Holi 2019: The haircare tips to keep in mind before you play this year

While covering your hair with a bandana or scarf might seem like the easiest way to protect your hair, it might prove redundant as nothing attracts the attention and wrath of pro players like the sight of a timid opponent. Instead, prep yourself for the game. The best way to prevent any damage by Holi colours is to make sure that your strands are coated with a protectant. “Coat your tresses in any oil that’s nourishing for your hair type, like coconut, almond or olive oil, before stepping out of the house. Once your hair is soaked with oil, you are completely free to play with Holi colours and go wild. All the colour will come off because the oil works as a barrier, and prevents the colour from getting into your hair cuticle,” says celebrity hair and makeup artist Marianna Mukuchyan. Hair expert Samantha Kochhar also insists that an oil massage is a must before playing Holi, and swears by her very own magic blend, featuring coconut, castor and sesame oil mixed in equal proportions, with a few drops of lavender essential oil.

“You can use oils, silicone-based serums or leave-in conditioners all over your hair to ensure that the colour doesn’t latch on to your strands,” says Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, consultant dermatologist and specialist hair transplant surgeon, MedLinks. “Silicone protects the hair from the harmful elements, keeping it smooth and shiny by ‘waterproofing’ each strand. It also gives hair a slippery-when-wet feel because of its hydrophobic coating. Due to this most of the wet colours are not able to penetrate inside and can be washed out with just one gentle wash,” he adds. Jashmina Jain, creative director, Jean-Claude Biguine Spa and Salon, points out that the lighter your hair is in terms of colour, the thicker the barrier should be, since lighter hair does stain easily. “Apply regular conditioner on your hair and let it dry overnight like a leave in to protect hair and keep it moisturised,” she suggests.

Once you’ve protected the hair on your head, don’t forget about your eyelashes and eyebrows either, which can get colour stuck in them too. Apply oil or an eyelash primer to a spoolie to brush it over the brows, and gently apply it to the lashline and lashes with an old mascara brush or Q-tip.

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