6 SIMPLE TIPS & PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HOLI-DHULETI FESTIVAL

Holi is a festival of colors widely celebrated throughout India. The festival marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated by throwing coloured powder and splashing water. Over the years, natural colours have been replaced by synthetic ones which contains oxidized metals or industrial dyes. These synthetic colours can have adverse effect on your skin, hair and eyes. Below are some simple precautions that can be taken to play a safe holi.

#1. USE ECO-FRIENDLY COLOURS

Synthetic colours that are being used in Holi may contain heavy metals like lea which can cause eye, skin and hair allergies. Be sure you switch form using harsh chemical filled colours to natural, skin-friendly and herbal colors. Natural substances such as Henna, Turmeric and Beetroot can be used to create safe and eco-friendly colours.

#2. DO NOT WEAR CONTACT LENS

Eyes are extremely vulnerable on Holi because of the use of harmful chemicals in colors. Do not wear contact lenses as these colours may get trapped between lens resulting in eye infections. Use a sunglass to protect your eyes from coloured water and powder. Do not rub the eyes if colour enters them. Wash them immediately with clean water.

#3. SKIN CARE

Skin care is most important step you need to take before going out to play holi. Rub a thick layer of non- stick oil or vaseline around the exposed surfaces such as neck, face, hands and legs at least 30 minutes before. The grease and slipperiness of the oil will not let the harsh colours settle deep into your skin.

Skin care after playing holi:

Don’t use soaps and scrubs to remove colours. Soaps erode the skin layers and cause rashes. It’s best to go for a soap-free cleanser. Use cold water to rinse the colour off as hot water only makes the colour stick to the roots. Lemon is considered to have natural bleaching properties. Cut a lemon in half and use it to rub color off your body.

#4. PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM UV RAYS

Avoid playing holi under the sun. Toxic colours, along with Ultra Violet rays from the sun, can cause a phototoxic reaction to the skin, leading to blisters and redness. If you decide to go out in the sun, do not forget to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. Apply a good sunscreen lotion with SPF 20 or more, at least 30 minutes prior to moving out in the sun.

#5. HAIR CARE

Do not leave your hair open when playing holi, alway cover your hair with a bandana or cap. Also apply good quantity of coconut oil on your hair or some sticky hair gel in order to repel the colour. Avoid immediately shampooing your hair after playing Holi. Apply egg yolk or curd on your hair at least 45 minutes before shampoo. This will easily remove colour from your hair.

#6. PROTECT YOUR NAILS

Nails are also to be taken care of as the dye lodged in nails is hard to remove. Paint your nail, both in fingers and toes with transparent nail polish to protect your nails from harsh effects of colours. You can also use Vaseline under and over your nails. This will prevent colour clogging and undesirable permanent staining.