Let loose your playful spirit and take a plunge into colors of Holi without worrying about your hair and skin because here are some foolproof tips to guard your skin and hair from the chemical demons trying to suck the life out of them.
Be sure you follow them pre and post Holi religiously.
Pre-HoliCare
Get drenched in oil
Literally, drenched! Coat your hair and body with coconut oil generously so that the layer of oil does not let Holi colors penetrate your skin and scalp. Remember to put oil all over your body and not just on your face and head. If your skin is sensitive to oils, use moisturizer instead.
Layer Your Skin with Cosmetics
This is another tip that works for some people. Apply a thick layer of foundation on your skin before stepping out. The layer does not let the colors reach your skin.
Put Petroleum Jelly to Good Use
You might have stopped using petroleum jelly but this is the time of the year you should dig that thing out from your pile of cosmetics. Take generous amount of petroleum jelly in your hand and apply it on your cuticles & lips, behind & inside the ears, and under the nails.
Protect yourself from sun
It’s a nightmare to deal with dry, tanned and discolored skin. A good sunscreen lotion is something you must spend on this Holi. Apply a thick layer of SPF 30 -50 before you step out to play Holi under the sun.
Do not get inspired by the Bollywood Holi
It’s your skin and you have to take care of it. Wear your clothes accordingly. DO NOT aspire to look like DeepikaPadukone of “BalamPichkari” and cover as much skin as you can. A full sleeve shirt with closed collars teamed with a full skirt or old jeans is your best bet.
Paint your Nails
Brittle nails are pathetic to deal with. Apply 2-3 coats of nail paint on your nails to avoid staining and breaking your nails from harmful colors.
Accessorize your head
You have a good excuse to pull off a nice boho look with a bright printed head scarf or try the classic 60s look tying your hair with a scarf preventing your hair from getting exposed to the strong chemicals in Holi colors. If you do not wish to carry a scarf, tie your hair in a bun or a braid. Do not let your hair kept open.
Post-Holi Care
Get rid of the dust
Flick a dry cloth all over your body to wipe of dry color. Avoid playing Holi with wet colors because the weather is not favorable and you might catch flu.
Take a bath
Bathe using gram-flour (besan) instead of soap. The chemicals in your soap might react to chemicals in the colors causing damage to your skin. You can make a paste of besan, lemon extract and milk for putting it on your face as a face pack. Do not rub your skin because you don’t want to punish your skin with irritation. Apply moisturizer or glycerin generously after bathing.
Stay away from synthetic treatments
Never consider getting a facial or spa just before or after Holi, although that seems to be the first thing that comes to mind for rejuvenating your skin & hair post Holi. These treatments open your pores allowing the chemicals to penetrate your skin to the level it could not otherwise.
Wash your hair with cold water
Hot or Lukewarm water might seem to be doing a good job when you think about cleaning your scalp but you are wrong. Warm water simply opens your pores allowing the chemicals to penetrate your hair and scalp and it also makes your hair unmanageably dry. Use a mild shampoo followed by conditioner.
Give some rest to your eyes
Holi is dreadful for the eyes. They may be irritated beyond control post-Holi. Allow them some rest by putting a few drops of rose water in your eyes and keeping them close for some time. Do not rub your eyes in any case.
Visit a specialist
If you see any unnatural allergy or rashes, consult the doctor without any delay to cure any budding problem at the initial stage itself. Be watchful of redness and rashes in your skin and scalp.
If you wish to explore more on skin care, try Nykaa Skin Care Tips on beautybook.nykaa.com.
Holi is one of the most awaited festivals of the year. Enjoy the colorful festival and try to play a harmless Holi. While taking care of your skin and hair is important, it is also important to be benevolent to your friends and family. Pass these tips to all those you care for and play Holi with a mutual understanding of care for each other. Happy Holi!
