This post is ALL about hygiene and self care. It covers pretty much everything you could think of. ENJOY.
Exfoliating - Ok so for shower care you should be exfoliating 2-3 times a week. It’s really up to you what you use to exfoliate. Exfoliating should be done regularly it keeps your skin nice and smooth as well as getting rid of bumps and marks. To exfoliate you can invest in exfoliating gloves or a body scrub. You can even make a homemade body scrub out of olive oil and sugar/salt. Another bath essential for me is my back scrubber. I know some people struggle with body acne and back acne and I heard that really helps. It’s just nice to feel that your whole body is smooth. Another exfoliating tool are exfoliating scrub bars. Lush has a lot of nice ones, I recommend the Scrubee. These are good because they exfoliate and moisturise at the same time!
If you’re using a loofah or any kind of sponge remember they need to be replaced and you should do so every two months or more often if you would like.
Find a body wash that actually works for your skin. If you have dry skin you may want a creamy, moisturising soap. If you have sensitive skin you would want to use a more natural soap. Find what works for you!
Make sure you’re washing everything, that means your booty crack, behind your ears, your coochie, your belly button. All of it!
If you exfoliate before and after you shave you will feel super smooth and soft after!
Invest in a good shaving cream, lush also has a nice one. If you’re out of shaving cream you can always use conditioner. Leaves your skin super smooth.
Use a razor with multiple blades, men’s razors are very good for a nice clean shave.
Remember to rinse your razor!!
There is no need to press hard, be gentle when you shave.
Skin (body) - Ok so if you have dry skin like me you want to moisturise as soon as you come out of the shower. On top of my regular body lotion I use a body oil as well. The name of the body oil I use is Palmer’s Moisturising Body Oil. This smells so good and goes amazing with my cocoa butter lotion. I would also recommend almond oil. This is such a good addition especially for summer because it leaves you nice and glowy!
Perfume - Ok so this is important for building your signature scent. People always ask me how to do it but it’s really so simple. Your signature scent is going to be a combination of your body lotion, perfume and or body mist. I personally use cocoa butter scented lotion. A good scent to go along with this could be vanilla. If you use a floral perfume you would want a body lotion that smells fresh or fruity.
Skin Care - A good thing to invest in is skin care especially this summer who wouldn’t want to look fresh and glowy. Set days that you’re going to do face masks. I write down my skin care routine on my mini whiteboard so I remember what days I do what, I also find it motivates me when I’m lazy. You can always make your own face masks or buy them. I always think the more natural the better but there are some shop bought ones I like. Spend some time and do some research to find the best mask for your skin. Another thing to buy is eye gel masks. These are so nice I always feel so much brighter after I use them. One more thing I would recommend is keeping a face mist with you. You can buy one or make your own. I love using rose water I spray my face with it literally every five seconds lmao! It also smells amazing and keeps you looking nice and fresh!
Feet - When it comes to looking after your feet it really depends on what your normal routine is. It’s always nice to invest in yourself and go to get your nails done but you can also take care of your feet from home! For your at home foot care you can get a small tub and soak your feet in warm water (I like to add essential oils too). Then after they’ve been soaked I grab my pumice stone which is a great investment, it keeps your feet super smooth. I would recommend buying a foot file of some sort. Another thing to invest in is a cuticle oil this is good for both your toes and fingernails. Then when I’ve soaked and dried I use my foot cream. Now this is obviously a little extra you can use a regular cream but a special cream for your feet is a good buy. I use the Soap and Glory foot cream.
Ok so you should make an effort to deep condition once a week. If you don’t have a deep conditioner you can make one with conditioner and a variety of oils mixed together. Twist your hair up and throw on a shower cap and do some chores. If anyone wants a recommendation I use the Aunt Jackies in control conditioner.
Buy some oils for your hair, here’s a quick breakdown of what oils do what.
Sealants - this means you apply after you have moisturised your hair, these oils seal in moisture!
