Holi calls for a wide range of celebrations and is among the favourite festivals in India. It is an occasion to enjoy with your friends and family while eating delicacies and playing with colors. But amidst all of this fun and festivity, we often neglect to take care of our skin and hair. They need the best care before and after Holi celebrations.
In this blog we will give you a comprehensive guide about pre & post holi skincare and haircare. What all products can be used for the same? What is the proper regime according to skin and hair types? How home based DIY tips can be useful in taking good care of your skin and hair during Holi.
Importance of Pre & Post-Holi skincare & hair care
Holi colors can affect your skin and hair, therefore it is important to protect them from the damage during celebration. Most of the colors are made up of chemicals that may cause irritation and dryness to your skin and hair. Furthermore, all these chemicals absorb moisture from them, resulting in flakiness and roughness.
Holi colors may cause redness and skin allergies. These types of problems are increasing more due to the presence of silica, mica, lead and other chemical ingredients in colors. Therefore, it is important to follow a proper haircare and skincare routine pre & post Holi festivities. Also, use organic and natural colors during Holi.
Skincare Preparation Before Holi
Holi colors loaded with chemical substances can significantly affect your healthy skin. As a result, it becomes essential to prepare your skin before playing Holi. Here are some skincare suggestions you may follow to protect your skin while celebrating the festival of colours:
Hydration
While celebrating the festival of colors, we often forget about drinking enough water. It is necessary to stay hydrated so that your skin and scalp also stays moisturised. Additionally, take foods rich in vitamin C as it is full of antioxidants and helps in fighting against the free radicals produced by chemical colors.
There are some hydrating products that can be applied on the skin before playing Holi. For example:
hydrating moisturiser can be applied on the skin directly. This will keep your skin hydrated and smooth for a long period of time.
Exfoliation
Make sure to exfoliate and cleanse your skin before playing Holi. This will help you get rid of dead skin cells, impurities and dirt. If not exfoliated, colors can mix with dead skin cells and may cause breakouts. You can use soap free, pH balanced cleanser that is gentle on your skin. After exfoliating with a gentle cleanser, moisturise your skin well.
Protect Your Lips and Eyes
Avoid touching your eyes and face during Holi. It is advisable to wear sunglasses during Holi as colors will not go inside your eyes. Do not wear eye contact lenses in the eye. This is because if color gets into your eyes, it will get deposited on the lenses and will cause injury to your eyes. Do not rub your eyes if color goes inside. Instead, wash it quickly with cold water.
Lips are the most sensitive area of your skin. So, it is important to layer your lips by applying a lip balm before stepping out to play Holi. The balm will moisturise your lips and prevent the colors from setting in the cracks of your lips.
Sun protection
Holi is generally played outside and the constant exposure of sun rays, water and color can take away moisture from the skin. As a result your skin becomes tanned and dry. Therefore, applying
sunscreen with a SPF 40+ is necessary. This will also help you to restore the natural color of your skin. Use a non-oily, non-sticky and lightweight sunscreen as it will seep into your skin. Tus, protecting you from UV rays of the sun.
Wear Loose and Breathable Clothes
You should wear clothes with loose-fitting and full sleeves. As a result, your skin will be less exposed which could prevent skin damage. This will create a barrier between colors and skin. Avoid wearing tight clothes as it may cause irritation to your skin.
Tips for people with different skin types
Below is the skincare routine for each skin type in detail:
Dry skin
Using holi colors on dry skin can worsen the problem. Consider the following suggestions before having fun with color:
- Apply oil to your skin and massage it the night before Holi. Rosehip oil is advised for dry skin.
- Use a mild, soap-free face cleanser to wash your face in the morning. Do not use soap because it will dry up your skin and remove its natural oils.
- Use a moisturiser that keeps your skin constantly hydrated after washing.
- Holi is usually played outside, so protect your skin with a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
- Drink enough water throughout he say to restore the skin’s natural balance.
Oily/Acne prone skin
Use this skin care routine if you have oily skin:
- Wash your face gently with an oil-free cleanser.
- Apply a thick layer of oil-free moisturiser, then follow with a non-sticky and non- oily sunscreen of SPF 30 or more.
- Apply acne patches on the acne area of your face before playing in Holi.
- After playing Holi, take a shower immediately so that oil and color are not mixed together. Otherwise, acne and breakouts would occur.
- You can also apply a hydrating mask on your face.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive people are more likely to experience redness after playing Holi. Some of the recommendations are:
- One night before playing Holi, apply oil to your body.
- Use a non-irritating cleanser to wash your face in the morning.
