A happy and safe Holi for you

Busy making your Holi plans? Go on, get into the groove, but watch out for the pitfalls! Commonly available synthetic Holi colours have a high concentration of toxic elements (lead, nickel, mica, etc.) which may harm your eyes, skin and hair. You'd do well to go natural this season and follow these safety tips from experts. Happy Holi!

Save your skin
How colours can harm: Synthetic colours can lead to itching, rashes, swelling and irritation. Those with thin, dry or sensitive skin beware!

Help yourself: "Apply oil or moisturiser followed by a barrier cream 30 minutes before you go out to play with colours," suggests Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Apratim Goel. "While washing the colours, soak your skin in mustard or coconut oil for at least an hour and then wipe off softly with a cotton cloth," Goel suggests.

Care for your hair
How colours can harm: They can make your hair dry, coarse or brittle. Your hair can also get discoloured. But fortunately no serious damage is done to the hair root or scalp.

Help yourself: "Apply oil or serum liberally on your hair before and wash it with a shampoo like Sebastian Penetraitt for a deep and strengthening repair afterwards," says Niharika Sharma, owner of Affinity beauty salons in Delhi.

Protect your eyes
How colours can harm: They can lead to mild allergy, puffiness, or even severe chemical burn in your eyes. "The shining mica particles can damage the cornea while the water balloons can cause a retinal detachment," says Dr Anita Sethi, senior consultant, Ophthalmology, Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon.