This Holi, go herbal
Holi is a celebration of cultural bonhomie, but all those colours can cause damage to the skin and hair. Beauty and wellness expert
Shahnaz Husain, says, "During ancient times, vegetable dyes, flowers and plant products were used to obtain colours. They were certainly safer than the Holi colours and “gulal” used these days. The chemicals in colours irritate the skin and scalp, causing allergies and dermatitis. They can lead to allergic rashes or pimples and acne. The skin can also suffer from dryness, flaking and rough reddish patches. These substances also collect on the scalp, causing dryness and itching. The hair texture suffers, becoming dry, rough and unmanageable." She shares some tips for a safe Holi.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR SKIN AND HAIR
Heat 250 ml pure coconut oil, or sesame seed oil. Take a handful of neem leaves and add them to the oil. Keep it in the sun for about four to five days. Strain the leaves and keep the oil for use to relieve itching and scalp eruptions.
■ Mix four parts of curd, add one part honey and a little turmeric. Apply on the face, neck and arms daily for a few days after Holi. Wash off after 20 minutes. It brightens the skin and makes it soft and smooth.
■ Apply aloe vera gel or juice on skin for moisturisation. It soothes sun burn and contains zinc, which is antiinflammatory. Take 1tsp gram flour, 1tsp curd and 1tbsp aloe vera gel. Mix and apply on the face, and wash it off after 20 minutes.
■ Add a handful of fresh or dried marigold flowers to three cups of hot water. Allow it to stand for an hour. Strain and cool the water and use it to rinse the face and hair.
PREPARE YOUR HAIR AND SKIN
Since Holi is played outdoors, sun-exposure can have a detrimental effect on the skin. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun. For the hair, apply leave-on conditioner or hair serum before playing Holi. Hair creams containing sunscreen are also available.
SOME USEFUL TIPS
■ A cleansing gel helps to dissolve the colours and facilitates their removal. Take 1/2 cup of cold milk and mix with 1 tsp of any vegetable oil.
■ If there is itching, add 2tbsps vinegar to a mug of water and use it as a last rinse. However, if the itching continues, and there is rash and redness, there may be an allergic reaction to the colour. Consult a doctor as soon as possible.
■ Add some lemon juice to beer and pour over your hair after shampoo. Leave on for a few minutes and rinse off with plain water.
■ Within the next few days of Holi, give your hair a nourishing treatment. Mix 1tbsp pure coconut oil with 1tsp castor oil. Heat and apply on the hair. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the hot towel around the head, like a turban. Keep it on for five minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap for about three or four times. Wash your hair after an hour.