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    Himba Beauty Salon

    Photos from Namibia

    There are [5] photos from Namibia

    The process of reapplying the hairs casing usually takes a whole day and soon the women begin to get restless. The final process is a skilful and delicate one which only a few can master, but as the sun begins to set on another day so does the hardening ochre in the final stages of the the Himba beauty salon. Views[1271] Once the daily chores are completed and the days temperature begins to soar, the women retreat back to the shade where their beauty salon continues. A Himba woman's hair is drawn into dreadlocks and encased in a thick ochre casing which adds to their beauty, but it is a laborious process that requires all hands to assist removing and replacing the delicate casing every 4 weeks or so. Views[801] The Ochre is mixed with portions of thickened butter fat which is smeared all over the women's body to produce a bright red sheen. All of the females pitch in to help each other access areas that a single woman cannot. All of the Himba women share the work load in a village regardless of the task, their age or stature. Views[1199] Once the women are feeling fresh again after their fragrant smoke bath they set about grinding down small stones of ochre. Rhythmically the women work away grinding the red stones down into a very fine powder. Views[1914] As soon as a Himba women wakes she begins her daily beauty ritual. The small fire that has smouldered all night inside her hut is then transformed into her mornings bath tub. Fragrant herbs are added to the fire as the women straddle themselves closely to the smoke and cover themselves with a large blanket, trapping the smoke, eliminating any unhygienic odours that may have accumulated over the previous 24 hours. Views[1838]
     

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