It’s Holi tomorrow and as the festivities of colours pass, there comes the dreaded part of the festival – removing the colours of your skin and hair. Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India brings you tips for skin and hair care after Holi from Hinaa Khan, Head of Education at Dermalogica India that can help you restore their health and sheen.
While gulaals have their own vivid charm, their impact on the skin can be greater than we fathom. Neglecting post-Holi care can lead to long-term skin and hair issues, emphasising the importance of timely and thorough care routines.
Caring For Your Skin After Holi
After Holi is over Hina Khan suggests, “Using a gentle cleanser, cleanse your skin as soon as possible after Holi to prevent colourants from settling. However, beware as over-cleansing can strip off the skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness and irritation. After Holi, it’s best recommended to stick to a double cleansing routine.” Furthermore, while exfoliation seems like an apt option to get rid of the rigid colours, Khan says, “Refrain from using exfoliating products for at least 48-72 hours after Holi as it can easily lead to skin sensitivity.”
Here is what Hinaa Khan suggests regarding the role of gentle skincare practices in protecting and restoring skin health post-Holi festivities
- Use pH-balanced cleansers after Holi. They will help remove colours while maintaining skin integrity. And thoroughly deep-cleanse skin.
- Restore the skin’s natural barrier with a nourishing moisturiser that keeps your skin well-hydrated for hours.
- After Holi, use a hydrating mist that refreshes, hydrates, soothes and calms the skin.
- Ensure lip nourishment to avoid dry flaky lips after Holi.
- Those with sensitive skin can incorporate a serum to calm redness, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin’s natural defences post-Holi.
Haircare Tips To Note For After-Holi
After playing Holi, one must take proper care of your hair to prevent damage from the colours and harsh chemicals. Here are some tips you need for post-Holi haircare:
- Before shampooing, rinse your hair thoroughly with plain water to remove as much colour as possible. This helps to reduce the intensity of colour and makes it easier to wash off.
- Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to wash your hair. Avoid harsh shampoos or those containing strong chemicals, as they can further strip your hair of its natural oils and cause dryness.
- After shampooing, apply a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask to replenish moisture and nourishment lost during the Holi celebrations. Look for products containing ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, shea butter, or aloe vera, which help to hydrate and repair damaged hair.
- Give your hair a break from heat-styling tools such as blow dryers, straighteners, or curling irons for a few days after Holi. Excessive heat can further weaken and damage your hair.
By following these post-Holi skin and hair care tips, you can help restore your skin’s and hair’s health and shine while minimising damage caused by colours and chemicals.