Here Is Why You Should Choose Organic Holi Colours! 6 Easy DIY Homemade Colours!

Written by:
Shrabani Pattnaik
Published on: 13 Mar 2025
Updated on: 12 Mar 2025
10 min
127 Views



"Bura na mano, Holi hai!"—but would you still say this if your skin breaks out in rashes or your hair turns into a frizzy mess after playing Holi?
Celebrating Holi is something everyone in India and even other parts of the country looks forward to because, after all, it's a festival rooted in history and celebrated with fun and joy. The day brings people together, spreading laughter and love. But how many times have we hesitated before stepping out, fearing skin allergies, rashes, eye infections, and damaged hair? And how often have we actually faced these problems, making the festive spirit fade under layers of pain and irritation?
This is what chemical-laden Holi colours do. They often contain harmful elements like lead oxide, mercury sulfide, and copper sulfate, which can cause long-term health issues.
So why not switch to chemical-free Holi colours? After all, our ancestors celebrated Holi with flowers, turmeric, and herbal pastes—so why shouldn’t we? Plus, learning how to make organic Holi colours at home is easier than you think!
Today, you will understand why you should choose organic Holi colours and learn how to even make them at home! Let’s get in.
Table Of Contents
- How To Make Organic Holi Colours At Home? DIY Guide To Make Your Own Chemical-Free Holi Colours
- 9 Reasons Why You Should Choose Organic Holi Colours
- Organic Holi Colours Vs Synthetic Colours
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
How To Make Organic Holi Colours At Home? DIY Guide To Make Your Own Chemical-Free Holi Colours
Why buy synthetic colours when you can make vibrant, skin-friendly, and eco-safe versions at home? Using natural ingredients, you can create gorgeous hues without worrying about harmful chemicals.
So, how to make natural colours for Holi at home? Here’s how you can DIY six stunning Holi colours!
1. Gulabi (Pink)
Beetroot is nature’s way of giving us a bold, stunning pink!
- How to Make: Boil chopped beetroot in water until you get a deep pink solution. Dry beetroot pulp in the sun and grind it into a powder. Mix rose petals or dried hibiscus flowers for fragrance. Grind them to form a powder. Use dry or mix in water.
- Why It’s Great: Beetroot contains antioxidants and natural pigments that are gentle on the skin. Rose and hibiscus petals keep the skin soft and nourished.
2. Haldi Yellow
Turmeric is a skin-brightening superhero, and it makes the most gorgeous yellow!
- How to Make: Simply mix turmeric powder with dried rose or marigold flower leaves. Grind them to make a powder. Use it dry or mix in water.
- Why It’s Great: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and makes your skin glow. Rose and marigold petals add nourishing agents and fragrance to the colour. Plus, it washes off easily
|
3. Neela (Blue)
Ever seen the rich blue hues of neeli gulmohar (jacaranda flowers)? That’s your Holi blue!
- How to Make: Dry jacaranda or butterfly pea (aparajita) flowers, grind them into a powder, and mix with cornflour. You can also use natural indigo powder for a deeper blue.
- Why It’s Great: These flowers are loaded with antioxidants and cooling properties for the skin. No more post-Holi itchiness!
4. Lal (Red)
Red is the shade of passion, and hibiscus flowers give the perfect festive shade!
- How to Make: Dry hibiscus flowers in the shade, grind them into a fine powder, and mix with red sandalwood powder, and get a colour with a softer texture.
- Why It’s Great: Hibiscus is rich in Vitamin C, which helps nourish the skin while sandalwood powder keeps it soft and smooth.
5. Hara (Green)
Skip synthetic green, which often contains copper sulfate (toxic for the skin), and go herbal instead!
- How to Make: Dry neem, spinach, and mint leaves, grind them into a fine powder, and mix white sandalwood powder. For a liquid green, blend spinach juice with water.
- Why It’s Great: Neem and spinach are loaded with antimicrobial properties, making this a natural skin cleanser, and sandalwood nourishes the skin!
6. Santri (Orange)
Bright and festive, orange Holi colours can be made with marigold flowers and saffron!
- How to Make: Dry marigold petals in the sun, grind them into a powder, and mix with orange sandalwood powder. You can also add a pinch of saffron for a royal touch!
- Why It’s Great: Marigold has anti-fungal properties and a lovely fragrance, making your Holi extra refreshing! Sandalwood and saffron naturally brightens your skin.
