Holi means colors and delicious foods and drinks. But Holi colors can make your hair dry, tangled and damaged. To ensure that your hair stays healthy and shiny even after the celebrations, it is important to follow a proper hair care routine. Using natural hair oils and masks can provide a holistic approach to treating Holi-related hair damage. Applying hair masks with oils also deeply moisturizes your hair follicles and acts as a barrier against harsh Holi colors. Now let’s talk about how hair oil and masks can protect your tresses from Holi colors.

Is it good to apply hair oil before Holi?

Hair oils are an effective way to protect your hair from harsh Holi colors. Oils like coconut oil, sesame oil and Ayurvedic herbal oils form a physical layer on the hair shaft, forming a protective barrier that reduces color absorption in the hair cuticle, says Ayurvedic expert Dr Arathi Vasudeva. This layer not only minimizes the damage caused by the dyes, but also makes it easier to remove them after the ceremony. Using hair oils before playing Holi can help a lot in keeping your hair looking healthy and beautiful.

Which hair oil is best for Holi?

Here are some of the best hair oils to protect hair from Holi colors.

1. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is considered one of the best hair oils because it penetrates the hair shaft. It contains lauric acid, which helps to strengthen the hair and provides antimicrobial properties to protect against dandruff.

2. Sesame oil

This oil is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and provides a thick protective layer with natural UV protection while nourishing and moisturizing the hair. This is another natural and best hair oil to provide an effective barrier against harmful holly dyes.

3. Ayurvedic herbal oils

Formulated with botanical extracts, Ayurvedic herbal oils like neem, amaranth and brahmi offer many benefits. This list includes scalp nourishment, hair growth stimulation and dandruff prevention.

Experts say that applying these hair oils liberally before Holi will give you a thorough coverage. Then wash with a mild herbal hair cleanser that effectively removes color and oil residue, leaving hair clean and refreshed.

What are the benefits of oiling hair before Holi?

Adding hair oil to your holly hair care routine can have many benefits.

• It acts as a protective shield that protects the hair from the harsh chemicals in Holi dyes. Not only does this prevent immediate damage, it also ensures easy color removal after celebrations without the risk of hair breakage or fall.
• Hair oils also help retain moisture in the hair shaft, counteracting the drying effects of powerful pigments.
• Enriched with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, the nutritional properties of many hair oils provide nourishment to the hair and scalp, promoting overall hair health and strength, says the expert.

DIY hair masks to keep your hair safe from Holi colors

You can even add a little oil to your DIY hair masks!

1. Curd and honey for dry hair

What’s needed

• Curd 2 tbsp
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• Coconut oil 2 tbsp

method

• Mix these ingredients to make a hair mask.
• Apply the hair mask to your hair and scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes.
• Wash thoroughly with a gentle shampoo or herbal hair cleansing shampoo.

2. Coconut oil and aloe vera mask

What’s needed

• Coconut oil 1 tbsp
• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera

method

• Mix equal parts of coconut oil and fresh aloe vera gel.
• Apply the mixture liberally to the hair and scalp.
• Leave it for at least an hour before playing Holi.
• Then wash with a mild herbal cleanser or shampoo.

3. Olive oil and honey mask

What’s needed

• Olive oil 2 tbsp
• 1 tablespoon of honey

method

• Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, focusing on the ends.
• Leave it for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Rinse with warm water and herbal hair cleanser.

4. Sesame oil and curry powder

What’s needed

• Sesame oil 1 tbsp
• A handful of curry leaves

method

• Heat sesame oil in a pan on low heat.
• Add fresh curry leaves and simmer until crisp and sesame oil.
• After the oil cools down, strain it to extract the curry leaves.
• Apply the infused oil to the scalp and hair, massage and leave on for 1 to 2 hours.
• Rinse with warm water and a mild herbal powder or shampoo to remove any residue.

Although hair oils are beneficial for most people, people with certain scalp conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or oily scalp may want to avoid heavy oil application. Also, those who are allergic to certain oils or ingredients should also avoid using them.