Why Does Your Hair Behave Differently in Your Hometown and Another City?

Do you know what I mean? Everything you use at home like your shampoo, your hair oil, everything works just fine. But when you go to a different city to start college or work or even visit an uncle for a week or two, you suddenly realize that your hair has become rough and lifeless. Your scalp itches. There’s more hair on your comb than usual.

Nothing about your routine has changed, so you wonder what’s going on. Is it the water? The weather? The pollution? Or just stress?

1. Why hair really does change from city to city

The hair you see and style is not alive. It is composed mainly of a protein known as keratin and responds to its environment – water, humidity, dust, heat, and hair products. Depending on how these things change, your hair can look and feel differently.

Your scalp is alive, though. It reacts to any changes in the water, hair products, sweat, stress, and lack of sleep. Why do certain effects show up on the hair itself (such as frizz, roughness), while others affect the scalp (itchiness, oily, dandruff)?

Consider the skin of an individual. In many cases, an individual can develop acne or dry skin even when using the same face wash after relocating to another location. Hair is similar. It’s responding to a new environment.

2. Water: hard or soft?

What is hard water?

Hard water contains high amounts of mineral content such as calcium and magnesium. Soft water contains low amounts of these minerals. Hard water is easily identifiable in homes through chalk-like stains left on taps, shower heads, and metallic utensils.

Water hardness varies a lot from place to place. So your hometown water and your new city’s water can be quite different.

What hard water can feel like

Many people say hair in hard water areas feels rough, dull or “coated”, and that their scalp itches more. Mineral deposits left on hair may be part of the reason. The curliness of hair, colouring of hair, or if the hair is already dried may be more aware of it. This can be said according to general experience and some laboratory observations.

What you can do

• Wash well. The remaining shampoo along with minerals could leave your hair stiff.
• Use clarifying shampoo at intervals. Every two weeks or a month should be fine. Too much of that may dry up your hair.
• Condition the lengths. A good conditioner or a light oil on the ends can make hair feel smoother.
• Consider a shower filter. Some people find it helps. Results vary, and it won’t fix every problem.
• Don’t panic. If your hair feels different for a week or two after a move, that’s common. Hair and scalp often settle down.

3. Humidity and dry air

Humidity refers to moisture content in the atmosphere. Humidity is quite variable in India. The humid cities in India are Mumbai and Chennai that lie close to the sea. But some cities such as Delhi and Jaipur are very dry, especially in winter.

Why humid air makes hair frizzy

Keratin proteins in your hair are held in shape by bonds. Some are strong and don’t change with weather. Then there are the weak, temporary bonds, known as hydrogen bonds. Water molecules can influence these easily.

On a damp day, the hair fibers take up moisture from the air. With more water comes the formation and reforming of the weak bonds in new ways, leading to swelling of the fiber. Straight hair turns wavy, while wavy or curly hair turns frizzy. This is only for a short while. As soon as the atmosphere becomes dry, the hair will regain its original shape.

Damaged, dried out, colored, or heated hair will absorb water easily, and therefore frizz when humidity is high.

What about dry air?

In dry weather, hair can feel rougher, more brittle and more static-prone. Your scalp can feel tight or flaky too. If you’ve moved from a humid place to a dry one, you may notice this straight away.

What helps

• Apply hair conditioner or leave-in hair treatment to wet hair. This will provide additional slip and make your hair smooth.
• Handle your hair softly. The best choice for drying is a soft cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel.
• Don’t use too hot water. This can dry out your hair.
• In dry climates, first lightly oil the lengths prior to washing and don’t use harsh shampoos everyday.

4. Pollution, dust and sweat

Dust, soot, and sweat are common in urban areas. It has been observed that hair and scalp become greasier and more dirty in large cities, making individuals need to take baths on a more frequent basis. Dust and sweat can sit on the scalp, and a sweaty scalp may feel itchy.

It would not be fair to hide from this, however. The truth is that scientific research on the precise effects of urban air pollution on hair is scarce, and online assertions are much more bold than evidence-based. What is certain, though, is that a clean scalp is usually more comfortable, and over-washing may cause irritation.

A few simple habits help:

• Shampoo your hair as and when required. This varies from person to person as some people will require it once or twice a week while others might need it thrice a week.
• Tie your hair loosely when you’re out in the dust. A scarf or cap can also help.
• Don’t go to bed with very sweaty hair if you can help it.
• Wash combs and brushes regularly. Old product and oil build up on them.

5. Other things that change when you move

Here’s the part many people miss. When you move cities, it isn’t only the water and weather that change. A lot of other things change at the same time:

• Stress. All these factors such as new employment, new environment, and homesickness can create high levels of stress. When the level of stress is too high, it can cause excessive loss of hair after a number of weeks or months. This is quite a common phenomenon which generally stabilizes when the stress reduces.
• Food. Less protein, iron, and other nutrients may be ingested due to hostel food, irregular meals, and increased takeaway.
• Sleep. Late nights and broken sleep are common after a move.
• Water intake. People often drink less water when they’re busy or travelling.
• Products. Many people try a new shampoo or oil because the usual one isn’t available, or they overdo products trying to fix the problem.
• Routine. You may skip oiling, or wash at a different time of day.

So when your hair feels different, don’t blame the city alone. Look at the whole picture. Sometimes the fix is as simple as eating properly, sleeping better, and going back to your usual routine.

6. A simple step-by-step routine for a new city

You don’t need a ten-step routine. Try this for 3 to 4 weeks before deciding what’s working.

Step 1: Keep your routine mostly the same

Don’t change everything at once. If your usual shampoo and oil worked at home, keep using them for a bit. Change one thing at a time, so you know what’s making a difference.

