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Busting the Kajal Myth: Beliefs and Safety Considerations of Kajal

We live in a country of Superstitions. Every Indian family has a superstition or two they adhere to, especially when it comes to the well-being of their little ones.

And so it is with Kajal For Baby Eyes. Have we once stopped to think, ‘Is Kajal Good for Baby Eyes’?

In this article you will not only shed light on whether Kajal is Good for Baby Eyes, you will also discover How to Apply Kajal for Babies, and even make your own Homemade version of Natural Kajal for Babies. Needless to say, the most pertinent question would be: ‘Is Kajal Good for Baby Eyes’? Get started, by joining us as we clear the common misconceptions of Kajal for Baby Eyes – a practice that has its roots firmly entrenched in Superstition!

Table of Contents

Kajal for Baby Eyes: Clearing Misconceptions about the Benefits of Kajal for Babies

Kajal is a black powder that is characterized by its silver ‘glitter’. It is created by grinding a mineral called ‘Stibnite’, with a mortar and pestle.

Although it is widely used in India and the Middle East for cosmetic purposes, Kajal is also used for Babies for the following reasons. Needless to say, these are nothing short of gross Misconceptions about Kajal, in the guise of Benefits of Kajal for Babies.

  1. To ward off the Evil Eye
  2. Who’s to argue with that, especially when the eldest member in the family proclaims thus? This is the very root of that ‘Superstition’ surrounding Kajal!

  3. A Case for Beauty
  4. Everybody wants the most beautiful baby in the world, after all! While there’s no denying that Babies with Kajal are attractive, they are far more beautiful without makeup!

    Cool Fact: Kajal is commonly nicknamed ‘Cleopatra’s Makeup’.

  5. It’s Great for Eye Health
  6. Kajal is strongly believed to protect Baby’s eyes from the harsh rays of the Sun, and even ward off unwanted eye infections. Want your Baby to have better eyesight? Try giving them some Vitamin A instead!

    Note: While Kajal for Baby Eyes is generally applied to the inner lower eyelids, it sometimes makes its appearance as a small dot on the forehead.

Kajal Safety Considerations: Understanding if Kajal is Good for Baby Eyes

Although Kajal has been used to adorn Baby Eyes for several years, there’s a solid amount of research that shows that Kajal is, indeed, ‘not’ safe for Babies!

  • The ‘Galena’ or ‘Kohl’ stone Kajal is made from, contains the harmful element ‘Lead’.
  • The Kajal one buys in the store has other harmful elements apart from lead. These include chemicals like Amorphous Carbon and Zincite.

Kajal For Baby Eyes: Making your Own Natural Kajal for Babies

If you still insist on decorating your baby’s eyes with Kajal, at least ensure you apply the ‘Homemade’ kajal version!

What you need

  • An oil lamp (with wick and castor oil fuel)
  • 3 or 4 almonds
  • tweezers
  • 2 glasses
  • A spoon
  • A jar
  • A metal plate
  • Some almond oil

Instructions

  • Ensure you have sterilized everything and washed your hands thoroughly.
  • Taking the plate, balance it on top of the glasses. Then place the oil lamp beneath.
  • Lighting the lamp, hold an almond in the flame with a pair of tweezers.
  • There will be some ‘soot’ that collects on the bottom of the plate. This is the ‘kajal’!
  • Repeat the process, till all almonds are burned.
  • Finally, scrape off that kajal and place it in the jar.
  • Add some drops of almond oil to the mixture, to make a paste.

Note: While the above almond-based kajal is generally considered safe for Baby’s eyes, it can still irritate their eyes and cause them discomfort.

Natural Kajal for Babies: How to Apply Kajal for Babies

If you’ve made that Natural Kajal for Babies, it’s only imperative you apply it!

When looking at How to Apply Kajal for Babies, it’s important to keep the following considerations in mind.

  1. Wash your Hands thoroughly
  2. The last thing you want is to unknowingly transfer germs to your baby’s face while applying Kajal!

  3. Zone in on the Right Time
  4. You’re not going to be able to do it in the midst of one of your baby’s tantrums! Choose a time when Baby seems especially calm, for best results.

  5. Ensure the Applicator is clean
  6. Whether you’re using a Kajal Applicator or a cotton swab, you must make sure it is spotlessly clean. Note: In the case of a ‘Kajal Applicator’, ensure it is used only for Baby.

    Note: You want to avoid applying kajal to the Eyelashes or even Upper Eyelids, so as to prevent it from entering the eyes.

It’s nice to be Beautiful, but it’s more important to be Safe! Ideally, all parents should desist from using Kajal for Baby Eyes. However, if you really have to use it, ensure you use only the homemade version. Be a Good Samaritan, and spread this valuable information to other parents!

References

  1. TheAyurveda.org
  2. https://www.theayurveda.org/general-awareness/safe-apply-kajal-newborn-baby-eyes

  3. National Institutes of Health
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3003848/

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