Holi is all about colours and fun, but before stepping out to play, it’s important to protect your hair, skin and especially your nails. Apply oil generously on your hands and face to create a protective layer. Tie your hair properly and wear a cap if needed. Try to make sure the colours do not damage your skin or hair.

However, nails often suffer the most during Holi. Chemical colours tend to settle in the corners of the nails, increasing the risk of infection. The skin around the nails and cuticles can also become dry and rough. That’s why nail care before and after playing with colours is essential.

How to care for your nails before Holi?

Frequent use of nail polish can weaken nails, but during Holi, it actually works as a protective shield. Apply a thick coat of nail polish before going out to play. This prevents colours from directly staining your nails. After Holi, you can remove the polish using a nail polish remover.

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Before stepping out, massage coconut oil thoroughly on and around your nails. You may also use cuticle oil or petroleum jelly. This creates a barrier, preventing colours from sticking to the nail edges and cuticles.

Taking a few simple precautions can help keep your nails healthy, clean and damage-free even after hours of playing with colours.

How to care for your nails after playing with colours

After enjoying Holi, it’s important to clean and nourish your nails properly to avoid staining and dryness.

Start by taking some lukewarm water in a bowl. Add a little liquid soap or mild shampoo and mix well. Soak your fingers in this solution for a few minutes. Then gently scrub your nails with a soft brush to remove the colours trapped in the corners. If you had applied nail polish before playing, the colours would come off more easily.

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If you apply coconut oil before stepping out, cleaning becomes even simpler. Once you return, soak your hands again in lukewarm water. You can add a few drops of coconut oil to the water for extra nourishment. After soaking, wipe your nails gently with a dry cloth. Most of the colour stains will fade away.

You can also try a simple homemade pack to remove stubborn stains. Mix gram flour (besan) with lemon juice or sour yogurt to make a thick paste. Apply this pack on and around your nails. Leave it on until it dries completely. Then wash it off with water. This helps remove leftover colour while also softening the skin around your nails.

With these easy steps, your nails can stay clean, healthy and damage-free even after playing with colours.