Haircare during festivals: How to avoid styling stress, pollution, and more

Haircare routine: Festivals can leave your hair with residue from styling products, dust, and pollution. Use a shampoo that gently cleanses without stripping your hair of its natural oils and helps soothe any scalp irritation (Image: Canva)

During Indian festivals, your hair faces constant challenges, endless styling, exposure to pollution, and the general hustle and bustle can all take a toll on its health. Combatting these issues is essential for maintaining strong, shiny hair throughout the celebrations and post that.

Maintaining healthy hair during Indian festivities is all about balance, says Abhishek Yadav, Director of Emreleaf, a beauty brand, Faridabad. "With all the styling and pollution in the air, your hair goes through a lot. Festivals bring a surge of hairstyling, like blow-drying, straightening, or using heavy products to create intricate looks. While these styles help you stand out, they also expose your hair to damage from heat, chemicals, and environmental stressors like dust and pollution,” he adds.

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Here’s a guide to keeping your hair vibrant and resilient, both before and after the festivities:

Pre-festival hair care:

Think of it like prepping your hair for a big event. Before the festival season begins, give your hair the ultimate care it deserves:

• Cleanse: Start with a good wash using a gentle, nourishing shampoo that can cleanse your scalp and remove buildup, preparing your hair to absorb nutrients more effectively.
• Hydrate: Follow up with a moisturising conditioner to lock in hydration and leave your hair softer and smoother, making it more manageable and less prone to frizz.
• Minimise: Try to cut down on heat styling before the festivities to prevent damage. If necessary, always apply a heat protectant to shield your hair from the effects of high temperatures.
• Nourish: A quick scalp massage with coconut or argan oil can deeply nourish your hair, strengthen the roots, and add shine. For added moisture and shine, look for hair products that incorporate these oils, which can help keep your hair smooth and hydrated, providing a mini oil treatment effect with every wash and condition.

Post-festival hair care:

After all the celebrations and fun, it’s time to bring your hair back to life. Post-festival care is just as crucial to repair and rejuvenate.

• Purify: Festivals can leave your hair with residue from styling products, dust, and pollution. Use a shampoo that gently cleanses without stripping your hair of its natural oils and helps soothe any scalp irritation.
• Rejuvenate: Follow up with a conditioner to restore hydration and repair any damage. A good conditioner strengthens your hair and protects it from further harm.
• Revitalise: Consider using a hair mask once a week to give your hair an extra boost of nourishment and repair.