The festival of colours, Holi, will be celebrated on March 4 this year. A big part of the festival is throwing colours on each other. 

While the excitement of applying colours can be high during Holi, you must ensure it does not leave your skin dry and damaged. These 5 steps will help you protect your skin and hair. 

One of the easiest ways to protect your skin & hair is to apply oil generously before heading out. Coconut, almond or olive oil is recommended to create a barrier for colours to settle in the skin.

Before you join the celebrations, apply a thick layer of moisturiser on your face and body. Follow it up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. 

Leaving hair open may look great in pictures, but it also invites more damage. Tie your hair in a bun or braid to minimise colour exposure. 

Once the celebrations are over, resist the urge to scrub harshly. Use lukewarm water and a mild cleanser to wash off colours slowly.  For hair, use a gentle shampoo and avoid hot water.

Post-Holi care is just as important. Apply a soothing face mask or aloe vera gel to calm your skin. For hair, go for a deep-conditioning mask or oil massage to restore moisture.