The festive season of Holi is here and the vibrant colours are ready to fill the hearts of people with joy and excitement once again.
It's that time of the year when timeless melodies like Holi Ke Din from the movie Sholay, and contemporary tracks like Lahu Munh Lag Gaya from Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela and Balam Pichkari from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani come back to life to add that romanticism to the celebration.
One cannot think of celebrating Holi without a splash of colours, dancing to the music and having tonnes of fun. With fun comes responsibility and taking care of your hair and skin pre and post the party are important.
Before splashing colours or jumping into the pool full of colours at the party venue, it's important to consider a few things. Firstly, it's worth noting that not all parties use organic colours. Additionally, the regular Holi colours often contain harmful chemicals that can be damaging to both the skin and hair.
According to Jyothi Sharab, owner of Fashion TV Salon in Margao, not protecting your hair while playing Holi can result in dry scalp, frizzy hair, rough and brittle hair, and split ends.
To prevent these harmful effects, Sharab recommends avoiding shampooing a few days before Holi. If shampooing is necessary, it is advised to use a mild and moisturising shampoo that preserves the natural oils and adds a protective layer to the hair, she suggests.
Anoneta, who runs a salon in South Goa, it is advisable to refrain from using water during Holi celebrations to prevent the colours from sticking to the skin. Instead, she suggests applying coconut oil on the face, body, and hair beforehand.
Anoneta mentions that they often receive customers who complain about the colours lingering even after bathing and washing. In some cases, the colors may persist for a few days, she adds.
Dermatologist and skin specialist Dr Uma Kamat, from Vasco says that she has been advising her patients to use organic colours. “There are many organic colours that are available in the market. They are reasonable and are safe to use. Most of these colours are safe for the skin and hair too,” says Uma.
She suggests, “Apply a good amount of hair serum on the hair. This will be easy to wash off after the Holi party ends. Wash the hair post the festivities. It is also important that skin moisturiser is used as it will prevent the colours from sticking to your face. After the party, wash it off with a gentle cleanser and reapply the moisturiser.”
Uma also talks of the importance of sunscreen. “If the party is outdoors, a good sunscreen should be applied to avoid getting tanned in the sun.”
Remember to wear protective goggles to safeguard your eyes and avoid throwing colours at animals. And, even as we go full blast into the festivity tomorrow, bear in mind to always respect consent. This means avoid splashing colours on those who are no comfortable with them. Happy Holi!
