Empowered selfcare, lifestyle strategies & coaching
Things are rapidly changing across the globe and many of the issues and challenges that are unique to women, continue to grow. From socio-political unrest to domestic violence, women, children and the elderly are at the forefront. This makes it critically important that emergency selfcare …
Self-Care for Black Women: Thriving in spite of a toxic work place Navigating a toxic workplace can be overwhelming, especially for Black women who often face additional stressors like microaggressions, bias, and the pressure to overperform. Prioritizing self-care is essential to protecting your mental, emotional, …
We’re well into the summer, and the dry air, heat, etc can be brutal on those locks sis! Since I’m always on the hunt for natural alternatives, I’ve found 5 natural ingredients for healthy hair, that seem to always score at the top of my list. Climate, stress, diet, etc can really impact the health of your hair. So for me, natural and minimal ingredients are my choice to work to heal and protect my hair and scalp. Natural ingredients will almost always out do those store bought versions that are loaded with chemicals. Have you heard about the latest scandals around some of the brands marketing to black women? Yeah, you know the ones that are accused of containing harmful chemicals that are possibly cancer causing? Well, today I’m highlighting 5 natural ingredients for healthy hair, in a simple DIY recipe. My list/ recipe came about from my own journey and simply what has worked best for me.
The hair care industry is full of products that promise to bring life back into dull, lifeless hair. However, many of these products are filled with harsh chemicals that can damage your hair in the long run. This is why I prefer more natural alternatives. For my hair care journey, I’ve found that a mix of rosemary essential oil, aloe Vera juice, tea tree oil, sweet almond oil, and filtered water work for me. I love how it soothes and moisturizes my hair and scalp.
This is just one recipe that can provide hair with numerous benefits that will leave you with healthy, shiny, and vibrant locks. Since I have low porosity coily hair, this works for me in addition to using a good cleansing shampoo that removes buildup and product. However, always consult your dermatologist/healthcare provider for sensitivities, allergens, etc. I’ve found that more expensive does not necessarily equal effective or beneficial and less is more. Educate yourself about your hair and embrace your hair because it needs love too.
More about the industry
It seems that everyone is eager to make money at women’s expense, and even more so, when it comes to Black women. There is no reason, why hair products marketed specifically to us, should be super expensive, other than being greedy and exploitative. This means we need to do our due diligence by researching these products and working with specialists if necessary. Also, recognize that diet and nutrition play a huge role in hair health. While I tend to stick with mostly my DIY recipes, I don’t skimp on high quality hair care brands that are safe. I specifically look for brands that are entirely Black owned with good ingredients. Remember, that this is “my” list of ingredients that work for me, so again, do your own research.
Rosemary essential oil is a potent ingredient that helps to improve hair growth and reduce hair loss. This oil is rich in antioxidants and has antiseptic properties that can help to soothe an irritated scalp. It also helps to improve blood circulation, which can lead to healthier hair growth. You can check another recipe when you click here!
Aloe Vera juice is a well-known ingredient that is often used in hair care products. This juice contains various nutrients and enzymes that can help to strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and promote hair growth. It also helps to moisturize the scalp and reduce dandruff.
Tea tree oil is a popular ingredient that is often used to treat various scalp conditions such as dandruff, itching, and flakiness. This oil is also known to improve hair growth and strengthen hair strands. It has antiseptic properties that can help to unclog hair follicles, which can lead to healthier hair growth.
Sweet almond oil is a luxurious ingredient that can help to nourish and hydrate the scalp and hair. This oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, which can help to improve hair health and promote hair growth. It also helps to prevent breakage and split ends, leaving your hair looking healthy and vibrant.
Filtered water is essential for keeping your hair healthy and hydrated. This type of water is free from impurities, which can help to reduce hair breakage and promote healthy hair growth. It also helps to prevent damage to the hair cuticles, which can lead to shiny and smooth locks.
using a mix of rosemary essential oil, aloe Vera juice, tea tree oil, sweet almond oil, and filtered water can provide your hair with numerous benefits that will leave you with healthy, shiny, and vibrant locks. This natural alternative is a great way to avoid harsh chemicals and give your hair the care it deserves. So, why not try it out today and experience the benefits for yourself?
Incorporating these sources into your research can help to provide a deeper understanding of the hair benefits of using a mix of rosemary essential oil, aloe vera, tea tree oil, sweet almond oil, and filtered water. By using these natural ingredients, you can improve the health of your hair without exposing it to harsh chemicals. I typically use these 5 natural ingredients for healthy hair, to boost vibrancy and help soothe my sensitive scalp. But again, everyone’s scalp is different and it’s best to work as a team with your dermatologist or provider, especially if you have issues.
