#FreestyleFriday💃: Self care during harmattan season.

Cc: Google

The harmattan season isn’t one of our favourites in Nigeria as it comes with cold, dust and scorching sun! The dry season leaves your hair and skin dry. I will be sharing a few tips that will help us still look fabulous regardless of the weather starting with hair care;

• PROTECTIVE STYLING – in this season inparticular, you need to protect your hair from the dryness of the weather so as to avoid breakage and frizz. Styles like braids, crochet (my fav), faux locs, twists and Ghana weaving are awesome for the weather. With these styles, you can still treat your scalp and secure length. 

Protective styles

• SPRITZ/SPRAY BOTTLE – moisture on a normal day is necessary, but during this season, make it your best friend. Spray your hair regularly to avoid dryness. Also, oil your scalp daily.
• CO-WASH MORE – because of the dust that accompanies the weather, our scalp may get dirty more often. Instead of opting for a shampoo that may dry out your hair, frequently co-wash your scalp with your favourite hair conditioner (any product conditioner without sulphate properties) and oil afterwards with coconut oil. (These are my personal tips, if you have any other oil, you can use them)

SKIN CARE :

Cc: Google

• DRINK WATER – this cannot be over emphasized, drink alot of water to avoid thirst and dry skin because what you feed your body on the inside radiates on the outside. 
• MOISTURIZE – ensure to use a good moisturiser, and avoid the heavy ones, those just stay on your skin and attracts dust. I for one don’t use moisturizers, I rely on oils and butter. Palm kernel oil mixed with shea butter is all I need and my skin is secured for as long as 8 hours.

• BATHE LUKEWARM WATER – I understand how cold the weather gets in the morning and it’s only logical to bathe hot water, but we need to know that hot water strips us off our natural skin oils, leaving the skin dry. Lukewarm water is best.

Cc: Google (face mask)

• GET A NOSE MASK – this is very essential especially if you use public transportation often so as to prevent catarch. 

Cc: Google (dry lips)

• TAKE CARE OF YOUR LIPS – get a good lip balm; the good old vaseline works effectively for the weather, however, shea butter also moisturises and softens my lips, so try any and stick to your favourite. P.s. honey dries out my lips so I avoid using it as a lip scrub, we have different skin types so it may work amazingly for you.

These are a few tips we can live by to survive the weather before the rainy season occurs. If you have other tips, kindly share below in the comment section let’s help one another 😊