Holi’s the one time of year you get a free pass to go full colour bomb—no one’s judging. But once the fun’s over and you’re staring at your reflection with pink scalp and a neon green beard, panic sets in. Will your hair ever be the same again? Don’t worry—we’ve got you. Whether it’s your hair or your beard, the post-Holi clean-up doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here’s your no-fuss guide to prepping before Holi, getting rid of the colours after, and giving your mane the TLC it deserves. 

Holi-Proof Your Hair and Beard 

Do these: 

• Oil is your best wingman. Slather on coconut, almond, or argan oil in your hair and beard before stepping out. Think of it like primer before paint—it keeps colours from sinking in too deep. 

• Cover up. A cool bandana, cap, or headwrap can save you a LOT of post-Holi regret. 

• Beard balm is a must. A thick balm or beard oil will make it way harder for that Holi powder to stick around. 

• Hydrate from within. Drink water like it’s your job the day before Holi—healthy skin and hair start there. 

Skip these: 

• No gels or waxes. They can mix with colours and irritate your scalp or skin. 

• Don’t shampoo right before. You’ll strip away your natural oils—aka your hair’s built-in defence system. 

• No heat styling. Curling, straightening, or blow-drying before Holi? Hard pass. 

How to Get Holi Colours Out of Your Hair 

1. Start with plain water. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water first—no shampoo yet. This helps remove loose colour. 

2. Go in with oil + shampoo. Mix a bit of oil with your mild shampoo and work it through your scalp. Let it sit for a few before rinsing. This combo lifts out stubborn colours without going full chemical warfare. 

3. Condition like you mean it. Your hair just fought a war—give it a peace treaty in the form of a rich conditioner or hair mask. Look for shea butter, aloe vera, or keratin. 

4. Still pink? Chill. If the colour doesn’t go in one wash, give it a day. Over-washing will just dry your hair out. 

How to Clean Holi Colours from Your Beard 

1. Rinse gently with a beard wash. Or even baby shampoo if you have sensitive skin. 

2. Oil magic, again. Massage some olive or argan oil into the beard and let it sit for 10 minutes. It loosens colour and conditions too. 

3. Comb it out. Gently use a beard comb to dislodge dry colour particles. 

4. Condition it well. Apply beard butter or a nourishing conditioner to restore softness and moisture. 

Aftercare: Because Damage Control Is Better 

• Hands off the heat tools. No blow-dryers, straighteners, or styling for a few days. Let your hair breathe. 

• Mask up. Twice a week, use a deep-conditioning hair mask with strengthening ingredients like biotin or coconut milk. 

• Trim the damage. If the tips feel fried, get a quick trim—it’ll make your hair look and feel healthier. 

• Stick to oil massages. A few drops of hair oil before bed can go a long way in repairing damage.