HOLIstic skincare
Before unleashing a riot of colours on Holi, follow these simple steps to protect your skin and hair
This is one time of the year everyone looks forward to with a lot of anticipation and excitement. While everyone soaks in the spirit of Holi, one must not forget the obvious risk our skin and hair are exposed to. We speak to Priti Mehta, the founder director of Omved. She gives us some tips on hair and skincare. “Commercial colours cause irreparable damage to the skin and hair. Simple tips like applying oil to your hair, sunscreen or a protective moisturiser on all exposed parts of the body and a lip balm to keep your lips hydrated will protect your skin and hair.”
SPA BEFORE HOLI
Use herbal colours only. They are made in a traditional manner by drying and crushing herbs like henna, spices like turmeric and flowers like rose, palash and tesu. Herbal colours are therapeutic and cause no damage.
HAIR CARE
Artificial colours can cause dryness, deprive hair of natural oils and lustre and weaken the roots. Before playing Holi, massage Keshin hair oil generously on your scalp and hair length. Oil prevents excessive dryness caused by colours and forms a protective layer over the hair. It’s also easy to wash the colours off. After playing, wash your hair with Purifying shampoo. Ensure you use a conditioner as it will nourish and hydrate hair — a must after playing with colours. If hair still feels dry, apply some warm Keshin hair oil accompanied with hot towel treatment. Follow it up with a healthy hair pack the next day. Wash and condition as usual.
SKIN CARE:
Use the daily body moisturiser or Sudyuti complexion oil. Let the skin absorb it for 15 minutes. A moisturiser will act as a natural sunblock, prevent drying and form a barrier to protect your skin from potential allergen. Apply the cinnamon lip balm to protect your lips. Bathe with mild and moisturising Samira bath bar, a glycerine-based soap. Wash your body with lukewarm water and face with cold water. Hot water makes the colour stay and it gets difficult to remove them. Use a gentle cleanser for your face. Liberally apply daily body moisturiser on damp skin on the entire body, immediately after a shower, to rejuvenate and regain lost moisture. Natural herbal colours sometimes stain the skin.
Although this causes no harm, massage warm oil into your skin, (heavy oils like mustard/coconut are the best), and let it seep in for 15 minutes. Wash it off with Shuddhi bath bar and warm water. To lighten the colours, rub lemon wedges and then apply wheat flour and oil mixture. Make it into a smooth paste and then apply.
Commercial colours cause
irreparable damage to skin
and hair
PRITI MEHTA — FOUNDER, OMVED