[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] Count down to the New Year. New year tradition varies from country to country, celebrations begin on the evening of December 31—New Year’s Eve—and continue into the early hours of January 1. In many cultures, the event is celebrated in different ways. [/dropcap]
It is often said that with slavery came a depletion in knowledge of hair maintenance. However, traditional African techniques of hair maintenance are actually being used as we speak! Here are some new and old favourites.
1. Rooibos Tea
In truth, I have not found evidence that Rooibos tea was used on hair traditionally in South Africa where it originates. It is certainly a popular caffeine free tea drink. Scientific studies have shown that rooibos tea contains antioxidants and even has antimicrobial effects. It is gaining popularity among naturals who want to use tea rinses on their hair for these reasons.
2. Marula oil
This is a traditional oil from Mozambique and South Africa. It is popular as a skin moisturiser but can certainly also be processed to a food grade standard and eaten. Like pretty much all natural oils, it contains a large amount of oleic acid and is not ideal for people with scalp problems (e.g eczema, dandruff). It is also known to contain antioxidants.
3. Rhassoul Clay
Hailing from Morocco, Rhassoul clay is a traditional mud wash that can cleanse oil from hair. It is not readily explained on how it does this but what is certain is that it can!
4. African Black Soap
This is a traditional soap from West Africa and is commonly made from oil (shea butter commonly and plant ash. Some say it is gentler than traditional soap but it is important to remember that soap is soap and it will always have a high pH. If that is something you are sensitive to, then do not use it.
5. Shea Butter, Avocado Butter, Cocoa Butter, Coconut oil, Argan Oil
I will not harp on too much about these as they are pretty common knowledge. The one thing that is consistent across the continent is the use of oil to help maintain hair moisure. This is perhaps the bigger and more important story. If you are experiencing dry hair, do try to include an oil/butter within your moisturising routine.
6. Ghee (butter)
I have previously talked about the use of butter (as in real actual edible butter) for hair care in Ethiopian communities. Thanks to a documentary on traditional people there, I have realised that the butter they use is what we refer to as ghee which is a type of clarified butter that you can find in Indian food stores. The butter is used to help moisturize and/or seal in moisture. Additionally, it’s used to strengthen hair which is possible in part due to the fat in butter, much like in coconut oil, is unsaturated
7. African threading
African threading is experiencing a renaissance thanks to youtubers such as Nadine of Girls love your curls who has featured a more modern interpretation that does not involve fully wrapping hair in thread and creates a more twisted style. This technique was used traditionally in West and Central Africa to wrap and protect hair as well as create intricate styles. Today, it is used in a similar manner and in addition is a way to stretch hair with no heat.
8. Braiding
Intricate braiding is a feature of many traditional and modern African communities. There are many African women who traditionally (and in modern day) chose to wear their hair short as it is convenient and fuss free. However, from the Himba women of Southern Africa to Ethiopian tribes of Eastern Africa and even to the Nigerian women of Western Africa, there are many communities who traditionally (and in modern day) showcase long braided hair. Braiding long hair is as much for beauty as shown in the attention to detail as it is for maintenance of hair length. It is a protective style that has withstood the test of time.
Culled from blackgirllonghair
In Africa there are many ways to greet parents and elders. In most parts of Africa, they Kneel to their parents or elders.
What some people don’t know is greeting Yoruba parents or elders is different from the “normal” African Greeting. In the past Yoruba male children will greet their elders by laying down on the ground in front of their parent/elders and female will kneel on both knees with her hands at her back and greet them saying “Good morning ma/sir. Hope you slept well” etc. or what else you may like to add.
The elder will place their hand on the child’s head as they speak, you will then wait to be told to stand before you get up from the ground. Rushing up after saying good morning is not good and shows some kind of lack of respect. Unfortunately, a lot of Yoruba’s these days don’t greet their parents in this way, the more “modern” day way of greeting parents/elders is females going to them and kneeling on one knee and males bending over or dropping their hand to their feet. I guess as the years have gone past, things have changed lol!
Something you must NOT do, is walk up to an elder and shake there hand or hug them. This is a big NO GO! Kneeling is a sign of respect and culture so to just shake someone’s hand is like you are meeting a stranger. Even if it is your first time of meeting the person, this doesn’t mean you should shake there hand and see them as a stranger. So far as they are older than you are and they are Yoruba or even just African, then you should show your respect to them. Respect must ALWAYS be shown to elders. Anytime of any day.
I would really advice youths of these days to practice their greetings more and not to become lazy in greeting elders lol, as a lot of young people these days have became lazy in greeting and just kneel a little not even to the floor, then get up and go. Its a real shame.
Yoruba parents and African parents will try to raise there children to have respect for their elders, so for a Yoruba kid to meet their auntie or uncle at home and just say “hi!” is really an embarrassment for the parents. I don’t mean the parents haven’t done a good job I mean the child is not playing their role well like they have been taught. So if you have been taught by your parents on how to greet and show respect, please make sure you do so when meeting elders.
