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Holi Gone Wrong? Here’s How to Remove Stubborn Colours from Your Face, Skin, and Hair Without the Fuss!

  • Writer: soniya
    soniya
  • Mar 14
  • 4 min read

Holi is the festival of colours, joy, and endless fun. But let’s be honest—while playing with gulal and water is exhilarating, dealing with stubborn Holi colours afterward can be a nightmare. Those bright pinks, greens, and yellows might look stunning during the celebrations, but when they refuse to budge from your face, skin, and hair, the fun quickly turns into frustration.


Don’t worry, though! Whether you’ve used organic or chemical-based colours, we’ve got you covered with simple, effective, and skin-friendly ways to remove Holi colours without damaging your skin or hair. Let’s dive in!



Why Are Holi Colours So Stubborn?

Remove Holi colours naturally

Before we jump into the solutions, it’s important to understand why Holi colours stick so stubbornly to your skin and hair.


Chemical-Based Colours:Many Holi colours contain harmful chemicals like lead, mercury, and asbestos, which penetrate the skin and hair cuticles, making them harder to remove.


Oil-Based Pigments:Some colours are oil-based, which means they cling to your skin and hair, requiring more than just water to wash off.


Dry Skin and Hair:If your skin or hair is dry, the colours tend to settle deeper into the pores and strands, making removal a challenge.


Now that we know the “why,” let’s focus on the “how.”




Pre-Holi Prep: The Secret to Easier Colour Removal

Remove Holi colours naturally

The best way to deal with stubborn Holi colours is to prepare your skin and hair *before* the celebrations. Here’s how:


Oil Up: Apply coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil generously on your face, skin, and hair. This creates a protective barrier, preventing colours from penetrating deeply.

Nail Polish: Paint your nails with a clear or dark nail polish to prevent stains.

Lip Balm: Apply a thick layer of lip balm to protect your lips from drying out and staining.

Wear Old Clothes: Choose clothes you don’t mind staining, and opt for full sleeves to minimise skin exposure.



How to Remove Holi Colours from Your Face


Your face is the most sensitive part of your body, so it’s crucial to use gentle methods to remove colours.


1. Cleansing Oil or Coconut Oil


How It Works: Oil breaks down the pigments, making them easier to wipe off.

What to Do:

Take a few drops of coconut oil or any cleansing oil on your palms.

Gently massage it onto your face in circular motions.

Wipe off with a soft cloth or cotton pad.

-Follow up with a gentle cleanser to remove any residue.


2. Besan (Gram Flour) and Milk Pack

How It Works:Besan acts as a natural exfoliant, while milk soothes and moisturises the skin.

What to Do:

  • Mix 2 tablespoons of besan with enough milk to form a paste.

  • Apply it evenly on your face and let it dry for 10-15 minutes.

  • Gently scrub in circular motions and rinse with lukewarm water.


3. Aloe Vera Gel


  • How It Works: Aloe vera is a natural cleanser and moisturiser that helps remove colours without irritating the skin.

  • What to Do:

  • - Apply fresh aloe vera gel on your face.

  • - Leave it on for 10 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.



Remove Holi colours naturally

For the rest of your body, you can use slightly stronger methods, but always prioritise skin-friendly ingredients.


1. Lemon and Sugar Scrub


How It Works:Lemon’s acidity helps break down colours, while sugar acts as a natural exfoliant.

What to Do:

  • Mix 1 tablespoon of sugar with the juice of half a lemon.


  • Gently scrub the mixture on your skin, focusing on stained areas.

  • Rinse off with water and moisturise immediately.


2. Baking Soda and Coconut Oil


  • How It Works:Baking soda is a mild abrasive that helps lift colours, while coconut oil moisturises.


  • What to Do:

  • Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.


  • Apply the paste on your skin and scrub gently.

  • Rinse off with lukewarm water.


3. Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) Pack


How It Works: Multani mitti absorbs excess oil and pigments, leaving your skin clean and refreshed.


What to Do:

  • Mix 2 tablespoons of multani mitti with rose water to form a paste.


  • Apply it on your skin and let it dry for 15-20 minutes.


  • Rinse off with cool water.




Hair is perhaps the trickiest to clean after Holi, but with the right approach, you can restore its shine and health.


1. Pre-Wash Oil Treatment


  • How It Works: Oil helps loosen the colours from your hair strands.


  • What to Do:


  • Massage coconut oil or olive oil into your scalp and hair.

  • Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour.


  • Comb your hair gently to remove any dried colour.


2. Besan and Curd Hair Mask


How It Works:Besan removes colour, while curd conditions your hair.


What to Do:

  • Mix 3 tablespoons of besan with enough curd to form a smooth paste.


  • Apply it to your hair, covering all strands.


  • Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.


3. Clarifying Shampoo


How It Works:Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove build-up, making them perfect for post-Holi hair care.


What to Do:


  • Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo, focusing on the roots and ends.


  • Follow up with a deep conditioner to restore moisture.




Post-Holi Skincare and Haircare Tips

Post-Holi skincare routine
Post-Holi Skincare and Haircare Tips

After removing the colours, your skin and hair need some extra love to recover.


  1. Moisturise:Apply a hydrating moisturiser to your face and body to restore lost moisture.


  2. Hydrating Face Mask:Use a soothing face mask with ingredients like aloe vera or cucumber to calm your skin.


  3. Hair Mask: Treat your hair to a nourishing mask with ingredients like honey, egg, or avocado.


  4. Stay Hydrated:Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and keep your skin glowing.




Holi cleanup a breeze for everyone


Holi is all about fun, but dealing with stubborn colours doesn’t have to be a hassle. With these simple, natural, and effective tips, you can easily remove Holi colours from your face, skin, and hair without damaging them. Remember, preparation is key, so don’t forget to oil up before stepping out to play!


Got any tried-and-tested Holi colour removal hacks? Share them in the comments below! Let’s make post-Holi cleanup a breeze for everyone.


Happy Holi, and stay colourful (but not stained)! 🌈




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