The complete Holi care guide: How to protect your skin, hair and nails during the festival of colours

A fun day to celebrate with your friends and family, Holi is a festival loved by many across the nation. While the traditions and scale might differ, many indulge in a bit of colour play, and every household has their own rituals to prepare for the onslaught of bright powders and paints - including getting everyone to vigorously oil their face and hair. Although it brings a lot of fun, smearing each other with dry and wet colours can also damage your skin and especially your hair as non-organic colours include chemicals. "Skincare is as essential as indulging in preparing sweets during the festival," says Asha Hariharan, education director at Enrich.

If you're someone who is concerned about acne breakouts or hair damage, we've got you covered. Below, experts at Enrich share easy to follow tips to ensure you celebrate a carefree Holi.

For your hair

Deep Conditioning

Condition your hair with a natural root-strengthening mask a day before Holi to minimise hair fall in case your hair gets drenched in coloured water. Remember that even dry colours can damage hair severely, so strengthening them from the roots can help avoid breakage, should your mane get accidentally tugged at during the day.

Coco oiling

Coconut strengthens hair roots from within and gives hair follicles a protective coating. Moreover, it helps nourish the scalp and treat dandruff. By applying coconut oil to your hair, you will add a protective layer that will prevent any dirt or colour from penetrating your scalp and hair follicles, reducing the damage significantly.

Snip your split ends

Getting rid of split ends might not sound like a great tip on how to prevent hair damage or how to protect your hair, but it is vital. When colour sticks to your hair, it tends to damage the hair after washing it out. Dry and damaged hair can cause damaged ends, resulting in you having more split hair than usual. By getting a hair trim a few days before Holi, you can remove any split ends and damaged hair strands.

Massage it away

Take a few drops of coconut oil and massage your scalp for 20 minutes. By massaging your hair thoroughly, you will not only improve blood circulation and strengthen your hair but also add a barrier against colours.

For your skin

Oil beyond your hair

Before one steps out, they should apply oil to their skin and face when playing with colours. Doing this reduces the probability of your skin absorbing or breathing the chemical in colours, as the oil works as a thin plastic film over your skin. Since it is non-porous, when your skin breathes, it will be exhaling toxins and inhaling what's in the air. In other words, oiling your skin or face works as a plastic cover, which prevents your skin from absorbing too many toxins and colours from the celebration.

However, one needs to be cautious with their skin type. Keep in mind that not all skin types will respond favourably to the application of oil, as this skincare tip is ideal for normal and dry skin. For those with sensitive skin, make sure it's light weight and designed for sensitive skin which will prevent clogging of the pores.

Applying make-up with care

Start with applying a Vitamin C or Vitamin E serum as a moisturiser that not only hydrates the skin but also makes it absorb fewer colours by forming a protective physical barrier.

After you're done moisturising, apply sunscreen with SPF 50 this will give protection for about three to four hours to your face and body. Make sure that the SPF is waterproof and gel-based, so it doesn't feel sticky.

Choose a waterproof foundation - these are high pigmented foundations that last you for more than eight hours. I would advise you to avoid doing a heavy base, and keep it simple.

Methodical removal of colours

One must make sure to use liquid makeup remover or cleanser together with some cream-based cleanser to get the colours off your skin. There's a difference between a cream based cleanser and a makeup remover; the cream cleanser is better at eliminating colour cosmetics, while a makeup remover cleans off the waterproof makeup. Both are effective with the role they play.

Post the celebration, apply the cream cleanser and gently massage the colour off, and avoid exfoliation. Instead, make long and soft movements on your face. Massage the cleanser well enough to reach every curve of your face. Take a slightly damp mulmul cloth piece, soak the makeup remover in it and gently wipe off the cream cleanser. Finally, you can hydrate your skin using a sheet mask.

Massaging a cream cleanser into the oil layer will dissolve the colour or any build up. This will also help the makeup remover solution to not come in direct touch with the skin. Using a soft mulmul cloth will help in gently getting rid of any and every product that's settled on your face.

Hydrate to restore

End your steps to restore the moisture by applying a sheet mask that has an application of hyaluronic acid. Sheet masks work as a nourishing application. Follow this by the use of an eye and face moisturiser to hydrate your skin while making sure to rest well to regain the shine.

For your nails

Dark hues

Indulge in a manicure session a day before Holi. Make sure to paint your nails in a dark hue. Cover them in maroon, black, magenta, royal blue or mix things up with multi-coloured fingernails.

Double coating

Apply two coats of nail enamel for utmost protection. The darker shade will act as a barrier between the colorants and your nails. Men, you can opt for the clear polish to defend your nails against damage, if colour isn't your thing.

Get oily

Before heading out for all the fun, prep your nails well. Make sure you massage some cuticle oil or petroleum jelly onto your hands focusing mainly on your nail area. Olive oil and coconut oil are other alternatives that you can use for the same.

Recovery soak

Nails become very brittle and dry after being exposed to the Holi colours or for five to six hours continuously. Prevent them from further breakage by soaking them in cold or room temperature water. Do not submerge them in hot water by any chance. Doing so will make the colour stay on your skin and will stain your nails even further.

Also Read: Saved by the stitch: Why more Mumbaikars are embracing upcycled fashion

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.