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The first blast of sandy wind cuts across my face like a knife, carrying with it the unmistakable scent of dried earth and distant desert. The Harmattan season is a force of nature that demands respect and careful preparation
Imagine a wind so powerful it can turn lush green landscapes into dusty, muted canvases. The Harmattan season is more than just a weather pattern – it’s a climatic force that sweeps down from the Sahara, typically between December and February, bringing with it a unique set of challenges that test the resilience of every West African.
Growing up in Nigeria, I learned early that the Harmattan was not to be taken lightly. My grandmother would begin preparing weeks in advance, laying out special clothes to cover furniture, stocking up on petroleum jelly, and ensuring our home was prepared for the onslaught of dry, dusty winds.
The Harsh Realities of the Harmattan Season
During this season, humidity can drop to as low as 15%, transforming the environment into something resembling a natural dehydrator. I recall my grandmother’s hands — weathered like tree bark during these months, her skin telling stories of countless Harmattan seasons.
The air becomes so dry that wooden furniture starts to crack, clothes feel crisp to the touch, and your skin begins to feel like it’s been stretched over a desert landscape.
I’ve watched countless friends and family members battle the season’s harsh effects:
- Skin so dry it develops microscopic cracks
- Lips that split and bleed with the slightest movement
- Respiratory issues triggered by the fine dust particles
- Increased susceptibility to colds and respiratory infections
Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, dropping to near-freezing in the early mornings and climbing to uncomfortable heat by midday.
A Comprehensive Skin Care Strategy
1. Water is not enough
During Harmattan, you need strategic hydration.
- Start your day with a large glass of warm water with a slice of lemon
- Aim for at least 3 liters daily
- Include hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, and coconut water
Herbal teas like moringa or ginger can provide additional moisture and boost your immune system.
2. Moisturizing: A multi-layered approach
Forget lightweight moisturizers—the Harmattan demands heavy artillery.
- Use a base layer of pure shea butter (directly from West African producers if possible)
- Follow with a glycerin-based moisturizer
- Apply petroleum jelly on extremely dry areas like elbows, heels, and lips
- Carry a travel-sized moisturizer everywhere
Note: Pay special attention to areas prone to cracking—heels, elbows, lips, and hands.
3. Protective armor against the dust
Scarves become multipurpose—protecting your neck, filtering dust, and adding a layer of warmth during temperature shifts
- Invest in silk or satin scarves to cover your hair and face
- Wear long-sleeved, light-colored clothing
- Use protective glasses to shield your eyes from dust
- Keep a small spray bottle with rose water for quick facial refreshment
Note: You can light wool or fleece layers that can be easily removed.
Navigating Health Challenges
The Harmattan’s dust can turn breathing into a challenge. Personal strategies I’ve learned:
1. Respiratory health: creating your microclimate
In my family, we had a saying: “Protect your breath, protect your life.” During the Harmattan, this meant creating personal microclimates. Use a humidifier in your living and sleeping spaces. Use N95 masks when outdoors.
Keep a small spray bottle of water nearby to periodically mist your face and create a temporary moisture barrier. Consider using saline nasal sprays to keep nasal passages clear and moisturized. Prepare homemade steam inhalations with eucalyptus or mint
2. Nutrition: fueling internal resilience
Your diet becomes a shield against the Harmattan’s assault. Start mornings with ginger, turmeric, and honey tea. Increase intake of foods rich in healthy fats—avocados, nuts, fish.
Soups become more than meals; they’re hydration strategies. Traditional West African soups like groundnut soup or light okra soup not only nourish but also provide essential moisture. Consider supplements like Vitamin D and zinc
3. Clothing: your mobile protection zone
Layer intelligently. Start with breathable, light cotton closest to your skin. Add light wool or fleece layers that can be easily removed.
Scarves become multipurpose—protecting your neck, filtering dust, and adding a layer of warmth during temperature shifts.
4. Mental preparation: the invisible survival skill
Beyond physical strategies, mental resilience matters. The Harmattan can feel endless, but it’s temporary. Connect with the community, share survival stories, and remember that this challenging season is part of your cultural heritage.
Final Wisdom
Harmattan is not just a season – it’s an experience, a memory, a connection to our roots. Prepare meticulously, and protect yourself zealously, but don’t forget to marvel at its raw, transformative beauty.
Survive. Thrive. Embrace.
