The monsoon is synonymous with unmanageable tresses and melting make-up—thanks to the unnerving trifecta of heat, humidity and rain. While it may not be a good idea to step out with elaborate hairdos and OTT make-up, you need not look like a plain Jane either. Priya Chaphekar tells you how to up your beauty game.
The rains offer a refreshing break from the scorching summer heat. This time of the year you feel like letting loose, embarking on long drives, binging on hot pakodas and embracing the lush green and vibrant tone of nature. Having said that, monsoon also brings along an army of skin and hair woes. But don’t lose heart, these useful tips will help you maintain a flawless look even with the weather playing mischief.
Mane matters
The rainy season makes achieving manageable and fuss-free locks even more challenging. “Focus on natural waves and texture. Middle parting is back in a big way this year. Women with long tresses can let their hair be glossy and free-flowing, without much layered construction. On the other hand, add oodles of natural-looking shine and a windblown texture to short hair,” shares Asha Hariharan, Founder and Director, Beyond The Fringe Salons, Hair and Make-Up Educationist and Consultant and Education Ambassador, Godrej Professional.
Anisha Fernandes Tavares, Senior Stylist and Make-Up Artist of Nalini & Yasmin Salon, Mumbai, seconds that. “Experiment with pixie cut, bangs, and long layers with shoulder-length hair. Curly hair can be cut short to enhance the volume. Style straight hair into a sleek high pony or a top knot. Braided details are perfect for wavy and curly hair,” Tavares elaborates.
Heena Dalvi, National Creative Director-Hair, Lakmé Salon, suggests milkmaid braids, textured high knots and twisted side chignons for the monsoon. “Barrettes, headscarves and ribbons are some of the trending accessories to accentuate your hairdo,” she points out.
Hot off the ramp
Models on international ramps this year sported a gamut of jaw-dropping hairdos—from slick back, low-key hair teamed with fresh-face make-up and oh-so cute croissant buns to low-slung ponytails and faux crops created with the help of clever clipping and pinning.
Although monsoon is not a favourable time to go all out with elaborate accessories, pick them wisely—adorn that ponytail with an ultra-fine ribbon or put on back-to-school style pearl-studded hair grips on slick back hair.
Tress de-stress
- Invest in a good hydrating conditioner.
- If you have an oily scalp, use a deep cleansing shampoo once a week.
- Tame the frizz by using a scarf to wrap your hair when you go out.
- Avoid hair colours.
- Avoid applying too many hair products.
- Opt for a hair spa or a hot oil treatment once in a fortnight.
- If you are prone to dandruff during monsoon, pick a shampoo which contains zinc pyrithione, menthol or lemongrass. While menthol soothes an itchy scalp, zinc pyrithione helps to fight bacteria and lemongrass instantly refreshes your locks.
- Avoid tying your hair for too long at one go.
All about make-up
The trend of minimal make-up with pops of colour or metallic accents has really picked up this year. “A nude, dewy and soft look works well for the base. Hydrated and dewy skin with bold eyes and sharp brows made a statement on the international runways this year. With eyes becoming the focus of each look, you can highlight them using a coloured eyeliner for the day or a metallic liner to create an ultra-glam night look. Enhance both the looks with a volumising waterproof mascara for a dash of that much-needed drama,” highlights Sushma Khan, National Creative Director, Make-up, Lakmé Salon.
Hot off the ramp
From aqua-tinted peepers with a turquoise eyeliner and jewel-encrusted eyes to neon orange liners and soft, smoky, cappuccino eyeshadows, make-up artists did not hesitate to experiment this year. They teamed soft peach eyes with petal-pink lips for a romantic vibe and a classic red pout with minimal eye make-up for an effortless edge. Also seen on the runways were dewy skin and shimmering eyes, all of which you can experiment through the rainy season.
