Holi, the festival of colour is one of the major festivals and a day of celebration in India. Known as the “Festival of Colours”, Holi is a major Hindu festival which is celebrated with enthusiasm and vigour all around India and the globe. People from all the states and backgrounds celebrate the festival, forgetting all stress and differences. The most prominent and unique identity of the festival is the use of colours, both dry and wet. While it sounds and looks fun, it may take a great toll on your skin and hair, leading to severe reactions and allergies. So, play safe Holi this year by taking a few precautions and safety measures, which will be of great help and will protect you from further hassle. 

Why is Holi celebrated?

Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated in India in remembrance of the victory of truth and virtue over evil. The Demon King Hiranyakashipu tried to kill his devotee and pious son, Prahalad, for worshipping Shri Vishnu. For that, he asked his sister Holika for help. She has a boon that she cannot be burned in fire. Hence, she sat in a burning pyre with Prahalad intended to burn him alive. However, she herself was immolated in the fire, and Prahalad was saved. To mark this event, every year Holika is burned at night, and people play with colours as a symbol of devotion to Prahalad.

Why do you need to care for skin and hair during the celebration of Holi? 

The colours, in dry or wet form, are highly toxic and contain harmful chemicals and compounds which may cause severe reactions and allergies. Though people are getting aware and are opting for the herbal colours, still the chemical paints, colours, and pigments are significantly used, which still posses heavy threat to the health and wellness of skin and hair. Especially, people with sensitive skin and dry hairs posses high risk from these chemically enriched colours.

Besides this, toddlers and kids too possess heavy threat from these colours and can come into contact with these colors ue to a lack of proper safety measures and information. 

Safety and precautionary measures for skin and hair should be taken before playing with colours on Holi. 

Prior to playing Holi, you must take certain precautionary measures which will help you in protecting your skin and hair from harmful and toxic, chemical-laced colours. This will not only protect you from harmful colors but also prevent elevated after effects of harmful colors and injuries.

Skin care measures:

Use Petroleum Jelly: Cover your hand, legs, neck and face with a thin layer of petroleum jelly as it will act as a protective coating on your skin against toxic chemicals. 

Use Coconut or Baby oil: In case you are sensitive to petroleum jelly, you can use coconut oil or baby oil as an alternative. It is a more environmentally friendly and skin-suitable option for skin care during Holi.

Use sunscreen & moisturiser: If you are going to play Holi on the beach or poolside, prefer using sunscreen and moisturiser for better skin care against harmful chemicals, tanning and dryness.

Also Read: Colorful Celebrations and 6 Unique Holi Traditions Around the World

Hair Care Measures: 

Use Coconut oil: Massage your scalp and cover your hair with a thin coat of coconut oil to avoid any sort of direct contact with toxic chemical-based colours. 

Use Almond or castor oil: In case you don’t have coconut oil, using almond oil or castor oil will prove to be the best alternative. The viscosity of almond oil and castor oil is comparatively high, making it a good alternative for creating a layer of protection on your scalp, protecting skin and hair.

Safety and precautionary measures for skin and hair should be taken while playing with colours on Holi.

Certain protective measures can be undertaken and followed while playing Holi. These measures are very significant in protecting your delicate skin and hair from the harmful chemical reaction of colours.

Skin Care Measures

Use oil or lotion: Using an oil or lotion will create a protective layer on your skin. Especially, in case of sensitive skin, it will prove an effective way to protect your skin from any sort of allergy or reaction.

Wash away irritants: In case you feel a burning sensation, irritation, or itching, immediately wash the colored part with clean, normal water until the symptoms subside. In case of severe reactions, seek immediate medical attention.

Dab, don’t rub: While applying colours, prefer dabbing colours and avoid any sort of forced rubbing. This will reduce the chances of much contact with toxic colours on your skin.

Stay Hydrated: While the festival of Holi is all colours, sweets and snacks, don’t forget to keep yourself well hydrated. It will keep your skin moisturised and supple. Opt for lemon water, coconut water, or any homemade, non-caffeinated beverages.

Use proper clothing and accessories: Opt for full-sleeved clothes to prevent skin exposure. Also, use quality accessories to prevent any type of wound or injury.

Go Organic: Replace chemical colors by plant based, organic colours. You can also prepare organic colours from plant-based dyes at home that are safe to use.

Hair Care Measures

Use Castor or Mustard  Oil: Due to its high viscosity, castor oil or mustard oil is the best option to prevent your hair from harmful chemicals.

Use proper headgear: Using a swimming cap, bandana, or just a cap will avoid direct exposure of your scalp and hair to harmful colours, dust and other foreign objects.

Safety and precautionary measures for skin and hair to be taken while playing with colours on Holi.

After you are done playing Holi, follow these measures to get better skin and hair care while protecting them from harmful chemicals and colour.

Skin Care Measures

Use wipes: Use dry and wet wipes to wipe away as much colour as you can. This will reduce the chances of harmful chemical reactions and staining.

Use an organic body wash: Mix gram flour, salt and curd/milk and create an organic body wash to clean your body and have a safe bath. Avoid scrubbing harshly.

Moisturise well: Use a good-quality moisturiser after taking a bath. In case of sensitive skin, use aloe vera gel for better results.

Hair Care Measures:

Use hair pack: Wash your hair with an organic, preferably homemade hair pack to wash away harmful colour from your scalp and hair.

Head Massage: Use warm coconut or mustard oil for a head massage, protecting your scalp and hair and providing better nourishment. Have a Safe and Happy Holi

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)