Holi is one of the most joyful and colorful festivals in India, celebrated with colors, laughter, and lots of fun. However, playing with chemical-based or synthetic colors commonly causes the most damage to our hair. Kids and teens have delicate hair and require extra attention before playing with colours. To keep your kids’ hair healthy and damage-free, it’s essential to follow these hair care rituals.
How Chemical-Based Colors Damage Hair
Chemical-based colours can strip hair’s natural oils, making it dry and brittle.
- It leads to scalp itching and irritation.
- It can leave hair tangled and difficult to manage.
- If not properly cared for, it can lead to long-term damage.
You can minimise damage and colour penetration by creating a protective shield with the proper pre-Holi hair care regimen:
- Hair Oiling: Properly oiling hair is one of the best ways to shield it from Holi colours. Oiling prevents colours from adhering to the scalp and hair strands by acting as a natural barrier. You can use any age-appropriate light weight oil containing a concoction of other rich oil extracts like coconut oil, almond oil, argan oil etc.,
- Protective Hairstyle: During Holi, hair that is left open is more likely to tangle, break, and absorb colour. Tying your kids and teens hair in a safe and secure manner is a great way to avoid damage. You can do single or double braids, a bun, a ponytail with a braid, it holds hair in place and stops colour from thoroughly penetrating. An additional layer of protection can be added by wrapping a bandana or scarf around braided hair.
- Avoid Hair Wash Just Before Holi: Many parents wash their child’s hair in the morning before Holi. Washing hair just before Holi, however, removes natural oils, increasing the porousness and vulnerability of hair to colour damage. To make sure the hair keeps some of its natural oils, wash it the day before Holi.
Post-Holi Hair Care
- Start by rinsing with warm water: Use lukewarm water to completely rinse the hair before using any shampoo or conditioner. Without doing too much cleaning, this helps get rid of the majority of the colour. Hot water will further dry out the hair and scalp, so avoid using it.
- Apply a Gentle and Conditioning Shampoo: Select a mild, sulfate/paraben-free shampoo that is appropriate for children and teenagers. Aloe vera, coconut, amla, etc, are among the ingredients that aid in cleansing without depleting the scalp of its natural oils. To guarantee that all colour remnants are removed, gently lather and then rinse well.
- The secret is deep conditioning: After shampooing, rinse hair with rice water, it is rich in amino acids and vitamins. Rice water strengthens, smooths, and deeply nourishes hair while restoring moisture. Since kids’ and teens’ hair is more delicate, this natural remedy helps maintain softness and shine.
