Holi is a time for colourful celebrations, but before you go out and play, it is essential to prepare and protect your skin, hair and nails. Before stepping out, apply a generous layer of coconut or olive oil to your skin and hair to create a protective barrier against the colours. Trim your nails to prevent colours from getting trapped underneath.
Dr Geetika Srivastava, a renowned dermatologist and Founder of Influennz Skin and Hair Clinic in Delhi, shares a few more tips to protect yourself during the celebration.
Pre-Holi morning routine:
Cleanse your face with a good face wash in the morning before going out to play Holi. This clears the pores of any impurities, preparing the skin for the day ahead. Following this, apply a light moisturiser to create a protective lipid barrier on the skin, to shield it from the harsh effects of colours.
Skin protection with oil:
Oily skin: For those with oily skin, 2-3 drops of organic or cold-pressed mustard oil massaged gently onto the face is sufficient.
Combination/dry skin: Increase the amount to 5-8 drops, ensuring complete coverage on the face, including under the eyelids, behind the ears, and down to the shoulders.
Other exposed areas: Don't forget to apply a thin layer of oil or moisturiser on forearms, hands, feet, and legs. This not only protects the skin but also aids in easier colour removal post-celebrations.
What to wear:
Opt for light and airy clothes. Loose-fitting attire prevents colours from getting embedded between the skin and fabric in areas of friction, making it easier to remove the colours later.
Nail care:
Trim your nails neatly: Ensure your nails are neatly trimmed before playing Holi. Dirty nails can trap colours and mud, leading to cracking when applying colours.
Vaseline barrier: Applying Vaseline to the ends of nails acts as a barrier, preventing colours from getting underneath them.
Hair protection:
Oil well: Prior to playing Holi, thoroughly oil long hair. This creates a protective layer that minimises damage from colours.
Pre-Holi conditioning: A day before the festival, conditioning the hair ensures it recovers faster post-celebrations.
Post-Holi care: Rinse hair thoroughly after playing Holi and apply a gentle shampoo. For those preferring ayurvedic treatments, shikakai is an excellent option. It may require two washes to completely remove the colours.
Hydration and alcohol:
Recovering from sweet treats: Holi is often accompanied by indulging in sweet treats. It's essential to stay hydrated to flush out toxins from the body.
Limit alcohol: Moderation is key. Limiting alcohol consumption prevents its lingering effects.
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