Having said all of that, I need us to start normalizing hair care as selfcare! There is so much that we as women, tie to our hair. For Black and other women of color, there are deep cultural roots associated with our hair care practices. Additionally, in a country built on structural and institutional racism, discrimination, etc, it’s no wonder that many Black women still have little understanding of selfcare.
Similar to healthcare disparities in our medical system, access to selfcare as a practice, is a privilege many could only dream of. Coupled to that, it’s not until recent years, that women have become a lot more vocal about the need for selfcare and work-life balance. You can read the article I wrote a bit ago, right here.
Emergency selfcare is a response to the rapidly changing circumstances taking place across the globe. Many of these issues and challenges are unique to women and continues to remind us that selfcare strategies must adapt to these changes.
Black women are realizing they have options It’s been a long time coming but for a variety of reasons more black women are traveling the world and even choosing to become permanent expats. Statistically, black women are some of the highest educated and accomplished folks …
I’m closing out my selfcare Merida vacation by making sure I hit some of the local sights. Manifesto coffee does not disappoint here in centro historical de Merida. It’s got cute and cozy vibes coupled with a sense of safety that I typically don’t feel in the United States. The vibes, service and menu are just what I was craving. Selfcare is also about curating both your space and your vibe. For me, hanging out here to people watch, blog and just exist in a chill space, was part of that experience. While there are spaces that are similarly quaint in the U.S. and anti-blackness is global, my experience here as a Black woman, was unmatched!
For instance, while I consider myself to be a mindful and vigilant female traveler, the sense of safety and ease as a black woman, is unmatched here. There’s no veiled hostility, micro aggression vibes, or wondering if I’ll need to break out the pepper spray for some guy who can’t handle a simple “no” or “not interested”. Also, I don’t have to worry about the next random mass shooting here either! Needless to say, this selfcare Merida vacation was definitely needed.
While Merida may have lost it’s spot at the top as the second safest city in North America, the fact remains that it is an awesome place to just rest, replenish and exist without the collective trauma one experiences living life on the daily in the US. It’s only when one has the opportunity to travel beyond our immediate bubble, that we realize the crazy toxic rat race we live in is not normal (You can get some great ideas from one of my previous post here)! On a side note, Yes, there is racism in Mexico. But, the American version is so poisonous and foundational to its structures.
Adding to your selfcare toolkit
A lot of times, it’s not enough to just take a few days off from the rat race. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your mental and emotional health is to, leave! Changing your physical environment can be extremely therapeutic and healing. For instance, taking something similar to my Selfcare Merida vacation, can be just what the doctor ordered. Not only does a change of location remove you from stresses in your environment, it gives you the space to focus on yourself. Society and culture have conditioned women to put the needs and desires of others, ahead of their own. It also reinforces this lack of care through guilt, religion, etc. All of this, is unhealthy and unstainable.
There are several recent studies to address the impact of racism, gender inequality, etc on women, particularly Black women. For all the skeptics out there, you can read about it in this article by Allana T. Forde PhD, MPH et.al. Another article by Stephanie Brooks, et.al studies this from the lens of gender. Since institutional racism, discrimination, etc is not going away anytime soon, the key is to have strategies in place. Having a selfcare toolkit is a life-saving solution to not just survive, but to thrive. Unfortunately, now more than ever, women are facing rollbacks of human rights, bodily autonomy, gender-based violence, etc. While this was also true in the past, technology and women pushing back against patriarchy, misogyny, racism, etc has escalated the dangers faced by women.
The reality is, freedom, self-determination and equality, will always face pushback from those who benefit from both oppression and inequality. When it comes to female labor, reproduction, resources, etc, exploiters/oppressive institutions, will always resort to violence in some form, in order to maintain dominance. With this in mind, women, globally, must utilize all aspects of selfcare and expand what it means, in order to address our current state. Sounds radical; I know, you weren’t expecting “this” version of selfcare. The version of selfcare that’s pedaled on mainstream social media, does not live here! My selfcare Merida vacation, was designed to heal, decompress and shore up my protections against all of what we face as women, especially as a Black woman.
