The festival of colours is here. I am not a fan of Holi and I love to watch the fun at a safe distance from the 8th floor where I stay.The last time I played Holi was 12 years ago. Do I miss it? No, I do not. I remember getting a skin rash that lasted a whole week and I have stayed off colours ever since.
Unfortunately Holi is now all about loads of chemicals and toxins in the colours. Using artificial colour exposes your skin and hair to toxic chemicals and everything else that you can do without. While I do recommend using natural and organic colours (you can use the omvedspl15 coupon to get a flat 15% off too on orders above INR 500), I also recommend following some simple skin and hair care tips for Holi that will let your skin breathe.
Skin and hair care tips for Holi
Most chemicals in the Holi colours can leave your hair looking dull, rough and brittle. The side effects stays for a really long time whether you apply dry colours or the wet colours. I’ve listed some really simple tips that you should follow to take care of your lovely tresses.
Hair care
Before Holi
Tie it up : You are not going out for a party! So please tie your hair into a ponytail or a simple bun. This way you’ll at least have lesser chemicals from the colour on your scalp. Most colours have chemicals that can clog the hair cuticles causing it to break or lead to hair fall.
Oil your hair : Protect your hair by oiling it. The night before Holi indulge in a good massage that covers your hair from roots to tips. Use an ayurvedic oil if you can because that will also nourish your hair. When you oil your hair, it forms a barrier and helps keep the chemicals at bay. Oiling your hair gives it the required hair food too!
Cover it up : Use a bandana, cap or a scarf to cover your hair if you want to protect it further. This will protect your scalp and make it easier to wash off the colour post the fun and celebrations.
After Holi
Now that you are done with the festivities and colours, it is time to wash off the chemicals and the toxins from the hair. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner that is free of SLS and parebens to rinse out the chemicals from your hair. Use warm water to first rinse out as much colour as you can and follow it up with a shampoo and conditioner. If you find your hair is still dry and brittle, oil your hair again and apply a nourishing hair pack that will condition your hair and give it the required nourishment. You can also opt for a hot towel treatment to pamper your hair.
Skin care
Before Holi
Cover it up : Cover your skin by lathering it with a thick layer of oil. You could use pure coconut oil or almond oil on the parts of the body that are most likely to be exposed. Oiling your skin will help it retain the moisture and it will also act as a barrier by not allowing the colours to get absorbed. Use a transparent nail enamel on your nails so that they do not stain. Use a good moisturiser to apply on your skin and neck too.
After Holi
Avoid using a soap or a face wash: Since soaps and face washes are alkaline in nature, it can cause further dryness of this skin. Instead take some pure almond oil or coconut oil and pour on a soft cloth or cotton. Use this to massage your skin in circular motions to remove the colour, dirt and grime. You can also use a cleansing ubtan to wash your face.
Having a bath: After you have cleaned your body from excess dirt and colours, step in a warm shower to wash away the impurities from your skin. You can opt to make a home made scrub that will help exfoliate the dead skin as well as the colours. Now use a mild body wash or a soap to wash the excess oils away. Remember that you need to use warm water and not hot water because very hot water can dry your skin.
Moisturise: Moisturise your skin after the bath. You can use a mild body lotion that will protect your skin and nourish it after the bath. You can also apply aloe vera gel on your skin to nourish and moisturise it.
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