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Photo: K.R. Deepak

Colourful revelry Youngsters drenched in colours

Shops that have geared up with all the paraphernalia like pichkaris, gulals and many other products specially rolled out for the occasion. While the markets are bathed in the colours of the festival, the after effects of the colours can be quite harsh on the skin. Some colours contain chromium iodide (in purple), copper sulphate (in green), lead oxide (in black) and mica and glass (in glitter). These can cause great harm to the respiratory tract, skin and eyes.

The bases in which colours are mixed are also hazardous to health. Dry colours are made with asbestos and chalk powder, and silica. Alkaline-base is used in water-colours, which can cause serious eye diseases. Paste colours are mixed in a base of engine oil that can result in skin disorders.

It’s always better to go for herbal colours available in the market. Ironically the colours used in the past had therapeutic values. Traditionally the colours known as gulal were made at home from the flowers of ‘tesu’ or ‘palash’ (flame of the forest). Turmeric, henna, banana leaves were also used to extract beautiful hues.

The jovial spirit of Holi often leaves behind its traces that can be quite embarrassing for many. A little bit of care before stepping out to play Holi can be quite helpful to wash off the colours with ease. Satya Prema of Do Up Beauty Clinic suggests the use of conditioners instead of oil for hair before getting drenched in the colours. “For the skin, a sunscreen lotion is a must. The darker the skin, the higher should be the SPF content,” she says.

Some of the harsher colours like greens and crimsons tend to stay on for long.

Colours should be removed in a proper manner or else it can cause skin irritation and excessive dryness. Remove the colours with a cleanser first and then wash off with face wash. Experts suggest the use of an antiseptic cream or lacto-calamine ointment for hypersensitive skins before venturing out. Extra care should be taken for coloured or highlighted hair.

It’s very difficult to remove colours from the lighter shades. If the colours on the hair are stubborn, very often expert help is required. Avoid exposing the hair to too much colours or use a hair protection like a cap.

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