- Apply a thick layer of moisturiser on your face and then follow up with sunscreen.
- Wash off the colour after playing Holi, and if your face is still red, rub an ice cube all over it. This will lessen the irritation and redness.
Combination skin
Combination skin is characterised by dry cheeks and excessive oil on forehead, nose, and chin area ( T- zone). Follow this skincare regime before playing Holi:
- Use a gentle non irritant and non oily cleanser for washing your face in the morning.
- Apply a light moisturiser right after cleansing as it will lessen the dryness. It is recommended to not use more moisturiser on the T- zone of your face.
- Tone your face with an alcohol free and gentle toner.
- Finish it up with a layer of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.
Hair Care Preparation Before Holi
Holi celebrations are full of colors and water. Dry scalp covered in Holi colors is more prone to dandruff and other yeast infections. Therefore, you must be prepared with some Holi hair care tips before going outside to play with colors:
Oil treatment
Oiling is one of the oldest hair care treatments before stepping out to play Holi. Oil will create a protective layer on your hair and thus colors will not get absorbed on the scalp. Therefore, apply oil on your hair a night before Holi and massage it gently.
Avoiding chemical treatments
Chemical treatments like hair coloring and hair straightening are best to avoid before Holi. This is because these treatments may dry your hair and damage it. Therefore, colors will get easily absorbed by the scalp and will lead to irritation.
Condition your hair
After washing your hair before Holi, apply a nourishing and hydrating leave-in conditioner. This will act as a barrier and will preserve your hair from harsh colors. You can tie up your hair in a bun and cover with a scarf or cloth.
Trimming split ends
The chemicals from the Holi colors will make your hair rough, dry, dull and brittle. Having split ends will make your hair worse. Therefore, to maintain the health of your hair, trim the split ends a week before Holi.
Tips for people with different hair types
Some of the hair care tips for people with different hair types are:
- Individuals with curly hair should always apply a leave-in conditioner and serum before stepping out for Holi. This is because the curls will not get dried up and the colors will not absorb into the hair.
- For individuals having fine or straight hairs, it is recommended not open your hair while playing Holi. Cover it up with a cloth or scarf so that the hairs get protected from the colors.
- People having colored hair should always use organic colors for playing Holi. This will make your hair protected against the chemical colors and will not remove the original color of your hair.
Post-Holi Skin Care
Sometimes even after taking precautions, your skin gets harmed from the chemical colors. After playing Holi, your skin may become dry and rough. This will lead to irritation and redness. Thus, here are some post- holi skin care tips that you may follow to get back your glowing skin:
Cleansing and Detoxifying the skin
Cleansing is very important for removing colors, dirt and excess oil on your skin. It will also retain the natural moisture of the skin. Therefore, after playing Holi, use a gentle cleanser to detoxify your skin and prevent further skin damage.
Hydrating Your Skin
Holi colors generally make your skin dehydrated. Thus, you can use a hydrating face mask to get rid of any residual color. This will make your skin feel refreshed and hydrated.
Exfoliating and Moisturizing
A day after Holi, use a scrub to exfoliate your skin. This will remove the dirt, dead skin cells and colors from within your skin. After exfoliation, ensure that you use a moisturiser and massage it gently to remove dryness from your skin.
Using Sunscreen
After exfoliation and moisturization, it is important to use sunscreen. This will help you to treat any sort of sunburns on your skin and will absorb the moisture in it. You may use a non- oily and lightweight sunscreen before and after playing Holi.
Post-Holi Hair Care
Once you come back home after playing Holi, it is necessary to immediately wash off the Holi colors both from your skin and hair. After playing with colors, generally your hair becomes dry and rough. Therefore, here are some post- hair care tips one may follow:
Cleansing Your Tresses
Holi colors get absorbed in your scalp and hair cuticles. Therefore, use a mild and moisturising shampoo to remove the colors from your scalp and hair. Do a mild massage on your scalp and apply shampoo 2-3 times till the color gets washed off. This will cleanse your hair tresses and scalp.
Nourishing Your Scalp
After cleansing the hair cuticles, it is important to give nourishment to your scalp. Gently massage your scalp with oil. This will restore the natural oils of your scalp and thus reduce dryness.
Deep Conditioning
Conditioner is a must on your hair after playing Holi as it helps in regaining the softness in the hair. Colors usually strip off the natural oil from the hair and lead to frizzy and rough hair. Therefore, apply a conditioner on your hair just after washing with shampoo. Let it sit for -10 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
Protecting Your Hair from Sun Damage
Keep your hair covered with a scarf or cap as this will reduce sun damage. You can also make a bun or braid to avoid any hair color damage.