These DIY Holi colours are 100% skin-friendly, eco-safe, and easy to wash off. So, let’s ditch the toxins and celebrate Holi the organic way!
9 Reasons Why You Should Choose Organic Holi Colours
Organic colours are made using natural, plant-based ingredients like flower petals, turmeric, neem leaves, and indigo instead of synthetic dyes. Unlike chemical colours that contain toxic metals, organic variants are biodegradable, non-toxic, and skin-friendly. These not only protect your skin and hair but also ensure that Holi remains an eco-friendly celebration!
So, why you should choose organic Holi colours? We give you nine good reasons:
1. No Harsh Chemicals, Only Skin-Loving Goodness
Did you know that synthetic Holi colours often contain lead oxide, mercury sulfide, and chromium iodide? These harsh chemicals can cause skin irritation, rashes, and even long-term allergies. Don’t we always have the fear or red, itchy patches that take days to heal post Holi celebration?
Organic variants, on the other hand, use natural ingredients like turmeric, henna, and indigo, which are safe and have antimicrobial and soothing skin-healing properties.
Also Read: How To Use Turmeric Paste For Pimples? Discover Its Benefits To Banish Acne Naturally!
2. No More Itchy, Red Eyes
Ever had to run to the washroom in the middle of a Holi party because your eyes started burning? That’s the effect of copper sulfate and industrial dyes in synthetic colours, which can cause severe eye irritation, redness, and even temporary blindness in extreme cases.
Organic Holi verions, made with flower petals, rice water, and herbal powders, are gentle on the eyes and completely non-toxic. So, you can splash, smear, and celebrate without worrying about blurry vision or eye infections! You can also consider accupressure points for eye health to alleviate irritation and redness.
3. No Toxins Entering Your Lungs
Every time you throw a handful of synthetic gulaal into the air, you might be inhaling asbestos, silica, and artificial dyes—all of which can cause breathing issues, asthma triggers, and long-term lung damage. Many people experience infections, post infection coughing, sneezing, or shortness of breath after Holi, all thanks to these harmful particles.
Organic colours, made with arrowroot powder, cornstarch, and dried flower extracts, are light, chemical-free, and completely safe to breathe in. So, you can go crazy with your play without suffocating on toxins!
To further keep your respiratory system strong, consider yoga asanas for lung health as well as these acupuressure points for lungs.
4. Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable
Once the Holi celebrations end, where do all those bright colours go? Unfortunately, synthetic colours contain heavy metals that seep into the soil and water, affecting plants, animals, and even aquatic life. The rivers, drains, and parks you played in remain stained and polluted for weeks! Organic colours, made with herbs, fruit extracts, and natural clays, break down naturally and don’t harm the environment. So, this Holi, let’s paint the world without leaving a toxic trail behind!
5. No Hair Damage, Just Happy Strands
Remember those post-Holi hair nightmares where your hair feels like straw, dry, and impossible to detangle? That’s because synthetic colours contain paraphenylenediamine (PPD) and ammonia, which strip off your hair’s natural oils, causing breakage, dandruff, and hair fall.
Organic Holi colours, made with amla, hibiscus, and marigold petals, actually nourish your scalp, strengthen your roots, and keep your hair soft and shiny. So, while others are struggling with damaged hair, you’ll be flaunting your Holi glow with confidence!
6. Safe for Kids and Pets
Little kids have delicate skin, and your furry friends can’t tell you when something’s bothering them. Synthetic shades contain artificial dyes, heavy metals, and strong perfumes that can cause itching, skin infections, and respiratory issues in children and pets. Holi should be fun, not a health hazard!
Organic shades, made with beetroot, sandalwood, and flower extracts, are completely safe for sensitive skin. This means your little ones and four-legged friends can roll around in colours without any side effects—just pure, joyful messiness!
7. No Weird Stains That Won’t Go Away
Synthetic colours are packed with chemical pigments that stain your skin for days, leaving you looking like a rainbow disaster. They also ruin clothes permanently and are tough to remove from floors and furniture.
Organic colours, made from food-grade ingredients like spinach, saffron, and pomegranate peels, wash off easily with just water and mild soap. So, you can enjoy the festival stress-free, without worrying about long-term colour disasters!
8. Smells Amazing, Feels Even Better
Holi is a festival of the senses—colours, laughter, music, and yes, fragrances! But synthetic colours often come with a strong chemical odor that lingers on your skin and clothes, making you feel uncomfortable.
