The beginning of spring is a happy occasion and what better way to celebrate it than with the Festival of Colours? Holi is the festival of colours. It is the most vibrant and colourful festival in India which is celebrated every year around the world.
Unfortunately, Holi colours may harm your skin and hair. So, if you are planning to play Holi with powder colours and water outdoors, make sure your hair and skin are well protected from damage before you go out to play. For women, it is difficult to compromise skin and hair health for just one day of fun. So, how can you save your hair and skin?
Here are the best simple tips to help you protect your skin and hair from damage during this festival of colours.
Pre-Holi Skin and Hair Care Tips
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Apply Coconut Oil: Before stepping out for the Holi party, generously apply coconut oil or any other non-comedogenic oil to your skin and hair. Massage your hair and skin with oil to protect it from the colours. Applying oil creates a protective barrier that closes skin pores and hair shafts and prevents them from getting damaged. In addition, applying oil on the skin and hair makes it easier to remove the colour after a party.
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Moisturiser Yourself: Moisture yourself thoroughly with a high-quality cream or moisturiser. It acts as a protective barrier and creates a shield that helps to prevent colour from penetrating the skin and prevent you from dryness and irritation. It is good to use a lightweight, non-comedogenic and suitable moisturiser as per your skin type. Make sure to check the ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or shea butter. They keep the skin hydrated throughout the day.
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Use a High-Quality Waterproof Sunscreen: It is also important to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays during the Holi party. Hence, apply a generous amount of sunscreen with a high SPF of up to 30. Try to apply sunscreen on all the exposed areas like the face, arms, neck and any other uncovered areas. It is good to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. In addition, your sunscreen should be waterproof for the Holi celebration, because there will be use of water. You can apply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if you get wet or sweat. Applying sunscreen also protects you from sunburn.
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Stay Hydrated: For all the excitement and physical activity during the celebration, it is essential to stay hydrated so that the body can function properly. Drink plenty of water, juice or any beverages throughout the day. Try to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water or more. You can start at the moment you wake up. During the party in the day, you can hydrate yourself with coconut water, lemonade, or electrolyte-rich sports drinks. Staying hydrated prevents dehydration, fatigue and nausea. You will have the energy and stamina throughout the day to enjoy the festivities to the fullest. A hydrated body also supports healthy skin and hair.
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Wear Full-Sleeved Clothes: Opting for full-sleeve clothes is a smart choice for the Holi celebration. It will help you to protect your skin from direct exposure to the colour as well as UV rays. You can choose cotton, linen or any other lightweight and breathable fabric, which allows airflow to keep you cool and comfortable during the party. Full-sleeved shirts, kurtas, or tops paired with long pants or leggings are the best option to wear for the holi.
Post-Holi Skin and Hair Care Tips
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Rinse Off Colors Immediately: It is important to rinse off your colour immediately from your skin and hair to prevent any potential skin irritation. Begin with gently washing your face, body and hair with normal water or lukewarm water. Hot water is not a good option. Use a cleanser or oil to remove the colour pigments. Massage the cleanser gently on the skin and hair, focusing on the area where colour is most concentrated like the face, hands, and hairline. Before cleansing, pat your skin and hair with a towel to dry it. Do not use harsh and hard towels to prevent rashes.
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Use a Gentle Exfoliator: Gentle exfoliating the skin also helps to remove the remaining colour traces and dead skin cells. Many do not recommend exfoliating the skin, but remember we are suggesting a gentle exfoliate. Do not be harsh on the skin. If you already have rashes on the skin, do not exfoliate. If you are okay with exfoliating, then apply the cream in gentle, circular motions, focusing on areas where colour may have accumulated, such as the face, neck, and hands.
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Moisturise Thoroughly: It is essential to replenish lost moisture by applying moisture after washing. Moisturise the skin before and after the Holi celebration. Choose a hydrated and high-quality moisturiser to restore moisture levels and soothe any dryness or irritation. Focus on the areas where colour is more like face, neck and hands. Gently massage the moisture on the skin in the upward direction for better absorption and improved circulation. Try to use double the amount of moisturiser than usual after post holi.
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Deep Condition Your Hair: Hair gets dry, and flaky after the colour exposure. We suggest deep conditioning your hair for extra care and nourishment. Deep conditioning treatments can help restore moisture, repair damage, and rejuvenate your hair roots. Choose conditioner enriched in natural oils, vitamins, and proteins to provide intense hydration and strengthen your hair again. If you do not have a conditioner, you can use a paste of banana and honey. It is a natural conditioner, perfect for the hair. After shampooing, apply the conditioner to your damp hair, focusing on the lengths and ends, and leave it for some minutes. rinse it off with normal water. Remember, try to avoid hot water to prevent dryness, frizz and brittleness.
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Apply Skin & Hair Mask: Pampering yourself with a skin mask and hair mask after Holi celebration is also a good option. For your skin, opt for a gentle and hydrating face mask which contains ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, or oatmeal to calm irritation, replenish moisture, and restore the skin’s natural balance. A hair mask should contain moisturising oils, plant extracts, and vitamins to hydrate, repair, and strengthen your hair strands from root to tip. Keep the mask for half an hour and wash it off with lukewarm water. If you do not have a skin mask or hair mask, you can prepare yourself with the help of YouTube. Using a homemade DIY mask is better than chemical-based market masks.
Taking care of your hair and skin for the Holi celebration is a good idea. Everyone should do it. The above tips will help you to keep yourself healthy, slow and free from damage. Moreover, we also suggest avoiding using chemical-based colours or gulal. This Holi, try to opt for a natural colour or gulal for your skin and hair protection.
FAQs:-
- How can I protect my skin and hair before playing Holi?
- Apply coconut oil, moisturize, use sunscreen, wear full-sleeved clothes, and stay hydrated.
- What should I do immediately after playing Holi?
- Rinse off colors immediately, use a gentle cleanser, and moisturize thoroughly.
- Is exfoliating necessary after Holi?
- Gentle exfoliation helps remove color traces and dead skin cells, but avoid it if your skin is irritated.
- How can I deep condition my hair after Holi?
- Use a deep conditioning treatment enriched with natural oils and proteins to restore moisture and repair damage.
- Are skin and hair masks beneficial after Holi?
- Yes, using hydrating face and hair masks can soothe irritation and replenish moisture post-Holi.
- Can I use homemade remedies for post-Holi care?
- Yes, natural ingredients like aloe vera, honey, and cucumber can be used to make DIY masks for skin and hair.
- How can I prevent damage from chemical-based colors?
- Opt for natural colors or gulal instead of chemical-based ones to protect your skin and hair.
- What should I avoid during Holi to protect my skin and hair?
- Avoid using harsh soaps, hot water, and rubbing vigorously to prevent skin and hair damage.
- How long should I leave the conditioner on my hair after Holi?
- Leave the conditioner on your damp hair for a few minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
- Is it necessary to moisturize before and after Holi?
- Yes, moisturizing before and after Holi helps maintain skin hydration and prevents dryness and irritation.
Also Read:-
- Is Holi On March 24 or 25 in 2024? Choti Holi and Badi Holi (Dhulandi) Date, Holika Dahan Timings, Significance, and Colours Festival in India
- Holi 2024: Date, History, Rituals, Puja Timings and Significance – Celebrate the Festival of Colors
- Best Holi Recipe 2024: How to Make Delicious Thandai Phirni for the Festival of Colors
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History of Holi (Festival of Colors): Legends, Significance, and Traditions Explained