Holi Skin And Hair Care Tips To Help You Shine
I have always loved the flamboyance and vibrancy of colours that the festival of Holi heralds every year. The beautiful shower of colours that it brings along with it is beautifully complemented with the appeasing repertoire of dishes that are made in every home to celebrate this beautiful festival. But then again, Indian festivals are all about splendour and delicious food, aren’t they?
Holi celebrations are moulded by every region and culture according to their traditions. While Vrindavan’s ostentatious Holi celebrations are known to be the most impressive in the country, Barsana’s Lathmar Holi is a spectacle that sparks some passionate conversations as well. Donning as many forms as the colours themselves, Holi is the wild child of festivals; one that bridges many differences to unite people in a blanket of colours. I think that there is no better way to welcome spring than by immersing ourselves and our surroundings in this beautiful blend of Holi Gulaal!
Speaking of colours, there are so many Holi colours in the market that are created using chemicals that can be harmful to your skin and hair. While the use of organic colours has increased over the years, there is a chance that you may end up at a party or an event where the colours may not be organic. So, while you are busy planning on having yourself the best time on Holi, here are a few skin and hair care tips that will ensure that you get all the fun and masti out of your Holi celebrations, without having to worry about the safety of your hair and skin.
Holi Skin And Hair Care Tips To Help You Shine: Pre-Celebration Tips
1] Apply Oil
Oil creates a protective layer on your skin, and its viscose nature ensures that the colours slip away without getting onto the skin. Apply at least two generous layers of mustard oil on your entire body, and ensure that you also apply some to the area between your fingers and toes, as well as the insides of your ears. After application, give your skin about 20 to 30 minutes to absorb the oil before you begin your Holi revelries. For added protection, use a layer of waterproof sunscreen lotion.
As for your hair, the best way to keep it unharmed is by massaging your hair and scalp with some warm coconut oil or olive oil. The chemicals will not be able to penetrate through the oil, and the colours will wash off easily from your scalp. If you want to keep your hair tied up, then use a scarf or one of those decorative Holi caps to protect your hair.
2] Apply Nail Polish and Petroleum Jelly
Ever attended a Holi bash only to later realise that the colours have penetrated through your nails, leaving a long-lasting stain? The porous nature of nails makes it easy for them to absorb colours, so if you want to avoid awfully stained nails after Holi, then sit down with a bottle of your favourite nail polish on the eve of Holi and apply a few layers of the polish to keep your nails protected.
With your nails taken care of, protect your cuticles by applying some petroleum jelly on them. Do the same to your lips and the back of your ears, and you will be saved from the Holi colours making direct contact with your skin. Given the sensitivity of these areas, it usually gets difficult to wash the colour off them easily.
I am allergic to particulate matter and I fear the presence of dry Holi colours in the air since it irritates my lungs. Applying petroleum jelly on the inside of my nose has been a wonderful reprieve for me, as it traps a lot of the colour and makes it easier for me to enjoy the festival without worrying about Holi colours entering my windpipe.
3] Avoid Facials
Stay away from a facial treatment at least a week before the festival. Facials and waxing or bleaching can increase the sensitivity of the skin, and open pores through which Holi colours can penetrate the inner layers of your skin.
Holi Skin And Hair Care Tips To Help You Shine: Post-Celebration Tips
1] Apply Lemon or an Organic Face Pack
Rub lemon all over your skin. The natural bleaching agents in the lemon will make it easier for you to remove colour stains from your skin. Remember to moisturise your skin after washing, to prevent it from getting dry.
For all those stubborn colour stains that refuse to go away, I use a home-made pack that helps keep my skin supple while gently removing the colours. Add 4 teaspoons of gram flour, 2 teaspoons of fresh yoghurt, ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder, and a few drops of lemon juice and mix it well. Apply this mixture all over your face, neck and hands, and allow it to dry. Then gently massage your skin before you rinse it off. Yoghurt moisturises the skin while gram flour exfoliates it leaving you with glowing skin devoid of colour stains.
2] Aloe Vera
Soap can leech your skin of its natural glow and beauty, so avoid the rigorous rubbing of soap on your skin to remove stubborn colours. Indulge in a good cleanser, and follow up the cleansing with the application of Aloe Vera gel which acts as a natural moisturiser. The cooling effect of Aloe Vera will make your skin look radiant while also aiding in removing Holi colours.
3] Apply a Hair Pack
If you are ready to hit the shower to rinse away all the colours in your hair after Holi celebrations, then you may want to stop and consider the use of a nourishing hair pack before the wash, as that will protect your hair from further damage. A few ingredients that can really help your hair are lemon juice, yoghurt and egg; you can pick any one of these and apply them to your scalp and hair. These ingredients will give your hair a softer texture and act as a natural conditioner. You can also use a herbal pack made from henna paste or you can use a paste made from amla and shikakai, to remove Holi colours and nourish your hair naturally. I would advise you to keep the pack for 20 to 30 minutes before washing your hair thoroughly. Finally, use a mild organic shampoo to complete your hair wash.
I hope these tips and tricks help protect your hair, skin and nails this Holi. Have a happy and safe festival!