Bengaluru, 11 March (H.S.): Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, is just around the corner, falling on March 14 this year. While it's a joyous celebration, it's essential to prioritize safety and take precautions to protect your skin and hair from the harmful effects of chemical-laden colors.

As Holi celebrations approach, excitement fills the air. The joyful scene of people throwing colors at each other is a cherished tradition. However, the aftermath of Holi can be harsh on the skin, with the effects of the colors lingering long after the festivities end.

Despite the festive spirit of Holi, safety should always come first. Health experts emphasize the importance of taking proper precautions to avoid allergic reactions and other health issues. While playing with Holi colors brings immense joy, Dr. Vishwanath, a senior doctor from Bellary - Karnataka , cautions that certain colors can cause serious eye damage if they come into contact with the eyes.

Dr. Vishwanath shared valuable tips and advice on several concerns related to Holi celebrations. He emphasized, The colors used in Holi contain harmful chemical compounds and pollutants that can severely impact sensitive eyes. These chemicals can cause serious damage to the cornea, and in some cases, the powdered colors may even contain fungus, leading to corneal ulcers.

The chemicals present in Holi colors can have detrimental effects on the skin, hair, and nails. However, by taking simple precautions before participating in the celebrations, you can minimize these risks. Many Holi colors contain chemicals that strip the skin of its moisture and leave hair feeling coarse. These effects can linger for weeks, but fortunately, coconut oil can provide a solution.

Follow these simple steps:

- -Before playing with colors, gently massage coconut oil into your face, neck, and hair. This creates a protective barrier on the skin and prevents colors from adhering to your hair.

- After celebrating Holi, reapply coconut oil to your hair and leave it on for 30-40 minutes. Then, wash it off with a mild shampoo. This should easily remove the color.

-Holi colors can severely damage your hair, causing dryness, irritation, and scalp problems. To minimize this damage, apply a generous amount of oil to your hair before playing Holi. This creates a protective layer, making it easier to wash off the colors afterward.

-

For best results, use a nourishing oil like coconut or olive oil. Apply a thick layer to your scalp and hair, ensuring complete coverage. This simple step will help keep your hair soft, healthy, and color-damage-free.-People often forget to take care of their lips while preparing for Holi. If proper care is not taken, the colors can dry out your lips and irritate them. Apply a hydrating lip balm or lip mask to prevent your lips from drying out and getting stained.-Holi is usually celebrated outdoors during the day. Therefore, sunlight can be harmful to your skin. Sunscreen acts as a shield to prevent UV rays from damaging your skin when you play Holi in the sun. Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. Vara Prasada Rao PV