The festival of colours is here and that, invariably, means that you need to take better care of your hair and skin. Both before and after, we’re telling you exactly how to side-step the damage that harsh colours and the sun can do, take notes:
PRE-HOLI
Tip 1: Before you head out of the house, ensure that you wash your face, tone, and moisturise it with a light moisturiser. Finish off with a sunscreen that has high SPF to protect your skin from harsh UV rays.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, Rs 549
Tip 2: Apply a little olive oil or coconut oil on your face and exposed areas of your body and blot it away with a tissue. This prevents the colour from staining your skin.
Tip 3: Wear a dark nail polish to protect your nails from catching the strong pigments from the powdered colour. If you can, cut your nails.
Tip 4: Coat your lips, ears, and inner corners of your nose with petroleum jelly. This will prevent the colours from getting stuck in the nooks and crannies of your body.
Tip 5: Before heading out, ensure that you oil your hair and cover it up with a bandana or a scarf. The other option is to leave your hair down or in a low ponytail or braid. Avoid tying it tight as this increases the chances of breakage when you untie your hair.
POST-HOLI
Tip 1: Deep cleanse your skin by washing it with a foaming face wash and cold water first. Using a cotton ball soaked in coconut oil, dab it on your skin to remove any residual colour. re-wash your skin with the same product and apply a hydrating moisturiser to nourish it.
Kama Ayurveda Sensitive Skin Cleansing Foam, Rs 1,495
Tip 2: Apply a natural face mask to calm any irritation. Aloe vera, mashed cucumber, honey or mashed papaya can do wonders to naturally cleanse and cool down the skin. You can also use a mixture of sandalwood or turmeric, combined with fresh yoghurt to exfoliate the skin and remove the stains.
Tip 3: Wash your hair with a mild soap or shampoo and cold water to remove the powder from it. Deep condition the hair and ensure that you apply a serum to restore any loss of moisture.
Tip 4: You will need to show your hair some tender, loving, care post the celebrations. A hair mask, every week or twice a week, will replenish the lost moisture.
