen during monsoon due to:

• Humid scalp leading to dandruff and fungal infections

• Poor circulation due to sedentary postpartum lifestyle

• Lack of nutrients like iron, zinc, and biotin

2. Skin Changes: Hormones Meet Humidity

Post-delivery hormonal imbalances (like estrogen and progesterone dips) combined with monsoon sweat, clogged pores, and fluctuating hygiene lead to:

• Increased sebum (oil) production

• Fungal acne, especially on the back, neck, and chest

• Rashes under breasts, thighs, or abdominal folds

Natural Haircare for Postpartum Moms During Monsoon

3. Oil Smartly — But Avoid Overnight Soaking

Opt for a light oil massage with warm oils like coconut, amla, or brahmi oil, but avoid leaving oil overnight, especially in humid weather.

Why this works:

• Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which penetrates the hair shaft and has antifungal properties

• Amla helps strengthen hair follicles

• Brahmi calms the nervous system, reducing stress-induced hair fall

Tip: Apply oil 30 minutes before a gentle hair wash, twice a week.

4. Choose Sulfate-Free, Herbal Shampoos

Look for shampoos with shikakai, reetha, neem, or hibiscus. These ingredients help:

• Maintain scalp pH

• Control fungal growth

• Prevent excessive dryness or oiliness

Avoid frequent shampooing (more than 3x/week) as it strips natural oils and triggers compensatory sebum production.

5. DIY Hair Rinses to Control Dandruff & Strengthen Roots

Use these simple post-wash rinses once a week:

• Neem Water Rinse: Boil neem leaves, cool, and use as a final rinse. Fights dandruff and itchiness.

• Green Tea + Methi Seed Rinse: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds to reduce scalp flakiness and hair loss.

• Rice Water Rinse: High in inositol, it improves hair elasticity and texture.

6. Nutrition First: Feed Your Hair from Within

Postpartum nutrient depletion can worsen monsoon-triggered hair issues. Key nutrients include:

• Iron & Ferritin: Critical for hair follicle activity

• Biotin (B7): Improves keratin structure

• Zinc & Selenium: Controls scalp oil and inflammation

Foods to Include:

• Roasted makhana, methi laddoos, til (sesame) seeds

• Curry leaves chutney, moringa powder in dal

• Dates, black raisins, amla candy, soaked almonds

Indian Dietetic Association recommends 30–35 mg/day of iron and 30 mcg/day of biotin for lactating mothers.

Postpartum Skincare During Monsoon — Cleanse, Calm, Repair

7. Cleanse Gently, Twice a Day

Use sulfate-free, gel-based cleansers with natural ingredients like neem, tulsi, turmeric, or aloe vera. Avoid cream-based products that clog pores in humid weather.

Pro Tip: Postpartum skin tends to be sensitive. Patch test new products and avoid exfoliation more than once a week.

8. DIY Face Packs to Calm Breakouts & Brighten Skin

• Haldi-Chandan Pack: Mix 1/2 tsp turmeric + sandalwood powder + rose water for anti-inflammatory, anti-acne action.

• Multani Mitti + Aloe Vera Gel: For oil control and soothing inflamed skin.

• Besan + Honey + Curd: Brightens dull, patchy skin with gentle lactic acid exfoliation.

Apply these 2x per week, not daily.

9. Keep Skin Folds Dry & Rash-Free

Postpartum skin folds (especially under the breasts, tummy fold, and thighs) can become breeding grounds for fungal infections like candidiasis in humid weather.

Preventive Tips:

• Dust a light layer of cornstarch or antifungal powder (prescribed)

• Wear loose, breathable cotton innerwear — no synthetic lace or tight fits

• Change clothes twice daily and iron after drying to kill moisture-loving microbes

10. Hydration & Sleep: The Cheapest Skincare

Your skin barrier heals best when hydrated and rested. Aim for:

• 2.5–3L water daily — include ajwain or fennel water

• 6–7 hours of total rest (even in patches)

• Apply natural oils like almond or sesame after a lukewarm bath to lock in moisture

Conclusion: Small Rituals, Big Results

Monsoon is a time of renewal in nature — and it can be the same for your body, too. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about reclaiming your skin and hair, one nurturing step at a time. You're not just managing hair fall or a breakout — you're rebuilding trust with your body after birth.

Your baby’s glow begins with your well-being. Invest in it, naturally, gently, consistently.