HOW TO COPE WITH HARMATTAN

If you reside anywhere in West Africa, you'd must likely experience the cold-dry and dusty weather at the very end/beginning of the year. This is the West African Winter popularly referred to as harmattan. The temperature during harmattan fluctuates within 24 hours and could be as cold as 9 °C and as hot as 30°C. Our bodies require special care in this season!

SKIN CARE TIPS

• BATH: Yes! we know its cold but you should have a bath for your own personal hygiene. Everyone feels hesitant pouring water on the body but the cold feeling goes away in no time and one feels doubly refreshed and energetic! 
• Moisturize: I'm not here to advertise or recommend any kind of skin moisturizer. The best you can do to your skin during the harmattan haze is to moisturize it from dryness. Keep the driest parts of your skin more moisturized i.e lips, palms and feet. Use suitable oils and lotion. The common and affordable 'Vaseline' wouldn't be bad at all!

HAIR CARE TIPS

• HAIRSTYLE: Ladies, we know braids are suitable low maintenance style but it isn't the best hair for harmattan. Braids automatically become high maintenance hairstyle during the hazy weather as it would require constant oiling and moisturizing else it would damage the roots of your natural hair. 
• Wearing scarves or any form of hair protection is advised. This will protect your hair from dust and extreme dryness.

OUTFIT

• Keep in mind that the weather could get hotter during the day. So instead of wearing a single thick piece of clothing, wear lighter clothes underneath your cardigan or blazer. You can easily take off the thicker clothes when it gets hot.
• Protect your feet and palm by wearing socks and gloves.

Don't forget to have your moisturizer with you where ever you go! Protect your health from the effects of the harsh weather. Add your own tips for coping with harmattan in the comment section below!