Holi, the festival of colours, is just around the corner and everyone is looking forward to the fun, joy and vibrancy it brings. However, amidst all the excitement, it is important to take care of our skin and hair, which can easily get damaged during this festival. The harsh chemicals in the colours, combined with the sun and water can leave our skin and hair dry, irritated and damaged. But worry not, with the right tips and precautions, you can enjoy the festival without compromising on your skin and hair health. So, let’s take a look at some expert tips for skin and hair care before and after Holi 2026.
Before Holi:
1. Moisturize: The key to protecting your skin from the harsh colours is to keep it well moisturized. Use a good quality moisturizer on your face and body before stepping out to play Holi. This will create a barrier between your skin and the colours, preventing them from penetrating deep into your skin and causing damage.
2. Oil your hair: Just like your skin, your hair also needs protection from the colours. Apply a generous amount of coconut or olive oil on your hair and scalp before going out to play Holi. This will not only protect your hair from the colours but also nourish them, making them less prone to damage.
3. Cover up: It is always a good idea to cover your skin as much as possible while playing Holi. Wear full-sleeved clothes and cover your head with a scarf or bandana. This will not only protect your skin from the colours but also shield it from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
4. Stay hydrated: It is important to keep yourself hydrated before and during Holi. Drink plenty of water and fluids to keep your skin and body hydrated. This will help in flushing out the toxins and chemicals from your body, keeping your skin and hair healthy.
After Holi:
1. Rinse off immediately: As soon as you are done playing Holi, head straight to the shower to rinse off the colours from your skin and hair. Use lukewarm water and a mild cleanser to wash off the colours. Avoid using hot water as it can strip off the natural oils from your skin and hair, making them dry and damaged.
2. Use a gentle cleanser: Instead of harsh soaps, use a gentle cleanser to remove the colours from your skin. You can also use a homemade pack made with gram flour, turmeric, and milk to gently scrub off the colours. This will not only remove the colours but also nourish your skin.
3. Don’t rub, pat dry: After showering, do not rub your skin and hair vigorously with a towel. This can further irritate your skin and damage your hair. Instead, gently pat dry your skin and hair with a soft towel.
4. Deep conditioning: The colours can strip off the moisture from your hair, leaving them dry and damaged. So, after washing off the colours, deep condition your hair with a good quality hair mask or conditioner. This will help in restoring the moisture and shine of your hair.
5. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: After showering, do not forget to moisturize your skin and hair. Use a good quality moisturizer on your face and body, and a leave-in conditioner on your hair. This will help in replenishing the lost moisture and keeping your skin and hair soft and supple.
Post-Holi care:
1. Avoid using heat styling tools: After playing Holi, your hair is already exposed to a lot of chemicals and colours. So, avoid using heat styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. Let your hair air dry and style them naturally.
2. Keep your skin hydrated: Continue to drink plenty of water and fluids even after Holi. This will help in flushing out the toxins and chemicals from your body, preventing any skin issues.
3. Eat a healthy diet: Include foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins in your diet to help your skin and hair recover from the damage caused by the colours. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts are great sources of essential nutrients for healthy skin and hair.
4. Consult a dermatologist: If you experience any skin or hair issues post-Holi, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist. They will be able to provide you with the right treatment and advice for your specific concerns