HOLI is not the best time for one’s skin and hair; the colours are generally not derived from natural sources and may end up damaging your skin and hair. Shikha Desai, writing in the Times of India tells you how to care for your skin this Holi.

These days, Holi colours contain chemicals, shiny particles of mica and even lead, which not only irritate the skin, but accumulate on the scalp. Follow these steps to ensure that you have a safe, fun and memorable Holi:

– Apply a sunscreen and rich moisturiser at least 20 minutes before going out to play with colours. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 and above. If your skin is prone to pigmented patches, select one with a higher SPF.

– Apply copious amounts of coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil or mustard oil on your face and body.

– Massage your hair well from scalp to hair tips with coconut, olive or castor oil. This oil gives your hair a protective covering and shields it from harmful chemicals, dust and dirt. This will help the colours come off easily later.

– Cover your lips with a thick coat of lip balm to protect them from colour damage.

– You can use light daytime make-up. Touch up your eyes with an eye-pencil or kajal stick and use a lip gloss or balm. However, if you intend to play rigorously with colours, try not to wear any make-up.

– Protect your nails from the colours by using transparent nail polish. If you have long nails, you can use it on the underside of the nails as well. One could also use nail shields that strengthen the nails while protecting them.

– While playing, try to ensure a safe and skin-friendly Holi by using herbal or natural colours: henna or spinach (green), turmeric or marigold flowers (yellow), tomatoes or beetroot or kumkum (red) & tea leaves (brown). After playing with the colours, remember not to use harsh soaps to get rid of colours from your skin. Do not wash your face with soap immediately, because soap is alkaline and causes further dryness. Instead, use a cleansing cream or lotion, like cleansing milk which soothes the skin while cleansing. Massage on the skin and then wipe off with moist cotton wool.

Tip:
–  Sesame seed oil can also be used to remove colours by massaging it on face and body. This not only helps to remove the colours, but gives added protection to the skin

– While washing your hair, first rinse them with plenty of plain water to wash away the dry colours and tiny particles of mica. Apply a mild natural shampoo which deeply cleanses the hair without causing any further damage. Work it into the hair with your fingers, massage the scalp gently and rinse thoroughly with water again.

– Add the juice of a lemon to a mug of water and use it as a last rinse. This helps to restore the acid-alkaline balance of the scalp. Beer can also be used as a last rinse to soften and condition the hair.

– Another homemade recipe for hair pack that works is a mixture of henna powder, four teaspoons of lemon juice and curd. Apply on hair and wash after an hour.