Skin & Hair Care Products to be Used Before and After Holi
While playing Holi, you need to follow a proper skincare and hair care routine. Here is the list of dermatologist recommended products for hair and skin with its ingredients and benefits:
Kosmoderma Ultra Moisture Blast
Kosmoderma moisturiser can be applied both on the face and body. You can use this cream both before and after playing Holi. It has lactic acid as an active ingredient that will heal the dryness of your skin and moisturise it from within. It provides a smooth appearance and removes flakiness from the skin. The presence of glycerin in the moisture blast hydrates and refreshes your skin.
Kosmoderma Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cleansing is important before and after playing with colors. The first thing to do is to cleanse your face with a mild and soap-free cleanser. It provides an oil- free radiance to your skin. The presence of cocoyl taurate and shea butter will help to nourish, clean, and protect your skin. This cleanser is suitable for all skin types. Oats is the natural ingredient in the cleanser that improves skin complexion and the dryness.
Kosmoderma Moisture Boost Cream
A gel based moisturiser that calms your skin and prevents water loss. Hyaluronic acid is the active ingredient in the cream that revitalises and renews skin cells. It can be used by any skin type and has a non- sticky formula. Ceramides in the product protects the skin from environmental stressors and removes skin dryness.
Kosmoderma Photo Protect Sunscreen Gel SPF 40
Holi is played outside, therefore your skin needs protection from UV rays of the sun. use Kosmoderma sunscreen as it is lightweight and gives you a non- sticky look. This broad spectrum, non- comedogenic sunscreen provides you with a thick layer of sun protection. The presence of ascorbic acid and propylene glycol in the sunscreen will help to prevent water loss and give you healthy and smooth skin.
Kosmoderma HairGen Shampoo
After playing Holi, this unique formulated shampoo will help you to overall cleanse your scalp. It is a dermatologist recommended shampoo that promotes thick and long hair. The shampoo is rich in caffeine that delivers molecules to revive hair growth. The presence of niacinamide ensures in removing dryness and dullness of hair after playing with colors. Lemon extract is one natural ingredient in shampoo that lessens itching brought on by colours.
Kosmoderma Hair Gen Serum
A serum that can be applied before and after Holi festivities. It offers you extra protection from the colors. This regrowth serum is made of an active formula that prevents thinning of hair. Peptides and caffeine are the active ingredients in the serum that protect your hair from chemical damage and heat. Olive oil and green tea extract are the natural substances in the serum that softens your hair and provides deep hydration after playing with colors.
DIY Recipes for Post-Holi Skin and Hair Care
The colors make your skin and hair dull, dry and rough. Here are some few home remedies or DIY recipes that you may use to keep your skin and hair healthy after playing with colors:
Homemade Cleansers
Yogurt is rich in
lactic acid and is known to remove dead skin cells from the skin. It acts as a natural cleanser agent that gives you post-Holi glow by reducing redness, irritation and breakouts caused due to colors. You can mix curd with gram flour and apply it on your face. Wash it off once it dries off.
Nourishing Masks
Revitalising face mask is used to deeply nourish your skin post holi celebrations. You can make a nourishing pack by mixing multani mitti with rose water. Apply this pack on your face and neck and let it dry for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with water. This mask helps you to get rid of any residual color and hydrates your skin from within.
Hair Conditioning Treatments
Post-Holi celebrations, your hair appears to be frizzy, rough and dry. For frizzy hair, take a ripe banana and mix with honey. Apply this conditioner pack for 30 minutes and rinse with water. If your scalp is sensitive and there is inflammation from colors, you can mix aloe vera and apple cider vinegar. Apply this for 15-20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
Conclusion
Protecting your hair and skin during Holi festivities requires you to follow a proper hair care and skin care routine. The tips mentioned in the blogs for both the pre & post-Holi celebrations will surely help you to look fresh and revived. In addition, there are some home recipes too that an individual can follow in order to revamp your skin and hair after playing with colors. Since chemical colors are harmful to your skin and hair, therefore, it is recommended to use organic and natural colors.
Summary of Key Points
- An individual needs to take care of their skin and hair after and before playing Holi. It is important to follow a proper routine for the same.
- For different skin and hair types, a different regime is followed and discussed in the blog. You may use products accordingly.
- There are some DIY treatments that an individual can follow post Holi celebrations.
FAQs
The Holi colors stay on my skin and hair for a few days. How can I prevent this from happening?
Before playing Holi, you can apply oil on your face, body and hair. This will create a protective layer and will shield your body and hair from colors. After playing Holi, the colors will get easily removed from your face, hair and body.
