Ways to protect skin, hair on Holi

Forget worrying about your skin and hair this Holi and enjoy the festival of colours. Use oil, sunscreen and lip balm to keep your body protected against effects of harsh chemicals, say experts.Anjali Valani, Executive Marketing and Operations and Creative Face, The Beauty Co. and Rashi Bahel Mehra, Founder, Alanna have doled out tips for Holi.

Pre-care tips:

Skin

Before playing Holi, it is very important to prep your skin to ensure the colours and sun do minimum damage to your skin as they contain chemicals. The simplest way to do so is apply either almond, coconut or olive oil on the body as well as the face. These oils act as a protective layer between your skin and the colours. Also, post Holi, it will be easier for you to get rid of the colours.

To ensure protection from the harsh rays of the sun, one must apply a gel-based sunscreen. It will get absorbed by the skin easily and as you have already applied a layer of oil, cream-based sunscreen may start melting in the sun.

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and also look trendy at the same time.

Choose lighter cotton fabrics as they will reflect the sun and keep you cool.

Don't forget to apply a lot of lip balm.

Hair:

Never forget to oil your hair before going out to play Holi.

Adding a few drops of lemon juice in the oil can help reduce infections arising in the scalp from chemicals present in the colours.