- Peppermint Oil: stimulates the scalp and increases hair growth. (apply to scalp or add to your shampoo)
- Olive Oil: promotes scalp health, good for hair growth and keeps hair soft and shiny. sealant
- Jojoba Oil: encourages hair regrowth and moisturises hair! Eliminates frizz and adds shine. sealant
- Avocado Oil: moisturises, repairs and strengthens hair. Is good for penetrating the hair shaft so it’s great for moisture. Contains vitamin D so it’s good for the generation of new hair follicles. sealant
- Argan Oil: high in vitamin E, good for dry scalp and dandruff. Keeps hair protected from damage. sealant
- Jamaican Black Castor Oil: increases blood circulation to the scalp and encourages hair growth. Balances the pH of your scalp. Stops scalp infections, inflammation and dandruff. Makes your hair stronger and replenishes natural oils in your hair.
Make time to do a hot oil treatment if your hair is feeling dry
Massage your scalp and oil it during the week.
Make sure to moisturise the ends of your hair, this is how you retain length!
Wrap your hair, wear a bonnet or invest in silk pillow cases.
Buy silk scrunchies or hair bands that are gentle on your hair.
Replace your brushes when they get old and crusty lol!
Remember to dust your ends. You can do this at home when you see single strand knots and remember to go and get a trim when you feel like your hair needs it. Listen to your hair!
Be consistent! The reason you’re not seeing growth could be because you’re not sticking to a routine. When you find products that work keep using them. Never skip a wash day and deep condition weekly!
Ok so I feel like sometimes people shy away from talking about hygiene when we’re on our period but it’s important and nothing to be embarrassed of!
I recommend downloading a period app if you don’t have one. There are so many different kinds that help you keep track of cravings, cramps, skin care and more.
Whether you’re using a pad or tampon they need to be changed regularly. This will keep you smelling fresh and keep your kitty healthy.
Carry feminine wipes with you but make sure they’re as natural as possible. I heard that the brand Honeypot is very good and is also black owned!
Also don’t use scented pads or anything make sure the pads you’re using are also as natural as possible.
When you’re on your period drink lots of water. I’ve noticed when I’m on my period and I’m drinking lots of water it made my period easier to deal with, mine usually lasts about 7 days and is super heavy but it’s started to become shorter and lighter.
I’ve also heard that taking cranberry pills after your period really helps if you’re noticing any odour so I recommend that too.
Ok so when it comes to keeping your kitty clean and healthy I’m gonna start off with saying drink ya water! I know I say this all the time but seriously it helps!
Stop wearing underwear all the time let your coochie breathe. I also recommend sleeping naked it’s good for you.
Discharge is absolutely normal. If you notice your discharge has a weird smell or colour then there is probably an issue and you should head to your doctor. Discharge is often clear/milky in colour and is like mucus or egg whites. You can also use your period app to track what discharge is normal. For example when you’re ovulating you’re likely to get discharge and before your period.
If you’re noticing any odour drink more water and change your diet. Start to eat more fruits and grab that cranberry juice. If you don’t like cranberry juice there are pills you can take.
You should not be using any old body wash to clean your coochie. It’s very sensitive and this can throw off your pH balance. If you choose to use soap which you don’t have to then pick a natural one that is specifically for down there. You can also just use warm water it’s a personal choice!
Don’t just use any lotion on your coochie or around that area either. I recommend baby oil.
Bring your mask and hand sanitizer with you at all times. Please stay safe!
Carry around hand cream, nobody wants dry ashy hands lol.
Always carry lip balm/gloss.
Carry a bottle of water with you whenever you go out.
Carry deodorant and feminine wipes so you can freshen up during the day.
Always clean your phone with antibacterial wipes at the end of the day.
Remember to brush your tongue, floss and use mouthwash. On top of that always carry gum or mints with you.
Wash your makeup brushes! Seriously if you wear makeup daily or often wash them at the end of the week and if you need to then replace them.
When you’re not wearing acrylics make sure your nails are cut and shaped. Also apply cuticle oil to keep them healthy.
LIP SCRUBS. I love them sm they always keep my lips super soft and pink. I love the bubblegum lip scrub from Lush.
OKAY SO THAT'S IT. This may be updated later because there’s so much more. Send me ideas for more posts!
s-u-f-j-a-n-s-t-e-v-e-n-s
titsay
amandla
