Holi is unequivocally the most vibrant and colorful festival in the world. While traditionallyit was celebrated with dry gulal and buckets of water, unfortunately today it comes with splashes of synthetic pigments. Aftereffects of which not only cause discomfort to our skin, hair, eyes but also can be hazardous to our health. Perhaps why a little precaution goes a long way.
Take Holi skin care tips from the best. And who better than skincare maven, Dr Anju Methil who keeps takes you through every measure you ought to take before you bring the house down.
Here’s how to protect hair and skin from Holi colours:
The Holi colors stay on my skin and hair for a few days. How can I prevent this from happening?
Dr. Methil: A day before Holi, apply body oil all over your body and massage it into skin. This hydrates skin so that it absorbs less color the next day. You can also oil your hair to form a protective shield on strands.
Nykaa Recommends: Bio Skincare Oil
What precautions must one take on the day itself?
Dr. Methil: Just an hour before you play Holi, apply body lotion on your body. Protect the area around the eyes by applying Vaseline and rub a dash of baby oil on eyelashes and nails. Always wear full sleeved clothing to avoid direct exposure to colors.
Nykaa Recommends: Vaseline Original Pure Skin Jelly
What is the post-play routine for everyone to follow?
Dr. Methil: Use a gentle facewash and body wash all over and gently scrub skin with a loofah to get rid of the color. Use a clarifying shampoo to rinse color from hair. After the shampoo, apply conditioner on the lengths of hair. Leave on for a couple of minutes and rinse with cold water. Use color protect conditioner for color treated hair. After your shower, don’t forget to apply a nourishing body lotion and face moisturizer as the skin tends to become dry due to excess color and sun exposure.
I’ve just had a re-bonding treatment done. Will playing Holi affect my hair?
Dr. Methil:If the re-bonding was done in the last three days, then playing Holi is a strict no-no. Re-bonded hair takes three days to settle and contact with water is strictly prohibited in that time. Other than that, playing Holi is safe. Just make sure to use shampoo and conditioner specially meant for chemically treated hair.
My skin tends to itch after exposure to certain products. How do I make sure the Holi color doesn’t affect my skin?
Dr. Methil:Make sure to use organic colors to play Holi and remember to apply either oil or moisturizer all over your body, especially exposed body parts before playing Holi.
Nykaa Recommends: MCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Body Polishing Oil
How can I safely play Holi?
Dr. Methil:Protecting your skin and hair during Holi requires you to follow all following all the pre and post care dos and don’ts mentioned above. It’s always a good idea to use more water and flower petals and less color. If you have to use color, go organic. Alternatively, use natural colors like haldi and organic gulal.
Nykaa Recommends: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion For Dry Skin
How can I soothe redness and skin irritation after color removal?
Dr. Methil:The redness is caused by an allergic reaction to the Holi colors that are often adulterated with heavy metals and engine oils. Always use a good moisturizer to soothe skin afterwards and you may use a mild steroid and antibiotic based cream to take care of the allergy.
Nykaa Recommends: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