Organic Holi colours, infused with rose, sandalwood, and jasmine extracts, smell divine and feel refreshing. Imagine playing Holi with colours that not only look good but also leave you smelling like a garden in full bloom!
Also Read: Holi Skin And Hair Care Tips
Organic Holi Colours Vs Synthetic Colours
Here’s the difference between organic Holi colours vs synthetic colours:
Feature | Organic Holi Colours | Synthetic Holi Colours |
Ingredients | Made from natural ingredients like flowers (marigold, rose), fruits (beetroot, pomegranate), and herbs (turmeric, henna). | Composed of industrial dyes, chemicals, and artificial substances like lead and mercury. |
Skin Impact | Gentle on the skin, hypoallergenic, and less likely to cause irritations or allergic reactions. | Can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and long-term health issues due to toxic chemicals. |
Environmental Impact | Biodegradable, non-toxic, and do not harm the environment when washed away. | Contain non-biodegradable substances that can harm aquatic life and ecosystems. |
Vibrancy & Longevity | Less vibrant and may require more frequent application to maintain colour. | Brighter and longer-lasting, but may leave stains and residues. |
Health Risks | Free from carcinogens and endotoxins, reducing long-term health risks. | May contain carcinogenic additives and heavy metals, posing health risks. |
Animal Safety | Safe for animals as they are non-toxic and chemical-free. | Can harm animals due to their sensitivity to chemical-based colours. |
The Final Say
This Holi, say goodbye to toxic powders and embrace the beauty of chemical-free Holi colours. You have learned the reasons of why you should choose organic Holi colours — they are safer for your skin, hair, and the environment while keeping the festive spirit alive. Plus, learning how to make organic Holi colours at home is simple, fun, and a great way to involve family and friends. So, let’s bring back the traditional way of celebrating Holi with vibrant, safe, and eco-friendly colours!
FAQs
1. Why should we not play with harsh colours during Holi?
Harsh colours contain harmful chemicals that can cause skin rashes, allergies, and irritation. They can also weaken hair, making it dry and brittle. Inhaling these chemicals may lead to respiratory issues and other health problems.
2. What were the natural colours used during Holi in olden days?
In the past, Holi colours were made from natural ingredients like tesu (palash) flowers, turmeric, and neem leaves. Sandalwood, henna, and rose petals were also used for their soothing properties. These colours were safe for the skin and even had medicinal benefits.
3. How are natural colours made?
Natural colours are made by drying and grinding flowers, leaves, fruits, and herbs into a fine powder. Ingredients like turmeric, beetroot, and indigo leaves are commonly used for vibrant hues. Some are mixed with flour or starch for a smoother texture.
4. Can Holi colour damage hair?
Yes, synthetic Holi colours contain chemicals that strip away natural oils from hair, making it dry and frizzy. These chemicals can cause dandruff, breakage, and even scalp infections. It is best to oil your hair before Holi to reduce damage.
5. Is Holi colour harmful for eyes?
Chemical-based colours can cause redness, itching, and burning sensations in the eyes. If the powder enters the eyes, it may lead to infections or temporary vision problems. Washing immediately with clean water can help prevent serious damage.
6. How to make natural colours for Holi at home?
Dry and grind flowers like marigold or hibiscus to make colourful powders. Mix turmeric with gram flour for yellow, and use beetroot juice for red. Boiling pomegranate peels or spinach leaves can create natural liquid colours.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBDkvc8Z9_w
- https://cockcolours.com/article/What-Are-Organic-Holi-Colours-and-Its-Benefits
- https://amala.earth/blogs/amala-earth-blog/organic-holi-colours
- https://www.onlymyhealth.com/diy-natural-colours-for-chemical-free-holi-1710774918
- https://www.helpusgreen.com/blogs/news/organic-holi-colours-vs-synthetic-colours
About ToneOp
ToneOp is your all-in-one health and fitness solution, blending expert guidance, healthy eating, and supportive nutrition. Whether you need workout support with ToneOp Fit, nutritious meals from ToneOp Eats, or wellness essentials from ToneOp Care, we’ve got you covered. Stay fit, eat right, and nourish better—effortlessly!
Leave a Comment
Related Blogs
Explore By Categories
What's holding you back from reaching your health goals?
Connect with our health experts and get free assistance.