Written By: Dr Apoorva Shah | Updated : March 10, 2014 6:49 PM IST
Hair salons claim that they have maximum customers after Holi as women rush in to repair their damaged locks. Evaluating the damage done to your hair and skin during Holi, scientists opine that much more care has to be taken of your hair than your skin, as the skin's recuperating capacities are more.
Chemical colours in dry or liquid state can cause a condition called 'acute irritant contact dermatitis' i.e. rashes and redness, with intense burning and itching on the scalp. They can also aggravate existing allergies. Dandruff and acne can worsen by these colours. Hair exposed to chemical colours can become dull, dry and brittle.
Colours which make for a successful Holi can prove to be equally disastrous for your hair. Add to that the over exposure to chemicals that strip your hair of its protective coating through inevitable repeated use of shampoos and you've got the perfect recipe for a hair disaster. Dr. Apoorva Shah, a pioneer of trichology in India and the founder of Richfeel Trichology provides some tips for hair care before and after Holi.
Hair care before playing Holi
To survive the chemical colours, your hair needs that extra nourishment and protection. The simplest and most effective method would be to massage your hair with a Jaborandi hair oil an hour or so before getting out for your Holi celebrations. Jaborandi hair oil is known for forming a protective coat on the external covering (cuticle) of your hair. This protects it from chemicals, dust and dirt. This also causes the colour to come off the hair easily after you have finished playing.
One can also use a mixture of jojoba and rosemary oil as it makes the right base oil for your hair. It effectively prevents the harmful colours from settling down. The oil takes care of any dryness caused by the weather. It's also the best way to provide your hair (and skin) the extra nourishment it needs to survive the day. This is because it penetrates right into the cortex.
For better results, soak a towel in hot water and wrap it around your oiled hair. Leaving it like this for even half an hour will be enough to ensure penetration. While going out to play Holi, cover your hair with a bandana or cap. This will save your scalp.
Hair care after playing Holi
While washing the hair, first rinse it with plenty of plain water to wash away the dry colours and tiny particles of mica. Then apply a mild daily use shampoo, working it into the hair with the fingers. You can also use home-made shampoo (made with shikakai, reetha and amla or Indian gooseberry soaked overnight, boiled and strained in the morning). Massage the scalp gently and rinse thoroughly with water again.
Add some lemon juice into a mug of water and use it as a last rinse. This helps restore the acid-alkaline balance of the scalp.
Take some henna powder and add four tsp each of lemon juice and coffee, and enough curd to mix it into a paste. Apply on the hair and wash it after an hour,
To discourage hair loss and fall due to harsh chemicals in colours, apply almond oil and olive oil to your hair every night. Soak fenugreek seeds in four tsp of curd and apply it on your scalp. Keep for 30 minutes and then wash away with shampoo. Mix one tbsp of vinegar to three tbsp of oil and apply it to your hair. This will provide strength and nourishment. If you suffer from acute hair problems, always consult a trichologist.
The author is the founder of Richfeel Health and Beauty Private Limited.
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