While my selfcare Merida vacation might be seen as a privilege (I recognize that my privilege in being to be able to expand my selfcare in this manner), we all must plan and define what goes into our own life-saving, selfcare toolkits. It is individual and tailored to meet the unique needs of each woman across the globe. Is it environmental safety? Is it physical protection/safety? Yes, all of these things should be considered when building your toolkit. As a selfcare and health coach for Black women over 40, this is something I do for myself as well as my clients. We live in an era of both tremendous change as well as real danger for women everywhere. Move strategically ladies!
Selfcare and the realities of setting boundaries for black women It’s hard enough learning and setting boundaries, as a woman. As usual, when it comes to black women living and existing in America, that becomes even more of a challenge. Black women are exhausted but …
As someone who has sensitive skin and scalp, I’m always on the lookout for natural remedies. I’m not a fan of chemicals so I usually look for natural or herbal remedies to address most issues. This exfoliating itchy scalp treatment mask (and scrub), is my …
Let me start by asking, can we normalise selfcare beyond Valentine’s Day? I’m like really! It’s a new year and that tired idea of “treating” yourself and calling it selfcare, is old and pathetic at this point. Not only that, it’s costing women their lives, health and happiness! Selfcare has become an increasingly popular term in recent years, but it’s often associated with special occasions like Valentine’s Day. While it’s great to have a day to celebrate love and self-love, the truth is that selfcare is a year-round practice, and it’s something that every woman needs!
Normalising selfcare beyond Valentine’s Day means recognising that taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity. It means making self-care a regular part of your daily routine and prioritising it just as much as you would any other important task.
Selfcare doesn’t have to be fancy or grand. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to do something that makes you feel good. This could be anything from taking a relaxing bath to practicing yoga to reading a book. The key is to make it a daily habit, so it becomes a natural part of your routine.
Selfcare looks different for everyone, so it’s important to find what works for you. What makes you feel relaxed and rejuvenated? What helps you recharge after a long day? Some people might find solace in nature, while others might prefer meditation. Experiment with different selfcare practices until you find what resonates with you.
One of the biggest barriers to selfcare is time. It’s easy to put off taking care of ourselves when we have so many other things to do. But the truth is, selfcare is just as important as any other task on your to-do list. Make time for it by scheduling it into your day or week. Treat it like an important appointment that you can’t miss.
Many women feel guilty about taking time for themselves. We’re conditioned to put others’ needs before our own, but selfcare is not selfish or incidental. It’s critical for our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Let go of the guilt and give yourself permission to prioritise selfcare.
Selfcare is more fun and effective when you do it with others. Create a support system of friends or family members who are also committed to prioritising selfcare. You can share ideas, motivate each other, and hold each other accountable.
Bottom line, normalising selfcare beyond Valentine’s Day is about recognising that taking care of yourself is a year-round practice. It’s about making self-care a daily habit, finding what works for you, making time for it, letting go of guilt, and creating a support system. By prioritizing self-care, you’ll not only feel better but also be better equipped to handle the challenges that come your way.
1. Lack of representation
Women of color may feel that the mainstream wellness industry does not represent their needs and preferences. The lack of representation can lead to feeling excluded, invisible, and not valued. It can also lead to difficulty finding resources that are culturally sensitive and appropriate.
2. Intersectional discrimination
Women of colour, especially Black women face multiple forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism. These forms of oppression can cause stress, anxiety, and trauma, which can make it difficult to prioritise self-care.
Women of colour may face systemic barriers to accessing self-care resources, such as limited financial resources, lack of affordable and accessible healthcare, limited access to healthy food options, and lack of safe and supportive environments.
Women of colour are often expected to take on caregiving responsibilities for their families and communities, which can make it challenging to find time for self-care. The pressure to put others’ needs before their own can lead to feelings of guilt and self-neglect.
Women of colour may face stigma and shame around mental health, which can prevent them from seeking help and support. The fear of being perceived as weak or vulnerable can lead to self-isolation and a reluctance to engage in self-care practices that may benefit their mental health.
Let’s start a clean slate for this new season by recognising that women are facing a global health crisis. That crisis is the absence of selfcare that has become even more critical in a global system of patriarchy, anti-blackness and misogyny. For women of colour, they’re are additional barriers to selfcare that need to be recognised and addressed. These barriers include lack of representation, intersectional discrimination, systemic barriers, caregiving responsibilities, and mental health stigma. By acknowledging and addressing these barriers, we can create a better world for all women across the globe! Also, check out this short post more selfcare ideas for newbies!
Safety and security first I’m always surprised at how many women don’t know safety and security go hand in hand with selfcare. Selfcare is an essential tool for Black women to navigate the unique challenges they face in the world. However, selfcare is often thought …
