by Sophie Abache
One morning last week, I woke up to a foggy and dry atmosphere. I was a bit confused till it hit me that it was November and so Harmattan had come!
Harmattan is a cold, dry and dusty trade wind that blows over the West African subcontinent. It usually occurs between the end of November and the middle of March. The name “Harmattan” is said to have been derived from “haramata”, which means an evil thing/ likely to cause harm in Akan language (The major native language of the Akan people who can be found in Ghana and Ivory Coast).
OK, enough of the GEO 101! If you’ve lived in Nigeria or any other West-African country, you’d be familiar with this season – Harmattan. It is typically characterised by dust-laden wind, dryness, irregular temperatures, hair loss, chapped lips, Christmas, Apollo, beautiful warm clothing, etc. Harmattan can have you suited like an Eskimo in the morning, and desperately seeking a cold ocean to dive into by noon.
I asked people around me these questions and i got various responses;
- What do you like about Harmattan season?
- What do you not like about Harmattan season?
- If you had the power to remove it from our system, would you?
Most times we are more reactive to Harmattan than proactive. Most of us – I inclusive – do not take precautionary measures to prevent some effects of Harmattan. We act only after the weather begins to affect us negatively. Here are some tips to see you through this period;
• Oil! Oil! Oil!
It is no news that Harmattan causes body extremities like dryness of the skin, hair breakage, cracking of the lips, sole of the feet and even the skin in some cases. If your body lotion is too dry for the season, my dear dump it! Dump it or mix it with any of the oils that suits you most; coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, argon oil, or castor oil. You don’t want to walk around all white and dry, looking like Harmattan’s cousin. Make sure you use moisturizing body lotions and creams with sun screen. Personally, Shea butter is my BFF as it serves for both hair and body. However, some people feel Shea butter is too “heavy” for their skin. Luckily, we still have good old Vaseline. Bear in mind though that too much oil can attract dust so like everything else, apply with moderation. Ladies, I’m sure we all know that we should protect our hair thoroughly this season. If your hair is natural, it has more chances of withstanding the drying effects of the tough weather but protective styling is not a bad idea. If your hair has been relaxed, keep it braided or better still fix weaves. Whatever the case may be, keep your hair moisturised and use a silk hair scarf to protect and keep it tidy. I know we like to look stylish with beautiful colours of lipstick and all but this is the time when we should prioritise the condition of our lips over fashion. As earlier stated, the dryness of the weather can cause our lips to crack so bring out that lip gloss/ balm from the bottom of your make-up purse. This goes for the men folk as well. If you haven’t already, go and get yourself lip balm or Chapet to save you from chapped lips. Another important thing we should have on us at all times is hand cream. You will use the convenience, you will wash your hands, and whatever moisture you had on before will be washed off, hence the hand cream.
• Never go out unprepared
The air is usually really dry at this time so some people have spontaneous nosebleeds. Excessive sneezing, sore throats, cough and catarrh are some of the symptoms common to most people. Another respiratory problem that comes with Harmattan is aggravated asthma. Ensure to have a handkerchief or hand towel on you at all times to cover your nose and mouth with. If you are asthmatic, please always have your inhaler on you. If you must exercise, do it indoors. Take a preventive dose of your asthma medicine before heading outside.
•Pay attention to your eyes
Itching and redness of the eyes are common this season because our eyes are directly exposed to the dust particles carried by the wind. Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis aka Apollo is also rampant around this time. It is important that you take proper and deliberate care of your eyes by washing with clean water and reducing their exposure to dust by wearing sunglasses. Also, always check your eyebrows and lashes for dust whenever you get to your destination. This habit could save you from embarrassment.
• Pull out those warm clothing from the bottom of your closet
It is cold. For most of the 24 hours in a day, it is cold. Sweaters, shawls, wind breakers, suits, jackets, and blazers are some of the things you should be considering. They are flexible and can be worn formally or casually, with plain trousers, jeans or chinos. If you stay or work in a dusty area, avoid wearing black clothing. Also, wearing suitable night wear is very essential as nights and early mornings are usually cold during Harmattan. Endeavour to get pyjamas made of wool, instead of light cotton. Thick, long socks and head warmers would come in handy as well.
•Goodbye sandals, hello covered shoes
It is advised to wear covered shoes and boots this season for obvious reasons. If you are a sandals person, this is that time of the year when you’d have to chill out.
• Be extra careful if you’re a Sickle Cell Patient
I read that the cold, dry and dusty wind accompanying Harmattan triggers sickle cell crisis in affected individuals. Patients should be vigilant and keep warm as much as possible to prevent crisis.
• Always have a bottle of water
What does water not do? Having a bottle of water with you at all times may come in really handy this Harmattan period. From keeping your body hydrated, to wetting your hand towel when you have to wipe dust off your clothes or shoes, etc.
• Wash your fruits and veggies squeaky clean
Before you consume any fruit or vegetable, ensure you wash them thoroughly because of the dusty atmosphere. Sellers should think up ways to preserve their products as they tend to dry up faster during this season.
•Prepare for flightdisappointments
Because of the fogginess that comes with Harmattan (Harmattan haze), airlines sometimes have to cancel or divert flights. Prepare your mind for all these if you’ll be taking any trip via air this season.
• Avoid indiscriminate burning of refuse
Most fire accidents in Nigeria occur during the Harmattan season. All fires should not be left unattended and we should properly dispose our refuse.
I’d like to appeal to the general public to help homeless people that you come across in whatever capacity that you can. Both the mentally ill and the sane that poverty has rendered homeless. Even if you cannot provide shelter, your old cardigans and trousers can go a long way.
I asked myself the same questions I asked people about Harmattan and I didn’t even have to think about the first one for too long. I like the Harmattan season. At first I couldn’t place my finger on why I like it (It’s not like my body is tolerant of cold), and then I remembered Christmas! Harmattan feels like Christmas. The beginning of the Harmattan season marks the beginning of the countdown to Christmas and Christmas marks the beginning of the countdown to my birthday (January 1st)! That’s why! That’s the only reason why! LOL!
I hope this write-up was/ will be helpful to you and your family. Happy holidays in advance!
NB: Parents and teachers, please mind how you flog children during this time as flogging is most painful during the Harmattan season. I went to a boarding school so trust me; I know what I’m saying. Thank you for your cooperation.
- Sophie Abache writes from Abuja and she tweets @Sopheenarh
