The festival of colors is approaching, and the excitement is loud! The weather is slowly warming up as people’s spirits rise. Our doors are ringing with a combination of color and energy. We’re all excited to welcome and take part in the Holi’s festivities. A slew of color stores have popped up in the bustling market, selling anything from water guns to rainbow balloons. Revisiting our childhood, colors were the heart of Holi.
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF COLORS USED IN HOLI NOWADAYS
Holi was traditionally associated with natural colors, derived from plants and flowers. Those days, however, are gone. Synthetic, low-cost colors derived from artificial dyes and chemicals now abound on the market. Acids, heavy metals, toxic alkali, and other potentially deadly compounds may be present in most of them. Because these chemicals can cause major damage to your skin and hair.
Holi’s colors are extremely hazardous to the skin, body, and hair. Many compounds and chemicals are harmful to hair and skin. This isn’t ideal for our skin. If the colors penetrate the skin, inflammation ensues. Along with all the fun, it’s also important to take adequate care of your skin and hair by taking certain measures. To help you get started, we’ve put up a pre-holi and post-holi skin and hair care guide that will be your ultimate savior.
PRE-HOLI CARE
SKIN-CARE
Take 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and mix it well with 1 tablespoon olive oil and apply it over your face and neck. Apply behind your ear as well. Mustard oil is also an excellent alternative. While playing with color, sunscreen can protect the skin. Also, try to avoid direct color contact by wearing full clothing. Do not wear any makeup while playing Holi.
LIPS
Lips absorb color as well, so you may protect them with any lip balm or lipstick. You can also apply ghee to your lips to protect them from the toxic chemicals found in many colors.
HAIRCARE
Before you play Holi, make sure your hair is thoroughly oiled. Colors frequently adhere to the scalp and might cause several hair issues. Any oil will do, but coconut oil is the best option. If you have long hair, tie it up in a bun or ponytail.
NAILS
The color can easily penetrate your fingernails, and the result might be dangerous. Before leaving the house to play Holi, we advise you to paint your nails brightly or soak your fingertips in a mixture of coconut and olive oil.
POST-HOLI CARE
SKIN CARE
To begin, do not scrub the color with regular bath soap. To remove color, use a cream-based soap or oil, and massage gently. Second, keep your skin hydrated by using a moisturizer. Finally, if the color persists, rub your body with a combination of besan (gram flour), milk powder, and lavender oil for around 20 minutes. Shower, then repeat if required.
FOR OILY SKIN
Combine milk powder, papaya, and lemon juice in a bowl. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for around 30 minutes. Wipe with a wet cloth or rinse with water.
SKIN CARE FOR DRY SKIN
Bananas should be crushed and mixed with 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey. Now sprinkle a pinch of salt on top and massage for 10 minutes. Using water, wash and rinse.
HAIR TREATMENTS
Wash your head and scalp with just water first. Wash your hair again with shampoo and conditioner. You may also use coconut or olive oil and leave it on for 30 minutes. Take a shower and shampoo your hair well.
WHY ORGANIC COLORS?
Organic Holi colors do not harm your skin. Chemical-based colors can cause rashes, redness, and infections in certain people.
Chemical-based colors can harm not just your skin, but also your hair and scalp. The toxins in it gradually penetrate your hair and scalp, causing damage. Hair loss and extreme dryness may happen because of this. Herbal colors cause no harm to your hair.
If artificial colors come in contact with your dogs, it might be far more harmful to them than it is to you. It has the potential to induce infections and can cause serious skin irritations. Organic or herbal color is absolutely safe to use on your dogs.
ORGANIC COLORS ARE ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY
When Holi is over, what happens to the colors? Whatever remains on the walls and ground is washed away and absorbed by the soil. Artificial colors include chemicals that might reduce the number of nutrients in the soil, affecting the grass, plants, and trees around. Colors that are 100 percent organic do not have these toxic effects.
SUMMING UP
Holi is the time to take extra care of your skin and hair. Our pre and post-care advice are absolutely necessary for total protection from the hazardous and potentially poisonous colours used during the festival. You should always advocate for organic colors and urge others to do so instead of going for conventional colors. When playing Holi, be careful not to get your eyes, ears, or other essential body parts wet. We wish you a colorful and joyful Holi!
