Tips for a safe Holi

The festival of colours is literally just around the corner. I am not a fan of Holi and I love to watch the fun at a safe distance. The last time I played Holi was  years ago and I do not miss playing it either. This post is all about tips for a safe holi – for you, kids and the environment.

Holi is one of the festivals I really avoid because of the number of chemicals involved in it that damages your skin and hair completely.  While I do recommend using natural and organic colours, I also recommend following some simple tips for a safe Holi that your skin and hair will thank you for!

Tips for a safe Holi

Let’s get started, shall we? Playing an eco-friendly Holi is very much possible if you tweak a few changes in your lifestyle and of course the products you use.  Whether it is your skin or your hair or the environment, adopt these few changes and you’ll get some fab tips for a safe Holi.

MUST READ : 10 tips for Holi

Hair care tips for Holi

BEFORE HOLI

1. Tie it up : A simple bun or a loose pony tail should suffice, but don’t leave your hair open. This ensures that you have lesser colour on the scalp. Most colours have chemicals that can clog the hair cuticles causing it to break or lead to hair fall.
2. Oil your hair : Protect your hair by oiling it. Indulge in a good head massage the night before ensuring that you have covered it from the root to the 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. [amazon_textlink asin=’B0764G5Y1K’ text=’Oiling your hair’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’pratsm-21′ marketplace=’IN’ link_id=’7109475b-1d07-11e8-a5b3-29ab43894b5f’] gives it the required hair food too!
3. 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.

MUST READ: MAKE YOUR OWN HOLI COLOURS

AFTER HOLI

• After Holi, you will need that extra pampering for your hair to restore it’s health. Wash your hair with warm water and use a mild shampoo and conditioner to clean your hair. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner that is free of SLS and parebens to rinse out the chemicals from your hair.
• The next day use a strengthening hair mask that will protect your hair from further damages. A mask helps to provide that extra nourishment to your hair.
• If you find your hair is still dry and brittle, oil your hair again or opt for a coconut oil therapy to pamper your hair.

[amazon_link asins=’B078H5PBN6,B072DVHNRD,B076598X5P’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’pratsm-21′ marketplace=’IN’ link_id=’aa1a6dd4-1d09-11e8-9622-79442b9cf45b’]

Skin care tips for Holi

BEFORE HOLI

1. Protect your skin : Protect your skin by lathering it with a thick layer of body oil. You could use [amazon_textlink asin=’B076VQL4Q7′ text=’pure coconut oil’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’pratsm-21′ marketplace=’IN’ link_id=’9c4d7fe1-1d1a-11e8-8518-9dd6da59cce6′] or [amazon_textlink asin=’B00AFQD7QS’ text=’almond oil’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’pratsm-21′ marketplace=’IN’ link_id=’cbfc60c1-1d1a-11e8-baea-2540595312eb’] 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.
2. Protect your nails : Use a transparent nail enamel on your nails so that they do not stain. Using a nail enamel will also protect your nails.
3. Moisturise your neck and face : Use a [amazon_textlink asin=’B077YGRRYV’ text=’good moisturiser’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’pratsm-21′ marketplace=’IN’ link_id=’eb8224fb-1d1a-11e8-88ab-054a9bbdc334′] to apply on your skin and neck too.

AFTER HOLI

• Avoid using a soap on your face to clean it. 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. Follow up with a [amazon_textlink asin=’B01HIE3Y62′ text=’mild chemical free face wash’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’pratsm-21′ marketplace=’IN’ link_id=’d959a262-1d1c-11e8-a9ce-09b76320976c’]
• Since soaps can be alkaline, it can cause further dryness of this skin. If you are using a completely chemical free and organic handmade soap then wash off the colours with the soap or you can also using a [amazon_textlink asin=’B077YGV9Y4′ text=’nourishing body wash’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’pratsm-21′ marketplace=’IN’ link_id=’39e0a1e3-1d1d-11e8-a927-01ad67320869′] that will be gentle, yet effective on your skin.
• If you want use a gentle homemade scrub that will help exfoliate the dead skin as well as the colours. Remember that you need to use warm water and not hot water because very hot water can dry your skin.
• 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.

Must Read: Best organic handmade soaps in India

These are some of my tried and tested tips for a safe Holi. What are some of the things that you have to do before you step out of your home to play Holi? Share it with me in he comments.