The celebration of colours, Holi, brings excitement, happiness, and a burst of colour. However, your skin and hair may suffer from the harsh chemicals in synthetic colours, extended sun exposure, and frequent water splashes. This is your go-to resource for preserving your attractiveness throughout this colourful festival.

Pre-Holi Care for Skin

Moisturize Generously

Colours are more difficult to remove from dry skin because it absorbs them more quickly. Apply a thick layer of moisturizer, coconut oil, or almond oil. Particular attention should be paid to the hands, elbows, neck, and face.

Apply sunscreen

Since Holi is celebrated outside, exposure to the sun can cause skin damage and tanning. At least half an hour before leaving the house, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. “A waterproof sunscreen is ideal, as water splashes are inevitable.”

Use Very Little Makeup

Steer clear of excessive makeup as it may cause skin discomfort due to colour reactions. To keep your lips nourished, use waterproof lip balm and a mild, tinted moisturizer if needed.

Guard Vulnerable Areas

Use petroleum jelly on your lips, ears, and nails to keep colour from getting stuck in nooks and crannies that can be difficult to remove later.

Pre-Holi Care for Hair

Oil Your Hair

To build a barrier against colours, apply coconut, almond, or olive oil to your scalp and hair. Colours are easier to remove from oiled hair since they can’t penetrate the cuticles.

Tie Your Hair Up

To reduce exposure, wear your hair in a ponytail, bun, or braid.

Cover Your Hair

Putting on a cap, bandana, or scarf helps shield your hair from colour fading and keep it from being dry and brittle.

Avoid Heat Styling

Refrain from using heat styling tools like straighteners and curling irons a day before Holi, as they can dry out your hair, making it more vulnerable to colour penetration.

Post-Holi Care for Skin

Use Gentle Cleansers

Do not scrub your skin vigorously to remove colours, as this can cause irritation. Instead, use a mild cleanser or oil-based makeup remover to break down colours before washing your face.

Exfoliate with Natural Remedies

Use a homemade scrub of gram flour (besan) and yogurt or a mixture of honey and oatmeal to gently exfoliate your skin and remove residual colour.

Apply a Soothing Mask

Aloe Vera gel, curd, or mashed banana masks can help soothe any redness or irritation caused by colours. They also help in restoring the skin’s natural moisture.

Hydrate and Moisturize

After cleansing, apply a hydrating serum followed by a thick moisturizer.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Do not use alcohol-based toners or harsh face washes immediately after Holi, as they can dry out the skin further and increase sensitivity.

Post-Holi Care for Hair

Rinse with Cold Water First

Before applying shampoo, rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water to remove as much colour as possible. This prevents the colours from further settling into the hair shaft.

Apply a Gentle Shampoo

To gently cleanse your hair without depleting it of its natural oils, use a shampoo without sulfates. To prevent injury, lightly massage your scalp.

Give Your Hair a Deep Conditioning Treatment

To replenish hydration and nutrients, use coconut or argan oil for an oil massage or a deep conditioning hair treatment.

Steer clear of instant heat styling

After washing, let your hair air dry naturally. To give your hair time to heal, refrain from using curling irons, straighteners, or blow dryers for a few days.

— By Dr Shweta Mishra, Facial Cosmetic & Aesthetic surgeon