The Ultimate Holi Skin Care Guide

Holi, the vibrant festival of colours, brings a wave of joy and celebration. Amidst the fun, however, the aftermath on our skin and hair can be less than joyful, often leading to stained, dry, irritated, and damaged skin.

Proper skin and hair care before and after Holi can make all the difference in ensuring that you enjoy the festivities without long-term damage. Here’s a dermatologist-approved guide on how to protect skin from Holi colours, the best pre and post-Holi skin care tips, and how to remove Holi colour from face and hair effectively.

How to Protect Skin from Holi Colours?

Preparing your skin and hair for Holi is crucial. It not only makes it easier to remove colour later but also prevents staining and damage caused by permanent Holi colours. Here are some pre-Holi skin care tips recommended by dermatologists.

1. Strengthen the Skin Barrier

The skin acts like a sponge—if it is dry, it will absorb more colour. To prevent this, moisturise your skin with a hydrating, barrier-strengthening moisturiser. This will ensure that colours sit on the surface rather than seeping in, making them easier to remove.

2. Apply SPF 50+ Sunscreen

Holi marks the beginning of summer, and the sun's UV rays are particularly strong. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen with a water-resistant formulation that does not get washed off easily. This will not only protect your skin from UV damage but also create a protective shield against colours, reducing staining.

3. Avoid Strong Actives

Avoid using strong active skincare ingredients like retinol, AHAs, and BHAs 1-2 days before Holi. These ingredients can dry out the skin and make it more sensitive, increasing the chances of colour seeping in and leaving behind stubborn stains.

4. Do Not Apply Oil on the Skin

Despite common misconceptions, applying oil to the skin before Holi can lead to tanning, clogged pores, and breakouts. Instead, opt for a light, hydrating lotion and layer it with sunscreen. This will form a protective barrier without making your skin greasy, tanning your skin or clogging pores.

5. Protect Easy-to-Forget Areas

Don’t forget to protect ears and the nape of your neck—these areas are typically overlooked, even during routine skincare. These often get stained, and because they are not washed & moisturised as regularly as hands, stains in these areas can take longer to fade. So, don’t forget to give them special attention during pre-Holi skin prep.

How to Protect Hair from Holi Colours?

Just like your skin, your hair needs protection too. If not cared for properly, Holi colours can stain the scalp, cause hair breakage, trigger hair fall, and even lead to scalp acne. Follow these dermatologist-approved pre-Holi hair care tips to keep your hair healthy:

1. Apply Hair Oil

Holi colours, combined with sun exposure, can leave your hair dry and brittle. To counteract this, apply a generous amount of oil from root to tip before you play. Coconut, almond, or argan oil can help create a barrier that prevents colours from penetrating the hair shaft or seeping into your scalp.

2. Avoid PRP Treatments Before Holi

If you are undergoing scalp mesotherapy or Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments, schedule them at least 48 hours before Holi. These treatments make the scalp sensitive, and typically have a downtime of 3-4 days. Playing with colours too soon after can cause irritation, delay healing and infect the micro injuries created during the treatment.

How to Clean Holi Colour from Face?

Many of us struggle to remove Holi colour from our face, trying multiple products that can end up drying out or damaging our skin. Instead, follow these dermatologist-approved post-Holi skin care tips to safely cleanse and restore your skin’s health.

1. Cleanse Gently

Use a mild, pH-balanced cleanser to remove colour. Avoid harsh soaps, lemon juice, bleach or abrasive exfoliants, as these can damage the skin barrier, cause microtears, burns and lead to uneven skin tone.

2. Post-Holi Detox Facials

Treat your skin to a hydrating facial to replenish lost moisture and repair the skin barrier. This will help restore your skin’s natural balance and heal any minor irritation.

3. Mild Chemical Peels

If stubborn colour stains remain, a mild chemical peel can help even out skin tone, reduce dullness, and remove permanent Holi colour from face. Mild chemical peels, like the Éterne Brightening Peel, are superficial. They have zero downtime and offer quick results without disturbing your daily routine.

4. Laser Treatments for Tanning

If you experience skin tanning after Holi, you can opt for Q-switched laser treatments, like the Radianz^TM Laser . These can help counteract pigmentation and accelerate skin recovery. Home remedies like using lemon juice can cause irritation & burning, and trigger pigmentation issues, especially when exposed to sunlight, even after being washed off. Using potatoes can also cause irritation & allergic reactions.

How to Remove Holi Colour from Hair?

Holi colours can be harsh on the scalp and hair, making proper cleansing essential. Follow these steps to remove Holi colour from hair effectively and restoring their shine:

1. Rinse with Cold Water

Before using any shampoo, rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water to remove as much dry colour as possible. Avoid hot water, as it can further dry out your hair and allow any remaining colour to seep deeper into the scalp.

2. Use a Sulphate-Free Shampoo

A gentle, sulphate-free shampoo will cleanse the scalp without stripping it of essential moisture and disturbing its natural pH. This further reduces the risk of dryness and itchiness. Follow with a deep conditioner to restore hydration and prevent breakage.

3. Apply a Hair Mask

Post-Holi, treat your hair to a nourishing hair mask to repair damage. This restores hydration, reduces frizz and keeps it soft and healthy. It also prevents hair breakage.

4. Avoid Heat Styling

Refrain from using heat styling tools for a few days after Holi, as your hair will already be stressed from the colours and sun exposure.

Conclusion

Holi is all about enjoying vibrant celebrations without compromising your skin and hair health. By following these pre-Holi skincare tips, protecting your hair properly, and adopting the right post-Holi skincare routine, you can ensure that your skin stays radiant and healthy.

Now that you know how to remove Holi colour from face, how to get rid of Holi colours on face, and how to protect skin from Holi colours, go ahead and enjoy the festival without worry!