Holi is approaching at a time when there’s still a mild hint of winter in the air. While playing with water and colours is the highlight of the festival, excessive exposure to water in slightly cold weather can increase the risk of cough, cold, fever, and even skin irritation.
So, does that mean you skip the fun? Not at all. You just need to celebrate Holi 2026 a little more mindfully. Here’s how you can enjoy the festival while protecting your health.
Why Playing With Too Much Water in Holi May Need Extra Care
Water play is undeniably one of the most joyful parts of the celebration, but spending long hours in wet clothes during slightly cool weather may leave you feeling under the weather later.
A little mindfulness can go a long way in ensuring the festivities remain fun, comfortable, and healthy for everyone. Read the following tips:
1. Wet Clothes + Breeze = Sudden Body Temperature Drop
When you remain in wet clothes for a long time, especially outdoors, your body loses heat quickly. Even a light breeze can make you feel colder than expected. This sudden drop in body temperature may lead to shivering, weakness, sore throat, or fever later in the day.
2. Sinus & Respiratory Triggers
Cool weather combined with water exposure can aggravate sinus issues. Those who already suffer from allergies, asthma, or frequent colds may experience blocked nose, sneezing, headache, or breathing discomfort after playing Holi 2026 with excessive water.
3. Kids & Elderly Are More Vulnerable
Children often continue playing without realising they’re feeling cold, and older adults generally have lower immunity or existing health conditions. Prolonged water play in cool weather can increase their risk of cough, cold, and fatigue. Extra supervision and care are especially important for them this year.
Prep, Protect, Play: Getting Ready for Holi the Right Way
Before stepping out to celebrate Holi 2026, a little preparation can save you from post-festival dryness, irritation, and damage. Here’s how to prep smartly:
1. Petroleum Jelly and Olive Oil for Nails
Apply dark nail polish and a coat of petroleum jelly to your nails and fingers to avoid this problem. This will keep the colour from fading and harming your nails. Rub a little olive oil on your nails to function as a shield and prevent them from staining readily. An effective nail care after Holi can be done by removing the polish and reapplying a fresh layer. Moreover, cutting your nails before Holi will prevent colour from settling.
2. Prefer a Dry Holi
Instead of heavy water fights, opt for dry colours. Organic gulal celebrations reduce the risk of prolonged wet exposure and are also safer for the skin.
3. Use Lukewarm Water
If water play is unavoidable, avoid ice-cold water. Lukewarm water is a better option, especially for kids and elderly family members.
4. Coconut Oil for Skin
Some Holi colours are now manufactured from rusted metals and commercial dyes. If you have dry skin, the chemicals will be absorbed immediately. This is when the coconut or even mustard oils come into play. Apply a generous layer of coconut oil to your skin. Please keep in mind that skin care must be done an hour before playing Holi.
5. Avoid Early Morning Splash Sessions
Mornings tend to be cooler. Planning celebrations later in the day, when the sun is out and temperatures are slightly warmer, can significantly reduce health risks during Holi 2026.
6. Protect Your Hair Properly
Oil your scalp and hair thoroughly before stepping out. Tie your hair in a braid or bun to minimise exposure. Leaving hair open increases tangling and makes colour removal more difficult later.
If possible, cover your hair with a scarf or cap for extra protection.
7. Don’t Skip Moisturiser & Sunscreen
Even if the weather feels mild, sun exposure during daytime celebrations can cause tanning and dryness. Therefore, ensure you apply a thick moisturiser followed by a broad-spectrum sunscreen to keep your skin hydrated and protected. To get optimal protection, use sunscreen 30 minutes before leaving the house.
8. Wear Cotton Clothes
Choose clothing that is both comfortable and breathable, such as cotton. When colours come into touch with synthetic and tight clothing, they might cause rashes and allergic responses. Wear full-sleeved, comfortable cotton clothes to reduce direct skin exposure. The less exposed your skin is, the easier post-Holi cleanup will be.
9. Change Wet Clothes Immediately
This is one of the most important precautions. Don’t sit around in damp clothes chatting or clicking pictures. Change into dry, comfortable clothes as soon as possible to prevent catching a chill.
Post-Holi Recovery Tips You Shouldn’t Skip
Taking care of your body after celebrations is just as important as being cautious during them. A few simple steps can help you bounce back comfortably.
1. Take a Warm Shower
A warm shower helps restore body temperature, removes colours gently, and relaxes muscles. Avoid very hot water as it may dry out your skin.
2. Drink Turmeric Milk or a Warm Beverage
A glass of haldi milk or herbal tea can soothe the throat and support immunity after exposure to water and weather changes.
3. Eat Light, Warm Meals
After enjoying festive treats, balance it out with light and warm meals such as soups, khichdi, or home-cooked comfort food to support digestion and overall recovery.
4. Moisturise Your Skin
Cool weather combined with colours can dry out your skin. Apply a good moisturiser or nourishing oil to restore hydration and prevent irritation.
End on a Bright Note
To enjoy Holi to your heart’s content, make sure you follow the above-listed steps. We feel you are ready to rock the Holi festival now that you know how to ensure the best care for your hair, skin, and nails. Whether it’s limiting water exposure or prioritising post-Holi care, every small effort counts. Play freely, laugh wholeheartedly, and recover gently. Let the festival uplift you, not exhaust you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holi Festival
How to take care of skin while playing Holi?
If you want to protect your skin while playing Holi, apply a generous amount of olive or coconut oil before stepping out. Wear full sleeves clothes, do not forget to apply sunscreen, rinse off the colours using lukewarm water, avoid using soap, and once you take a bath, moisturise your skin.
What hair care tips can I follow during Holi?
To protect your hair from the effects of Holi, apply olive oil or coconut oil that can act as a protective barrier. Tie your hair and wear a bandana or hat to ensure minimal contact of your hair with colours. Use mild shampoo to wash off the colours, avoid using a hair dry, and use a serum to keep your hair smooth and shiny.