Step 2: Check your new water

Look at your taps, kettle and utensils for white, chalky marks. If you see them, your water may be hard. A simple water hardness test strip can also give you a rough idea.

Step 3: Oil gently before washing

Warm a little bit of oil and apply it to the scalp and hair and rub it using fingertips. It should be left on for 30 minutes to a few hours and washed. Heavy oils should not be left on the scalp if it itches or breaks out during the night.

Step 4: Wash with lukewarm water

Massage shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips, not your nails. Rinse thoroughly.

Step 5: Condition the lengths

Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, not on the scalp. Rinse well.

Step 6: Dry gently

Pat dry. Let your hair air dry when you can, and keep heat tools on low.

Step 7: Clarify occasionally

If your hair feels coated or rough, use a clarifying shampoo once in a while, then condition well.

Step 8: Give it time

Hair grows slowly. Give any new routine at least a month, unless something irritates your scalp. If it does, stop using it.

7. Where Indus Organics Hair Regrowth Oil fits

First, let’s be clear about what no oil can do. It can’t remove minerals from your water, change the humidity, or treat a medical cause of hair fall. If you’re oiling your hair anyway, which many of us do, the question is whether this oil fits into your routine. Here’s an honest look.

What the brand says

According to Indus Organics, Ayurvedic Hair Regrowth Oil (100 ml) is a hair oil that helps maintain a healthy hair routine. They state that it is light in texture, easy to use, and good for both males and females. It does not contain mineral oil, parabens and silicones. The product is also claimed to be usable frequently; it is suggested to be used 2 to 3 times a week.

These are the brand’s own statements. This article doesn’t cite any clinical study on this specific product, so please treat the benefits as the brand’s description and traditional use, not proven results.

What’s in it

The list of important ingredients on the product webpage includes the following: mustard oil, amla oil, pumpkin seed oil, halim seed oil, castor oil, fenugreek oil, shikakai oil, camphor oil, kala gond oil, and lavender oil.

To put it into simple words, all of them can be considered as nourishing or moisturising oils for your scalp and smooth-looking hair. Amla, fenugreek, and shikakai are ingredients used in traditional Indian hair care practices. Camphor is said to leave a cool, fresh sensation while lavender is soothing and fragrant.

A few honest points about these ingredients:

• There is limited evidence on the effects of oils on stimulating hair growth, and individual responses may differ.
• Camphor and lavender can be very potent and cause irritation in some individuals.
• Mustard and castor oils can be very thick and pungent in their smell, making them unpleasant for some users.

How it may help in the “new city” situation

Consider this to be a form of conditioning and massage rather than a solution for the urban environment.

• For dry or rough hair (arid environment or hard water): A little oiling before washing may do wonders for your hair. Just ensure you rinse it properly.
• If you feel stressed after a move: a slow scalp massage can simply be a relaxing part of your week. That’s a real benefit on its own.
• If your hair feels heavy: do not use oil for the moment. Oil is not an option since it cannot dissolve minerals from your hair.

How to use it

This follows the brand’s directions, with a few safety points added.

1. Do a patch test first. Apply a little bit to your inner arm and wait for 24 hours. You will not use this product if there is any sign of irritation.
2. Place a small amount in your hand.
3. Apply it to your scalp and hair, and massage gently in circles for a few minutes.
4. Keep it in as long as you like before you wash it out. The company says it is fine to use it overnight if it is good for your hair, but if you have just started using it, use it for a few hours.
5. Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
6. Use it 2 to 3 times a week, as the brand suggests. The brand also says to give any routine around 8 to 12 weeks before judging it.

Who should be careful

• Anyone with a sensitive scalp, eczema, psoriasis or a scalp wound. Please check with a doctor first.
• Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor before using products with camphor or essential oils.
• Do not expose yourself to it. Should you do so accidentally, wash thoroughly with lots of water.
• It is not for use by children.
• In case you experience sudden or patchy hair loss, consult a dermatologist at first.

8. Mistakes to avoid

• Changing everything at once. If your scalp reacts, you won’t know why.
• Washing too often or scrubbing hard. It can strip the scalp and make it feel worse.
• Skipping the patch test. Even natural products can cause reactions.
• Leaving heavy oil on a dirty, sweaty scalp. It can trap dust and make the scalp itchy.
• Blaming the water for everything. Stress, food and sleep matter too.
• Using very hot water. It can leave hair rough.
• Expecting overnight results. Hair needs weeks, not days.
• Ignoring warning signs. If hair fall is heavy or sudden, don’t just try another oil.

9. When to see a doctor

Though moving to new cities may create some temporary issues, there are certain signs that require a proper evaluation by your physician or dermatologist.

• Persistent hair loss that occurs suddenly or in large amounts for over a few weeks.
• Round or patchy bald spots.
• A very itchy, red, painful or flaky scalp that doesn’t improve
• Visible thinning at the parting or crown.
• Hair changes along with tiredness, weight changes, irregular periods or other symptoms.
• Hair loss due to pregnancy, sickness or consumption of new medication

Discuss these issues with your physician prior to taking any new supplements or essential oils when you are pregnant or lactating.

Final thoughts

Your hair isn’t being difficult on purpose. When you move, it meets new water, new air and a new routine, and so do you. Some changes are temporary. Some need a small tweak. And a few need a doctor’s help.

Start with the basics. Keep your routine simple, rinse well, condition the lengths, and be gentle with your scalp. Eat properly, sleep when you can, and give your hair a few weeks to adjust. If you choose to add Indus Organics Hair Regrowth Oil, patch test first, start slowly, and keep your expectations realistic.Hair Growth,