A touch of green, a hint of blue and a tinge of red smeared on the happy faces of your friends is the perfect ingredient for a colourful holi. Holi is all about colours, friends, sweets, bhang, dancing, water balloons and more. It’s a festival that as awaited as Diwali and celebrate all over the world! The colours, music, and the rain dance may bring much joy and merriment.
But don’t you skin or hair suffer the damage from the colour spoils your mood this year. Holi colours were traditionally made using natural ingredients and plant extracts. But these days you a lot of people use metallic colours and other pakka colours which explain the colourful faces at work or anywhere a week after holi. Before you get ready to surprise attack your friends with colours, protect yourself with these easy tips which will keep your skin and hair safe this holi.
Organic Colours: Play it safe and have fun at the same time with organic powders which don’t damage your skin or hair. Keep a few extra pouches with you to offer others. People get done with their colours pretty fast.
If you have any cuts or bruises, cover them up well with a band-aid or adequate dressing to avoid an infection later.
Clothes: You are traditionally supposed to wear white during holi. But with the harmful chemical and harsh sun try wearing dark clothes, in cotton or synthetic material. Don’t wear jeans. They will get too heavy once you are drenched in water. Also, try wearing long sleeve t-shirts or kurta. The idea is to cover yourself up as much as possible to avoid exposure to chemicals.
Nail Colour: Don’t want your nails looking like you’ve never gotten them cleaned or heard of a manicure. Protect your nails by applying clear polish or any dark coloured nail paint. Rub off any excess colour by rubbing a slice of lime on your nails.
Oil: This is something I have been doing for as long as I can remember. Even as a child my mother would oil my hair and skin with coconut oil, olive oil or castor oil. It keeps your hair and skin protected from the harsh chemicals in the colours and makes sure it doesn’t leave you looking like a red ape the next day. Apply the oil at least 15- 20 minutes before going to play. Braid up your hair to avoid a mess.
Avoid getting any treatments done on your skin 3-4 days before and after playing holi. Avoid going for waxing, threading or bleaching as well. Your skin would be sensitive when you get the treatments done, and the colours may cause irritation. If your skin does get itchy, then apply some aloe vera gel on the area.
Wash off the colour, immediately after you are done playing. Your skin may feel extremely dry after playing holi. Avoid exfoliating your skin and use gentle glycerin based soaps. Apply a generous amount of body lotion or baby oil to hydrate your skin. You can even use oil to remove colour from your skin i.e. just like a makeup remover.
Now that you have all your bases covered with all the do’s and don’ts. Get all geared up to play a safe and fun filled holi.
