By Khanak Mehta

This is not a drill: Holi is almost here. We know you’re looking forward to all the parties you and your friends have lined up, the endless supply of sweets, and lots of dancing – but there’s also the inevitable beauty aftermath you’ll have to deal with.

Luckily, a little planning can go a long way in making sure that you don’t end up spending five hours in the shower once you’re done playing. Here are some easy tips to help you get started.

Coconut oil is your BFF

It might not be champi day, but Holi is still a great excuse to pull out your trusty bottle of coconut oil. Apply it on your hair and all over your body not just for an extra dose of moisturisation, but also to help create a protective barrier. This will help make washing off the colour so much easier and stop any colour in your hair from bleeding more, too.

Nail your pre-Holi prep

We mean this quite literally. There’s probably nothing more annoying post-Holi than finding colour stuck under your nails. Follow that up with a week of dealing with stained nails, and that’s a beauty nightmare right there. So, be sure to trim and file your nails before the festival – it's best to cut them short. Apply a coat of polish to stop them from getting stained and invest in cuticle oil to not only moisturise but also protect your fingers.

No skipping the sunscreen

If you’re RSVPing to a Holi party, do not forget the sunscreen. We know that you may not always be consistent with it, but this is one day you definitely won’t want to skip it. Since you’ll be out in the sun for hours, a sunscreen will not only help prevent damage to your skin from UV rays, but also form an additional protective barrier over your skin to avoid burning and stop the colours from staining. Be sure to pick a waterproof formula, too!

The Ultimate Guide To Protecting Your Skin And Hair This Holi