YOUR HOLI HANDBOOK

This year, don’t let Holi colours wreak havoc on your skin, hair and nails. Spare the visit to the dermatologist by following a few simple steps.

PRE HOLI:

·       Remember to apply a sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun. Use a sunscreen of SPF 20 and above. Most sunscreens have a built-in moisturisers. If your skin is very dry, apply the sunscreen, wait for a few minutes and then apply a moisturiser. Apply a moisturising lotion on your arms and other exposed areas too.

·         Apply a leave-in-conditioner or hair serum. It protects your tresses from the effects of sun exposure, and dryness caused by colours. Hair cream containing sunscreen makes for a good choice for both men and women. Take a small amount in your palm, spread on both palms and massage lightly on to your hair. Or apply a pure coconut oil.

·       Paint your nails with transparent varnish. This will keep your nails from absorbing Holi colours.

POST HOLI:

·       The real trouble starts when you have to remove colours after playing holi. Rinse your face with plenty of plain water and then use a cleansing cream or lotion. Massage your face well and wipe off with moist cotton wool. Remember to cleanse the area around eyes too. A  cleansing gel helps resolve the colours and facilitates their removal.

·       Massage your skin with sesame oil(til) and leave the oil on your skin for 15 mins or so. While bathing, scrub the body gently with a loofah. Right after your bath, apply a moisturiser on the face and body, while the skin is still damp. This seals in moisture.

·       To wash your hair well, first rinse with plenty of plain water to wash away the dry colours and tiny particles of mica. Then apply a mild herbal shampoo, working it into the hair with your fingers. Beer can be used as a last rinse. Squeeze the juice of a lemon in your mug of beer and pour over your hair post shampooing. Leave on for a few minutes and rinse off with plain water. This will soften and condition your dry hair.

TWO DAYS POST HOLI:

•        To regain smooth, soft skin, mix two tbsp. honey with half a cup of curd. Add a pinch of turmeric. Apply this paste on your face, neck and arms. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off with water. This will help remove tan and soften your skin.
•     This is the time when your hair badly needs a nourishing treatment. Mix one tbsp. pure coconut oil with one tbsp. castor oil. Heat and apply on your hair. Dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the hot towel around the head, like a turban. Keep it for 5 minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap treatment 3 to 4 times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb oil better. Wash your hair after an hour.