Halloween Hazards to Avoid for Healthy Skin and Hair

Courtesy of flickr user Vancouver Film School

It’s almost Halloween, and if you’re going for the look Blake Lively wore in “Savages,” you may want to proceed with caution before the actual horror ends up being on your skin the morning after. Face paint and hair dye are two of Halloween’s most popular costume enhancers, but if you don’t use them properly, they can irritate your skin and hair.

By design, Halloween makeup is typically thicker and heavier than regular makeup. It is designed to adhere to the skin and stay on for long periods of time. Costume makeup contains ingredients that are harsher to the skin than regular makeup, which can cause breakouts, rashes and other forms of irritation. Temporary hair dye and extra heat used to style your hair for the special occasion may also cause long-term damage to your locks. With the proper preparation and after care, you can prevent your skin and hair from suffering the consequences of your holiday spirit.

Below are a few TRICKS for helping your skin and hair survive All Hallows Eve:

Skin Care

• Skip heavy oil-based face paint in favor of a water-based foundation to prevent your pores from clogging.
• Wash your face thoroughly before and after applying makeup to rid your skin of the bacteria that may build up on your skin throughout the night.
• Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your face before applying makeup to act as a protective barrier.
• Never sleep in your Halloween makeup.
• Test the makeup you plan on using on your wrist or the inside of your elbow to ensure it is safe for your skin type.
• Gently remove the makeup with a warm, wet towel. Do not scrub your skin because your face is a very sensitive area. 

Hair Care

• Stay away from harsh, temporary color that may compromise your natural hair color.
• Avoid using extra heat for styling to prevent heat damage and breakage.
• Wear a wig or extensions instead of treating your hair with a chemical-based color.
• Wash and condition your hair directly after you use any Halloween hair products.

Halloween is a holiday worth dressing up for. Whether you are rocking a full face of makeup with your costume or dressing your child up like Elsa from Frozen, be sure to follow these tricks for surviving Halloween hazards. If you have additional questions, please leave them in the comment box below.

Happy Halloween!