No parent loves anything more than being praised on how well their child has been raised 😉
Thanks for reading and I hope you have learned a thing or two 🙂
Article written by Oyibo African Abeni
Source: oyinboafricanabeni.wordpress.com
My reason for this post today is mainly to let people know who don’t already know, how people from different Countries in Africa really are, as a lot of people judge people from Africa before even getting to know them!
I am NOT Generalizing Africa as a whole, I am talking based on MY experience with people from ALL over Africa not only one or two countries in Africa, this is why I used the term “People of Africa”.. This post is not about one country in Africa, its about MANY countries around Africa.
Another reason for this post is just to express how I feel about my friends from Africa and show them they are appreciated a lot by me. Most people from Europe or America or other parts of the world judge people from African Countries based on Bullshit lies! excuse my language!
Some of the most common things I have heard from people are;
“All Africans use white girls”
“All Africans live in slums”
“All Africans love money too much and scam everyone”
“All Africans are evil and kill children and do ‘voo-doo’
“All Africans cant speak English well”
“All Africans are under educated and living in Poverty”
And MANY more!
I have to say, I get very irritated around people who say such rubbish!
Let me just say, not all people from African Countries use white girls, Yes there may be some but believe me not ALL! There is many people from all over Africa who love someone for who there and that’s it! Just like every other race!
Also, let me just add, not all people in Africa love money and scam everyone.. that is rubbish! i think people judge Africa based on one or two stories they hear on the news! Also, most Africans cant speak English well?? What?? This is one of the stupidest ones i have heard, As all of my friends in Africa, weather they are Kenyan, Ghanaian, Nigerian or South African, Can speak AND write English very well, even some know English more than i do! lol
“All Africans are under educated” REALLY??? NO! Another huge judgmental LIE! The smartest people i know on this earth, are from Africa! ALL of my friends from countries in Africa are extremely smart and have GREAT potential.. Yes not everyone in some parts of Africa can afford good education but that does not make them dumb or stupid!
“All Africans kill children” Again, Really?? i really believe this one is from watching too much TV! People from African countries are not cruel and evil! Every country and continent has good and Bad people. Dont judge Africa based on hear say!
And NO! Africa is not all slums! look around and see how beautiful Africa REALLY is. Take your time to really explore countries in Africa to see how great they are.
I spend endless time trying to make my British friends see that there is soo many lovely and amazing people around Africa. Almost all of my friends are from countries in Africa and its been that way since childhood, also i have never dated any white or British guy, This is not because i hate British people but it is simply because i feel more happy and comfortable around my friends from Africa and also in relationships i feel that i am more connected to people from different countries around Africa and have more things in common and also they are very loving people. To say all countries and people in Africa are great would be a lie. Yes, not all people in Africa are great and there are many countries in Africa that have bad people just like every other continent in the world, but to judge people from Africa before getting to know them is one of the biggest mistakes people make.
For me i honestly do not know where i would be today if i didnt have my friends in Africa and in UK who have came from Nigeria and Ghana and Kenya etc. From a very very young age, i have grew with them close to me, like my brothers and sisters, friends is an under statement. they truly feel like family. Another thing i LOVE about people who have came from countries in Africa, They are EXTREMELY friendly when u meet them. They greet you in such a warm way and speak very politely to you. Also going to African markets/ restaurants in UK, is one great experience for me, because i get greeting nicely and treated very well.
I have friends from all over Africa but mainly in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Gambia and south Africa. So based on the people i have met from there, i can honestly say Africa has some wonderful people! I can guarantee if you take the time to actually get to know people from different countries in Africa before judging them, you will realize how wonderful they really are, They will make you feel loved and appreciated in all you do. When i am having a bad day at work or any other situation, It is my friends in Nigeria, Ghana etc i turn to as they are always friendly, loving and supportive. They also keep me calm in hard situations! hehe countries in Africa are not full of scam artist and dying kids and people killing people! look beyond the bad things and see the wonderful things! Like i said before, Every Continent has good and bad.
Anyway, i feel like typing all day as i cant find the exact word to describe the people of Africa, but i have work in the morning and i have to get to bed hehe
Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope you have learned something and made you think twice.
Article by Oyinbo African Abeni
Source: oyinboafricanabeni.wordpress.com
Source of picture: oyinbo african abeni – Bing images
At Bellafricana our aim is to help you connect with creative, unique and quality African owned businesses.
We believe that every creative entrepreneur has a potential to grow sustainable global businesses. Bellafricana understands the challenges and is honored to be a part of the Creatives’ dream. Their dream is our dream
This is Home to creative entrepreneurs
Subscribe to get the free guide and learn step-by-step exactly what you need to achieve your goals.
