The festival of an exuberant spring is around the corner, and you all will have been mentally prepared for the fun-filled prolific indulgence of festive hues, aren’t you? After a day full of colourful Holi celebrations, complete re-nourishment of your hair becomes necessary. Dry scalp, covered in harmful artificial colours, and pores clogged with dirt and Gulaal, you wish you had never stepped out of your home. But hey, what's Holi without a splash of colours and some carefree fun? I would say, lifeless.
So this Holi, don't just head out and have fun, but be prepared with these easy, pre and post-Holi hair care tips for everything that’s waiting out there
Pre Holi
1. Apply Copius Amounts Of Coconut Oil To Your Hair
Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil From WOW Skin Science | 400 ml @ INR 499
The chemicals in Holi colours can settle in on your hair strands, drying them of nourishment and moisture, and causing serious damage and roughness. Mitigate this, by oiling your hair with copious amounts of coconut oil, the night before the festival.
Image Courtesy - School Of Natural Health
2. Lather Your Body In Almond/ Castor/ Olive Oil
1. 100% Pure and Natural Cold-Pressed Castor Oil From Mamaearth | 150 ml @ INR 299
A thick layer of almond/ coconut or olive oil can act as a guard between your skin pores, and the harsh chemical colours used in Holi. This will prevent the chemicals from seeping into your pores and wrecking the pH balance of your skin. Additionally, a slick layer of oil on your skin will make a tremendous difference to the process of scrubbing off the colours later on!
Image Courtesy - Queen Creek Olive Mill
3. Use Sun Block
Indian Sunscreen with Carrot Seed, Turmeric & SPF 50 From Mamaearth | 80 ml @ INR 499
With your skin devoid of its natural moisture, and being exposed to potential irritants already, the strong heat of the sun can end up causing tanning as well as further, and perhaps, more grave damage.
Image Courtesy - Allure
4. Paint Your Nails Dark Or Put Clear Polish
To avoid the Holi colours staining your nail bed, paint your nails with a dark shade of nail polish, the night before the festival. Men, you can opt for clear polish to defend your nails against damage if colour isn't your thing!
Image Courtesy - Nail Designs
5. Use Petroleum Jelly Generously
Protect your lips against exposure to irritants, by applying generous amounts of petroleum jelly, or Vaseline. Make sure there's a barrier on top of the delicate skin of your lips that prevents direct contact with harsh chemicals and infection-causing contaminants.
Image Courtesy - Web MD
6. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Arguably the most underrated Holi care advice, the chemical colours and the constant exposure to sun rays can cause your body to be severely dehydrated. Protect yourself from this predicament, by constantly hydrating yourself, pre, during as well as post-Holi.
Image Courtesy - Test My Water
7. Avoid Any Skin Treatment Including Waxing And Threading Atleast 3-4 Days Before Holi
The more sensitive your skin is when you step out to play Holi, the higher is the probability of allergies, rashes and infections. As you can imagine, freshly waxed or plucked skin is especially delicate with your pores and follicles more exposed, and thus more prone to reacting badly to all the chemicals and colours.
During Holi
1. If You Have Long Hair, Put It Up In A Braid Or Bun
Image Courtesy - Scunci
2. Wear Dark Colours And Full Sleeves
Put as many layers between your skin and harmful chemical colours, as possible. Also, avoid wearing materials like denim that tend to get heavier once wet.
Image Courtesy - Young Trendz
3. Take Off Your Lenses, And If Possible Part With Your Glasses
In the spur of the moment, somebody can end up pushing the edges of your glasses against your face while trying to put colour on you. This can lead to serious injuries, so if possible, leave your glasses at home.
Post Holi
1. Appy A Raw Milk/ Curd And Besan Paste Before Shower
Home-made Ubtans work like magic for colour removal, without being harsh on your skin. Try rose water and turmeric, curd and besan, or raw milk and lemon juice.
Image Courtesy - Business Insider
2. Use Olive Oil And Cotton Swabs For A Pre-Shower Cleanse
Olive oil can be used as a gentle cleanser, to wash off the outer layer of colours, before heading for a shower.
Image Courtesy - Omved
3. Avoid Using Strong Soaps And Chemical Gels To Get The Colours Off
BodyLovin’ Shower Gel From Plum | 240 ml @ INR 380
Look for gentler alternatives.
Image Courtesy - Insider
4. Rinse With Cold Water
Rinsing the colour off your hair should be the first and foremost thing on your mind post to Holi celebrations, and doing it right can bring about a desired difference. Instead of hot, start with using cold water because hot water would solidify the harmful substances that can damage the hair’s sanity.
5. Moisturise Your Skin After A Shower
Give your skin the moisture and nourishment it lost over the course of Holi.
Image Courtesy - Gentleman's Journal
Also Read: Keep Winter Dryness At Bay With These 10 Face Creams
Hair Masks And Conditioning
Using Hair Masks and conditioning is the next step on the list. These products remove all the unwanted stuff from your scalp and help your hair rejuvenate from the damage. If you feel the need for professional help, then feel free to contact a dermatologist before applying any of these products to your hair or scalp. Choosing a good hair spa session would also be a great help for your jet-black, shiny, healthy hair.
This Holi, make it a point to celebrate keeping your wellness in mind. Happy Holi!