Preparing your Skin for Holi

The festival of colors, playfulness, and fun is here. And so are skin and hair troubles if you have not prepared well for it. The chemical in colors have a bad effect on our skin, hair, and body. Thus to really enjoy Holi without any harmful after effects, it is important to prep yourself.
Oil up and moisturize

The simplest and easiest way to guard your skin against the colors is to apply some oil before your moisturizer. Now that may sound a bit greasy but here is a smart way to apply it. Have your bath before going to play Holi (yes do it, even if you don't like it), and as you finish your bath before drying up just apply mustard oil or coconut oil all over your wet body. This way, the oil will get in your skin and you will not feel greasy. After applying the oil, dry your body as usual and then use lotion or moisturizer. Be generous with the body lotion as it will prevent the colors and chemicals to get in your skin.

Wash, dry, and oil your hair

You can do this the night before Holi or in the morning before stepping out to play colors. While many people avoid washing hair before going to play Holi, thinking it will anyways get dirty. But the pre-dirt mixed with colors damages your hair, making it rougher. Thus, wash and condition your hair well. Also, apply significant amount of coconut oil or olive oil in your hair. This will prevent colors from settling down on your scalp.

Paint the nails

One of the biggest aftermaths of Holi colors is on the nails that often are left in unappealing multi-colored nails. To avoid this, apply double coat of good-quality nail paint on the nails of your hands as well legs. After playing with colors, you can just use the thinner to remove the nail paint and your nails will be as beautiful as they were earlier.

Wear the right clothes and keep hair covered

One of the best ways to avoid excess color on your body is by wearing full jeans along with a cotton full sleeves shirt, t-shirt or top. To keep your hair safe, women with long hair should make plates, while women with short hair and men can wear a cap.

Damage control tips

While the above mentioned tips help you prepare in advance to avoid damage of skin and hair owing to colors, there are a few tips mentioned below that you can apply to undo any damages done.

Use kitchen ingredients to wash of color

After you have played colors, turn to your kitchen to wash it off in a way that doesn't damage your skin. Prepare a mix of gram flour, honey, and milk and use that as a gentle scrub for face and body. It will easily take the color off your skin, leaving your skin glowing and smooth. For added nourishment, apply fresh aloe vera gel on your body and face, before putting on moisturizer.

Deep condition your hair

Ideally, you should do this the same day after playing with colors, but if there is a lack of time and energy, you can try this the next day as well. Hair tends to get damaged easily with colors, therefore, some damage control deep conditioner can be really good for it.

Put two tablespoon of honey in a bowl, and then add two eggs and one tablespoon of coconut oil. Blend the ingredients well. Apply this on hair, and leave it for 40-60 minutes so that it can dry. Wash it off with a mild shampoo and regular conditioner. After this homemade deep conditioning, you will feel your hair has become more lively and free from any Holi damages. more