Holi, the festival of colors, brings fun and celebration but can wreak havoc on your skin and hair. The vibrant hues and playful activities are often followed by dry, stained skin and frazzled hair. To help you enjoy Holi without the post-festival regret, we’ve consulted top dermatologists for expert tips on skincare and haircare.
Pre-Holi Skin and Haircare Tips:
Use Natural Gulaal
Opt for eco-friendly, natural colors like Phool’s handmade gulaal made from recycled temple flowers. These colors are skin-friendly and infused with essential oils, offering a safe alternative to harsh chemicals.
Moisturize Intensively
Protect your skin by using a moisturizer with ceramides and occlusives. Dr. Jaishree Sharad recommends The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, which hydrates and forms a protective barrier against harmful chemicals in colors.
Vitamin C Serum for Extra Protection
Layer your skin with an antioxidant-rich serum like The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Revealing Serum. This helps fight free radicals and keeps your skin glowing and safe from UV damage.
Apply Sunscreen
Don’t skip sunscreen! Forest Essentials Soundarya Radiance Day Cream with SPF 30 PA++ hydrates and protects your skin from harmful UV rays while you enjoy the festivities. For hair protection, use Moroccanoil Protect & Prevent Spray to prevent UV damage and color stains.
Body Butters & Oils for Added Protection
Rich body butters like Bath & Body Works Coco Shea Body Butter or oils like Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Body Oil provide a protective shield against colors while keeping your skin soft and nourished. Coconut oil in your hair creates a barrier that prevents colors from penetrating and keeps your locks frizz-free.
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly on Exposed Areas
Apply Vaseline to your lips, nails, and ears to prevent stains and dryness. This tiny but mighty step makes cleanup easier.
Dark Nail Paint for Clean Nails
Coat your nails with a dark nail polish before Holi. This simple trick will protect your nails from staining and make post-Holi cleanup much simpler.
Post-Holi Skin and Haircare Tips:
Gentle Cleansing
Avoid scrubbing your skin harshly. Dr. Sharad advises using a gentle cream cleanser or baby oil to remove the color. For acne-prone skin, opt for cleansers with aloe vera or grape seed extract instead.
Exfoliate Gently
After Holi, resist the urge to scrub aggressively. Dr. Kiran Sethi suggests using gentle exfoliants or traditional ubtans to remove colors without causing irritation. Chemical exfoliants with AHA/BHA/PHA are also beneficial but should be applied gently.
Replenish with a Ceramide-Based Moisturizer
Post-festival, hydrate your skin with a ceramide-based moisturizer like CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or Lacto Calamine Lotion. For irritated skin, apply an ice pack or consult a dermatologist if the irritation persists.
Revive Your Hair
Wash your hair immediately after playing Holi using a gentle shampoo. Follow up with a deep-conditioning treatment like Wella Professionals INVIGO Damaged Hair Rescue to restore moisture and softness to your hair.
By following these expert tips, you can protect your skin and hair during Holi while enjoying all the festivities without the post-celebration damage.
