Keeping your coils hydrated in the cold weather (Photo: iStock) If your natural hair seems to shrink the moment you step outside, you’re not alone. The biting cold and unpredictable rain can be incredibly unforgiving to 4C natural hair. During the colder months, moisture loss accelerates due to various factors, not to mention the frizz-inducing nature of constant mist and rain. Without proper care, hair can quickly become brittle, leading to breakage, tangles and a dull appearance that no amount of styling can mask. To combat this dryness, establish a consistent moisturising routine with these tips: The power of layering: Water…
Author: By Esther Muchene
Depiction of a sad African-American woman. [Courtesy, iStockphoto] When the unfathomable happens, that sudden, brutal or utterly unexpected loss of someone you hold dear, you realise that life is not linear. You feel blindsided by an occurrence that offers no logic or preparation whatsoever. The grief can’t be quantified as the trauma leaves you grappling not only with profound sorrow, but also with shock, disbelief, and an unsettling sense that your reality has been altered forever. As soon as that happens, there is this strong, often misguided, impulse to power through, especially if you have dependents like children or younger…
How to soften cracked heels (Photo: iStock) Having dry, cracked heels can be incredibly uncomfortable. In addition to making you reluctant to show off your feet in sandals and open-backed shoes, they can also be painful. While cracked heels are sometimes a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires a doctor’s attention, more often than not, they can easily be treated with simple, effective remedies. The good news is that there is a solution for everyone, whether you prefer natural home treatments or are open to other options. Regular exfoliation is an excellent remedy, particularly if your feet are…
A Black African couple quarrelling while sitting on the couch. [Courtesy, iStockphoto] Anger in all its forms is a shared and very normal human experience. And while it often gets a bad rap, this powerful emotion isn’t inherently good or bad per se. This powerful emotion arises from a myriad of sources in our daily lives. Common instigators include feelings of unfairness, perceived disrespect, unmet expectations, or a sense of being misunderstood. It builds up when everyday frustrations, such as unexpected inconveniences, interpersonal conflicts, or simply feeling overwhelmed by various responsibilities, pile up. Beyond external events, internal factors such as…
A multi-generational African American family is posing on the sofa in their living room. [File Courtesy] Ideally, when you think of home, it should be a sanctuary of peace and serenity where your closest relationships flourish. However, this isn’t always the case. For many, home is riddled with disagreements and conflicts, an almost inevitable part of life that we all experience. Whether the disagreements concern financial matters, parenting approaches, unmet expectations, or the division of household responsibilities, these challenging moments can test even the strongest family ties. When that happens, many of us instinctively shy away from difficult conversations. And…
How to weatherproof your coils (Photo: iStock) If you’re struggling with shrinkage the minute you step outside, you’re not alone. Cold, rainy weather can be very unforgiving to 4C hair. The drop in temperature, increased humidity and constant exposure to dampness can wreak havoc on moisture retention, making it even more challenging to maintain softness, manageability and overall hair health. For professional women who rely on a polished, put-together look as part of their daily aesthetic, keeping natural coils well-moisturised through these seasonal shifts is crucial. 4C hair, with its tight curl pattern and natural fragility, is more susceptible to…
When your family shuts you out (Photo: iStock) Few things in this life are as painful as feeling shunned or excluded by your own family. For many people, being left out of family events, conversations or decisions can feel like a betrayal. Why this hurts more is because family is where we expect to find belonging. But when that bond is broken, the emotional fallout is usually profound. And that begs the question, why does it happen? Well, the truth is, family exclusion can stem from many places. Sometimes it’s rooted in unresolved conflict, generational misunderstandings, jealousy, or even differences…
Lonely and sad african american woman waiting for message at home. [Courtesy] Few things in this life are as painful as feeling shunned or excluded by your own family. For many people, being left out of family events, conversations or decisions can feel like a betrayal. Why this hurts more is because family is where we expect to find belonging. But when that bond is broken, the emotional fallout is usually profound. And that begs the question, why does it happen? Well, the truth is, family exclusion can stem from many places. Sometimes it’s rooted in unresolved conflict, generational misunderstandings,…