Expert-Approved Holi Skincare & Haircare Hacks!
Holi skincare made easy! Experts reveal the best pre & post-Holi care tips for glowing skin
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Holi is here, and for all the Holi lovers, the wait is impossible. But while you wait to step out of the house and bask in the colours fearlessly, tune in to that smashing Holi songs playlist and indulge in the festive delicacies as we take you through the most crucial thing you possibly would have forgotten–pre- & post-Holi skincare. Before you panic, fret not as we've done them before and after-math for your skin. It's all fun and games when you're on the field throwing colour at each other, but what comes after the sun has set is the horror of spending forever in the bath to get rid of colour residue. All this will be all the more petrifying to people with sensitive and irritated skin, so a little precaution and care can go a long way.
And if your Holi celebrations include eggs, ketchup, Coke, and everything possible, don't let yourself be caught off guard, as here we have experts who have revealed how to take care of your skin during the celebration. Time to scroll down and learn how to have your skin happy with expert input from Dr. Navnit Haror, Founder and Director of Derma Miracle, and Janvi Kapadia, Brand Manager of Quench Botanics.
In this Article -
3. Holi Skincare tips for All Skin Types
4. Holi Skincare for Scalp, Nails, and Hair
5. Holi Skincare From Kitchen Ingredients
Pre-Holi Skincare Tips
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It is common to view skin acne and rashes that appear after celebrating Holi. Following a good skincare process during the upcoming festive season is important. Janvi Kapadia shares her expertise here. She says, "Holi was traditionally played with natural/organic colors and flowers, but for a couple of years, many people have been playing Holi with chemical colors, which damages your skin quite much. Playing with the chemical-infused permanent colors makes removing the color from your skin in one go impossible. Below are some tips and essential pre- and post-Holi skincare pointers to avoid the horror of damaged skin." She further shares some essential pointers for Holi skincare -
- Rubbing an ice cube on your face for 10 minutes can be helpful. It closes the pores of your skin and prevents the harmful colors from penetrating and causing outbursts.
- The next step to prevent the color from damaging your skin before you play Holi is to apply a skin-soothing ultra-light nourishing Face & Body Cream all over your body. This helps in hydrating your dry skin, and it will absorb less color.
- SPF to the win! Do not forget to apply sunscreen after applying the oil. Preferably, use a gel-based and waterproof sunscreen which will act as a barrier and protect your skin.
- Pro tip: Do not forget to apply petroleum jelly on your lips for their protection.
Post-Holi Skincare Tips
The Holi colors nowadays have chemicals, so washing your face with a chemical-cladded face wash will harm your skin. These chemicals can create a harmful reaction if they meet the substances inside the colors. Therefore, washing your face with a natural face wash is essential. After enjoying the colors and festivities of Holi, it's necessary to take some time for post-Holi skincare. Here is a viewpoint and some expert tips shared by Dr. Navnit Haror.
- Remove all the colors from your skin using a gentle cleanser.
- Apply a moisturizer to rehydrate your skin.
- If you have any arid areas, apply a nourishing cream or oil.
- Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and help keep your skin healthy.
- Take some time for yourself and relax after the busyness of Holi!
Holi-Skincare Tips for All Skin Types
Holi Skincare For Dry Skin
Dry skin needs extra care. Dr. Haror shares his expertise on this!
- First, use a gentle, moisturizing soap or body wash when bathing. Avoid using harsh detergents or soaps, which can strip away natural oils and leave the skin feeling dry and irritated.
- Second, apply a thick moisturizer to the skin immediately after bathing while it is still damp. This will help seal in moisture and will provide long-lasting hydration.
- Third, drink plenty of water throughout the day to replenish lost fluids and help restore the skin's natural balance.
- Finally, it is advised that the person eat healthy foods to get all of the nutrients their skin needs.
Holi Skincare For Oily Skin
Holi is celebrated in the daytime, so constant exposure to the sun and colors can harm your skin. To avoid this, it is recommended for brides/girls with oily skin to follow some pragmatic steps. Janvi Kapadia shares her tips for Oily skin -
- For oily and combination skin, I suggest you apply a thick layer of moisturizer as a protective shield before you step out to celebrate.
- And once you’re back, shower in cold water and remove the color of your skin. Double cleanse your face properly, and you may also use a clay mask to draw out further impurities.
- After doing this, you may hydrate your face with a sheet mask and apply a toner to balance your skin's pH. Finally, end the routine by applying an oil-control moisturizer and a nourishing body cream all over your body.
