Africans used to have a beauty routine before accepting the colonialists’ customs and religion, which forced them to renounce or reject these rituals.
Some of these beauty practices were significantly superior to the colonists’ offerings, and many of them were even non-harmful.
Here are five African beauty rituals/traditions:
1. Shea butter,
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Shea butter is widely used in Nigerian and African cultures. It can be administered topically or eaten and has medicinal properties. When used on your skin and hair, it smooths them out.
2. Black soap
Water, ashes from plantain skins, cocoa pod powder, palm oil, coconut oil, shea butter, or tropical honey are used to make black soap. Black soap aids in the treatment of acne, smoothens the skin, hydrates, and provides numerous other skin advantages.
3. Dreadlocked hair
Africans have always tied their hair back. Following colonialism, some Africans believed that locking your hair meant you were a rogue or possessed by a devil. Dreadlocks are great for your hair since they protect it and make it grow longer and easier to manage
4. Tattoos
Some tattoos are artistically pleasing. For generations, Africans have inscribed marks and symbols on their bodies.
These tattoos were more than just artistic messages; they had meaning. Some people got tattoos to identify themselves and separate themselves from other tribes, while others got tattoos to protect themselves from evil and to utilize in the hereafter.
5. Beads and piercings
Many people would raise their brows and label a woman as a lesbian if she has beads on her ankles, however Africans are known for having piercings in various places of their bodies, including their nose, ears, and belly, as well as wearing beads on their waist, ankles, and wrists.
In conclusion, because of the hot weather, nudity was not sexualized. Women were free to walk around naked without fear of being sexually assaulted.