Undoubtedly you’ve heard the old line of poetry ‘April showers brings May flowers’, and honestly there’s nothing quite like the fresh, earthy smell after a spring rain. But while dancing in the rain may feel fun and celebratory, have you ever stopped to think about what rainwater actually does to your skin and hair? Spoiler alert — it’s not as harmless as it seems. It can cause damage to both, and cause you to regret the few minute you enjoyed out in it. Thankfully, there are some simple, effective ways to protect yourself without avoiding the rain altogether.
Is Rainwater Clean? Not Really…
Contrary to popular belief, rainwater isn’t just pure, distilled water falling from the sky. As it travels through the atmosphere, it collects:
- Airborne pollutants
- Dust, dirt, and debris
- Acidic compounds from vehicle emissions and factories
- Bacteria, mould spores, and microorganisms
This means that when you’re caught in a downpour, you’re also exposing your skin and hair to a mix of environmental toxins and irritants.
How Rainwater Affects Your Skin
1. Strips Natural Oils
Rainwater can remove the skin’s protective oils, leaving it dry, rough, and vulnerable to damage.
2. Clogs Pores & Causes Irritation
The dirt and pollutants in rainwater may clog pores, leading to acne breakouts, blackheads, or rashes — especially if you have sensitive skin.
3. Triggers Skin Conditions
For those prone to eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea, rain exposure can worsen symptoms and cause flare-ups.
4. Speeds Up Skin Ageing
Acidic rainwater can contribute to oxidative stress, accelerating the development of fine lines, dullness, and uneven skin tone.
How Rainwater Affects Your Hair
1. Leads to Frizz & Dryness
Rainwater lifts the cuticle layer of the hair, making it rough, brittle, and prone to frizz.
2. Disrupts Scalp Health
A damp, unclean scalp creates the perfect environment for fungal infections, dandruff, and itchiness.
3. Fades Hair Colour
Pollutants in rainwater can strip away artificial hair colour faster, leaving your locks dull and faded.
Cold Rain Can Damage Your Skin and Hair
To make matters worse, spring rain more often than not is cold rain, which presents an additional challenge for your skin and hair. The lower temperatures can cause a shock effect, leading to dryness, irritation, and even long-term damage.
Effects on Skin
Cold rain lowers your skin’s temperature rapidly, causing blood vessels to constrict. This reduces circulation, leading to dullness, redness, and tightness. If you already suffer from dry or sensitive skin, exposure to cold rain can exacerbate flakiness and irritation. Additionally, the sudden drop in temperature weakens the skin barrier, making it harder for your skin to retain moisture and fight off pollutants.
Effects on Hair
Cold rain weakens hair strands, making them more susceptible to breakage. When wet hair is exposed to frigid temperatures, the cuticle (outer layer) lifts, allowing moisture to escape. This leads to dryness, frizz, and split ends. For those with curly or textured hair, cold rain can disrupt natural curl patterns, leaving hair limp and lifeless. Furthermore, a damp, cold scalp is an ideal environment for fungal infections and dandruff.
How to Protect Your Skin & Hair on Rainy Days
You don’t have to lock yourself indoors every time it rains. Follow these simple tips to stay protected:
Cover Up
Carry an umbrella or wear a rain jacket with a hood to reduce direct exposure. Wearing a hat is a good idea as well.
Rinse Off ASAP
If you get caught in the rain, wash your face and hair with gentle, sulphate-free products as soon as you get home.
Moisturise & Condition
Hydrate your skin with a lightweight moisturiser and apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to lock in moisture.
Exfoliate Weekly
Use a mild exfoliant to clear away pollutants and dead skin cells. For your hair, try a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove product build-up and environmental grime.
Protective Hairstyles
On rainy days, style your hair in braids, buns, or ponytails to reduce frizz and damage.
Stay Hydrated & Eat Well
Healthy skin and hair start from the inside. Drink enough water and eat foods rich in omega-3s, vitamins A, C, and E, and antioxidants.
Final Thoughts
A walk in the rain can lift your mood, but it can also expose your skin and hair to impurities you may not see. While one rainy day won’t cause serious damage, repeated exposure without protection can lead to dryness, irritation, and long-term issues.
So next time you embrace the rain, do it smartly. Protect your glow while enjoying the moment.