Saving your skin - and hair on Holi

Colour Natural

And you thought you could escape without being coloured this Holi?

This is of course assuming the worst but don’t worry, here are some solutions to protect your skin and hair just in case you do not get away from the eager hands insisting on colouring you red, yellow, green, blue, purple and silver - all laced with  chemicals!

Chemicals that cause skin problems, allergies and severe irritation for some. Especially at a higher risk are those individuals who have a history of skin reactions. They are likely to develop allergies upon contact with colours and dyes. But help is at hand! Metrolife spoke to experts to keep your skin safe and hair healthy.

Although Holi traditionally is meant to be played with natural colours, these have been replaced by synthetic colours which include harmful chemicals; metals components, acids, mercury and even powdered glass, all of which are toxic.

*Remember to coat your skin with a thick coat of cream or body oil or petroleum jelly. Edible oil on the exposed areas especially under nails, behind ears and on lips also helps.

Applying a layer of sunscreen, half hour before you start playing not only prevents exposure to sun but also helps protect skin covered with colours - because chemical colours exposed to the sun damage skin.

*Use more of red or pink colours which look good and can easily be scrubbed off. Purple, black, silver, green colours should be avoided since they contain more chemicals.

*Coat your nails. Apply a dark coloured thick coat of nail paint before stepping out. Also apply oil and massage your hands, fingers and cuticles.

*No skin treatment just before Holi: Don’t get waxing, threading, facials or any skin treatment done at least 3-4 days before and after Holi.

*Massage your scalp with serums or oil to protect it from damage.

*To protect your skin during Holi, wear clothes that cover most of your body including hair.
Make use of caps or topis to protect hair from being coloured with hard-to-rinse dyes.

*Drink loads of water before you start playing Holi. This will keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Care Post Holi

*Wash your skin properly with cold water. Avoid washing skin with hot water as it will dry the skin further. Try to wash off the wet Holi colours as soon as possible and rub off dry Holi colours gently.

*Instead of rubbing soap use a soft cleanser to wash your skin. You can also use a homemade scrub made of milk and besan. Scrub on the affected areas and lips for a few minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. You can also rub some lemon wedges over the skin to remove colours as lemon is a natural bleaching agent that helps remove stains.

*Wash your hair with water a few times, so that extra colour comes off easily. Use a mild herbal shampoo to wash your hair at least twice and later apply conditioner to soften the hair.

*Don't forget to apply your moisturiser post-bath, because colours dry the skin.

*In case of allergies, redness or any other skin damage, apply Calamine lotion and Aloevera gel or consult your doctor immediately.

Go Herbal

*Green Colour:  Dried henna leaves, powdered and soaked overnight for wet colour or mixed with wheat flour or refined flour for lighter shades. Vegetables like spinach and coriander can also be used after grinding.

*Red Colour: Red sandalwood powder or vermilion can be used. Dried rose petals, soaked red Hibiscus flowers or grated beetroot are also preferred alternatives.

*Blue Colour: Flowers like Jacaranda or blue Hibiscus when grounded can turn into beautiful blue Holi colours. If you want a wet-blue colour, you can always use the crushed berries of Indigo tree. Add them to water and get the desired shade of blue.

*Yellow Colour: Gram flourmixed with turmeric powder will surely do the magic! But whether you go herbal or don’t, remember the idea is to have fun, safely. Enjoy this festival and add colour to your life.