Holi’s best moments are messy, but your skin and hair don’t have to pay for it. Synthetic gulal can contain metals and harsh pigments that dry, stain, and irritate; the sun and water aren’t gentle either. A simple pre- and post-routine makes the difference.

Here’s, Beauty and Ayurveda expert SHAHNAZ HUSAIN (CMD of SHAHNAZ HUSAIN GROUP) shares some easy-to-follow tips before playing Holi, after it, and some quick tips to restore the natural beauty of your skin and hair, so you can enjoy your Holi stress-free.

Before You Step Out

• Skip actives- No waxing, bleaching, or acid facials 2–3 days before; barrier must stay intact.
• Oil is your barrier- 20–30 minutes before, massage coconut or sesame oil onto face, arms, legs, and scalp. It fills pores and coats strands so pigments don’t bind deeply. For hair, braid or bun it after oiling—less surface area, less tangling.
• Moisturise + SPF- On top of oil, apply a thick cream (shea, aloe-based) and a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+). Ensure you cover all the exposed areas of your body.
• Clothes matter-Full-sleeve cotton, a cap, and a scarf protect more skin than any serum.
• For nails: Apply a transparent nail varnish to help protect them from absorbing Holi colours.

During Play

• Keep sipping water, as your skin resists better when hydrated.
• Don’t rub colour in. If it itches, move away and rinse rather than scrubbing.

After the Colours

• Dust off dry powder first, then rinse off the coloured areas with cool water.
• Cleanse gently by massaging with coconut or almond oil, then wipe. Use a mild cleanser or gram-flour (besan) with yoghurt/milk on the skin; for hair, a mild shampoo once, then a conditioner after—don’t repeat washes to chase stains.
• Soothe your skin with aloe vera gel, and apply cucumber or rose water to reduce redness. If you experience skin irritation, immediately apply a honey+ turmeric paste only to the affected spots.
• Replenish using a glycerine/aloe moisturiser while the skin’s still damp. Next-day follow-up with a hair mask using amla or banana–honey if strands feel straw-like.
• Avoid heat and treatments for 3–4 days, this means no hair straightening, facials, or strong actives until the barrier calms.
• If you feel itchy, adding 2 tablespoons of vinegar to a mug of water and using it as the final rinse will help reduce the itching. However, if it continues and you experience redness, then it is better to consult a dermatologist immediately.

Day After Holi

• For skin, mix two tablespoons of honey with half a cup of curd and a pinch of turmeric. Apply this paste on your face, neck and arms. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash with cool water. This would remove the tan and soften your skin.
• Nourish your hair by mixing a tablespoon of pure coconut oil with a teaspoon of castor oil, warming it, then applying it to your hair. Now dip a towel in hot water, wring it out, then wrap it around your head and keep it on for 5 minutes. Repeat this hot towel treatment 3-4 times to enable oil absorption. After an hour, wash your hair.