Holi, the festival of fun, joy, and colors is just around the corner. While you are eagerly looking forward to celebrating the festival with color, it is important to take precautions to protect your skin and hair from the colors. The harsh chemicals used in Holi might trigger hair fall and other scalp problems such as itching and irritation among others.
One of the easiest ways to protect your scalp hair from the harmful effects of Holi colors is oiling your hair or in other words oil massage of the scalp. Discussed in this health article are few top oils that can promote healthy hair.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil and healthy hair go hand-in-hand. Almost every household in India is familiar with head massage with coconut oil. Coconut oil has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can be a solution to all your hair woes. Applying a generous amount of coconut oil to your hair and scalp the night before Holi, will help boost the moisture in your scalp and hair and prevent drying of scalp, hair fall, and hair breakage due to colors. It is recommended that you use cold press coconut oil for maximum benefits.
Castor oil
Holi colors may cause excessively dry hair making them brittle and susceptible to breakage. Castor oil is extremely helpful in repairing damaged hair. The oil effectively prevents dry hair, improves hair texture by making the hair smooth and shiny. Castor oil contains good amounts of fatty acids such as oleic acid and linolenic acid that are good for your hair and scalp. The oil is also rich in vitamin E and traces of essential minerals that promote faster hair growth. Castor oil is thick and doesn’t penetrate the pores easily. Hence, it is recommended to warm the oil before application.
Olive oil
Olive oil has become a common staple in many households in recent days for cooking purposes and for hair care. Applying olive oil the night before Holi acts as a shield to your hair and scalp, protecting them from damage due to heat and external dirt and pollution. Olive oil locks keratin (an essential protein to keep your hair healthy and strong) in your hair. Studies have also shown that regular usage of olive oil helps reduce the production of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that causes hair fall. Just like castor oil, it is recommended to warm the oil before application.
Conclusion:
Oiling your scalp and hair before exposing them to Holi colors will protect your scalp and hair from the harmful effects of colors. Post Holi it is recommended that you rinse your hair with plain water to remove the colors from hair and scalp following which you can cleanse them with a mild shampoo and conditioner. You can also apply moisture-retaining hair packs if required.