Pre and Post Holi Skin and Haircare

Pre and Post Holi Skin and Haircare
News Representation Image Source: Google Images

While we are all excited about the fun and frolic surrounding the Holi festival, there is a definite hysteria about skin and hair health too. But I have got you all covered when it comes to ensuring that your skin and hair stay in their top form this Holi. 

The preparations to keep your skin and hair from acting up start before the celebrations begin. A healthy skin barrier prevents external allergens from reacting with the skin. The key is to moisturise thoroughly with a ceramide or oatmeal-rich moisturizer regularly. Amidst the festivities, make sure to stay well hydrated, don’t forget to take frequent sips of water. Apply your sunscreen at least 30 minutes before stepping out and reapply after every 2-3 hours or after every time you are exposed to water. Generously cover exposed body parts such ears, neck, hand, arms, feet with coconut-based skin oil. The oil forms an occlusive barrier to prevent the absorption of colours into the skin, also allowing for easy rinsing of these dyes. This is most relevant on the nail cuticles that remain long stained. Avoid all sorts of skin exfoliants around this time - physical scrubs or chemical peels. Wear sunglasses with UV protection when playing out in the sun. 

Also make sure to wear loose cotton clothing. Tight, synthetic clothing causes dyes to compact against the skin, causing skin sensitivity and allergies. 

With all the precautionary measures, post-care becomes easy. 

Over washing your skin in order to get rid of the colour strips away natural skin oil which can lead to loss of moisture and skin getting abraded and dry. Adding to the trauma is the alkaline nature of soaps that completely disrupts the skin's acid mantle, leaving the skin itchy and irritated. A gentle body wash or a syndet bar is preferable to cleanse post-Holi. Following this, coconut-based skin oil application will promote water retention in the skin. If you have put on makeup, remove it all with a cleansing balm or oil by the end of the day. People with dry skin can use coconut-based skin oil dipped in cotton balls to take off the makeup and hydrate the skin. 

As for hair care, start coating your hair strands with coconut-based hair oil, just like the skin, to avoid contact with colours. Since coconut-based hair oil penetrates layers deep in the hair strands reaching up to the cortex, it does not allow the colors to damage hair from within. Preferably tie your hair up and cover them up with a cap or band while stepping out to play.

Use a gentle sulphate-free shampoo to cleanse the scalp without drying the hair strands. Use a conditioner or hair mask post shampooing. Slathering coconut-based hair oil on the hair strands adds moisture and repairs the damaged hair cuticles. Warm the oil before application for easy penetration and keep it for a few hours before washing off.

Make sure to follow all these simple tips and you should have nothing to worry about hair and skin damage. Just pure, unadulterated Holi fun!