Holi Skincare for Sensitive Skin
Dr Navnit says, "People with sensitive skin require some extra care. This is because their skin barrier is impaired, and they are more prone to skin irritations, dryness, and redness." He further shares the pointers below.
- One of the best ways to care for sensitive skin is by using gentle cleansers.
- You should avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals or detergents, as these can strip the natural oils from your skin and lead to irritation.
- Instead, look for a soap-free cleanser that is designed for sensitive skin.
Kapadia adds, "Undoubtedly, this festival is fun and frolic for everyone except for those who have sensitive skin or suffer from a dry skin condition like eczema." She further shares that there are some precautions listed below -
- Avoid using alkaline soaps since they can be very harsh on your skin. They remove the natural oils of your skin and leave it dry. Instead, use a gentle cleanser that will act mildly on your skin.
- Long, hot baths can harm people with sensitive skin as they usually draw out all the moisture from your skin, leaving it super dry. Go for a short shower and ensure the water is cold or lukewarm.
- It’s important to keep your moisturizer around you all the time. After playing Holi, since your skin’s barrier has been damaged, the trans-epidermal water loss makes your skin dry and itchy. Hence, using a moisturizer can help hydrate your skin and improve your skin’s condition.
Holi Skincare for Scalp, Nails, and Hair
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Dr. Navnit shares some additional things you need to keep in mind to take care of your scalp, hair, and nails while playing Holi-
- After playing Holi, it is natural for your nails, ears, neck, and hair scalp to get stained. The colorants used in Holi (mainly of the organic variety) are difficult to remove and often require a lot of scrubbing. In addition, these colorants can also be quite harmful to your skin and hair if not removed immediately.
- One easy way to avoid staining is to apply a layer of oil or Vaseline all over your body before playing Holi. This will act as a barrier between your skin and the colorants. If you get stained, however, here are some tips on removing the colorants.
- Use a toothbrush dipped in toothpaste to scrub off the stains on nails and ears.
- For the neck and hair scalp, use a shampoo that has bleach in it to help lighten the color.
- If your clothes are stained, try using club soda or white vinegar to help remove the color.
- Be sure to rinse well and avoid scrubbing too hard, which can cause further damage. By following these simple tips, you can remove the bad stains on your nails, neck, ears, and hair scalp.
Holi Skincare From Kitchen Ingredients
Kapadia shares, "Your kitchen is filled with natural ingredients which can help you remove the color post-Holi along with repairing and retaining moisture to your skin." She further shares these essential ingredients and ways to apply them for a better skin texture -
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is a rich source of antioxidants, enhances your skin's elasticity, and provides deep conditioning for your hair. Applying generous olive oil to your hair and skin will significantly reduce the chemical damage.
- Lemon and curd mask: This helps you eliminate the color. Mix two tablespoons of lemon juice and one tablespoon of curd. Apply this mix to the areas where you want to remove the Holi color, and take a bath after a few minutes.
- Turmeric mask: This helps you to remove harmful chemicals. Curcumin in turmeric helps remove the color of your skin. Mix two tablespoons of turmeric powder and Multani mitti, respectively, and then add some rosewater to the mix so that it turns into a paste. Apply it on the colored areas and rinse it with cold water once it dries.
- Banana and honey mask: Since playing Holi can lead to dry skin, this mask helps retain moisture. Add a teaspoon of honey and milk to the mashed banana and mix it well. A few minutes after applying it on your skin and neck, wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Aloe Vera: Applying fresh aloe vera gel soothes and heals the skin. It acts as a natural and powerful moisturizer and helps soften the skin and relieve dryness.
- Milk: No matter how light or harsh the colors are, the first step is to dab milk all over your face and the skin touched by color. Dip cotton pads in milk and apply them to your face evenly. The milk will help release the color without irritating the skin much.
Dr. Navnit shares kitchen products you can try to help heal your damaged skin after enjoying Holi. Read below and make your Holi hassle-free.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the skin. Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and it helps promote healing.
- Turmeric Paste: Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder with enough water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and pat it dry. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help promote healing.
- Oatmeal Bath: Add 1 cup of uncooked oatmeal to a bathtub filled with warm water. Oats have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and inflammation caused by chemical dyes or other skin irritants. Add one cup of ground oats to a bathtub filled with warm water, and soak in the tub for about 15 minutes.
Have you bookmarked this skincare guide to follow pre and post-Holi? Share fool-proof skincare tips with us if you know of any.
Find More Inspiration for Upcoming Festivals:
1. Holi 2025 Wishes and Quotes
2. The Ultimate Holi Songs Playlist
