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Afghan Beauty Rituals

Afghan Beauty Rituals The Afghan people are well known for their culture, which they take great pleasures in. As a result, many Afghan woman and men place a high value on Afghan beauty practices, as Afghan culture heavily impacts them. The Afghan people were taught these rituals as children and grew up with them, in order to preserve and defend their legacy while also paying homage to their roots. These customs are passed down through generations which is why many Afghans today continue engaging in these rituals in order to honor their ancestors and culture.

Sormah/ kohl

Kohl or otherwise known as kajal, is common cosmetic products used by both men and women as a form of beauty rituals. Traditionally kajal or kohl, is made from grinding a stibnite rock into a powder and mixed with almond oil, for a creamer texture. You apply kohl, by applying it to the waterline of your eye. To create a Smokey dark look. The purpose of kajal or kohl, is to enhance the beauty of Afghan people’s eyes and "to keep evil eye away"(Clark). This practice has been used for many decades in Afghanistan. From early religious time till now, Afghanistan is an Islamic country, and their prophet explained that there are "medical benefits for the use of kajal, as it protects eyes and from diseases".(Clark) Eyes are particularly important to Afghan culture and enhancing this feature is a part of embracing ancient tradition that has been passed down through generations.

Henna

Henna, also known as mehndi, is a natural dye derived from the leaves of the henna plant. It has been used for centuries as a form of body art in various cultures around the world. In Afghanistan, henna holds a special significance for women, who use it as a form of beauty ritual for various occasions such as weddings, Eid celebrations, and other festive events. "This practice is used to celebrate and bring happiness and good luck"(Bayt Al Fann). Afghan women apply intricate henna designs on their hands and feet to adorn themselves and enhance their beauty. The process of applying henna is considered therapeutic and relaxing, as it involves intricate patterns and designs that require skill and creativity. The henna paste is applied to the skin, left to dry, and then washed off, leaving behind a temporary, reddish-brown stain that can last for several days. The rich cultural heritage and tradition of using henna as a form of beauty ritual is deeply ingrained in Afghan society and continues to be a cherished practice among women of all ages.

Sang-e-Surkh

Afghan pumice stone is seen constantly in Afghan beauty rituals. This rock is a natural volcanic rock, that’s well known for its exfoliating uses. Making it a very important tool for Afghan men and women, to have smooth and healthy-looking skin. Afghanistan people use this exfoliating tool to remove dead skin cells on their feet, arms, hands, and elbows. The outcome of this process allows them to have smooth and healthy skin. The Afghan Culture takes great pride in their appearance, because of there Islamic beliefs, being clean hold significant importance in Islam. And since Islamic reasons shapes Afghan culture, being clean is important for the Afghani people as well. Many Afghan women use this stone in daily self-care, and often use it with other natural beauty products like oils and soaps.

Rosa damascene/ Rose oil

Rose oil is a essential oil from Rose damascene flower. "Afghans take great pride in Rose damascene for religious importance and beauty practices. Afghan woman have been using this rose oil, for many centuries as a form of beauty practice"(WSC Admin) Rose oil is well known for its excellent hydration and anti-inflammatory properties. It known to help those with redness, reduce inflammation and leave skin soft and glowy. Commonly practiced by Afghani woman, they would mix rose oil, "with any other oils to create a natural moisturizer"(Grey Group International). They would also be seen using rose oil as a natural perfume, because Rose oil has a a great floral scent. This beauty practices is essential for many Afghans, by allowing them to take good care of their skin and enhance their appearance. Afghan women take great pride in this routine because it allows them to feel more connected to their traditions and history, by using natural remedies.

Sheen Khaal

Sheen Khaal, meaning dots, is a blue or black tattoo that is seen on many Afghan women faces. These dots are traditionally tattooed on either a woman’s chin, cheeks, and foreheads. This practice is done by two simple tools a sharp stick and tattoo dye. This practice was believed to hold medical practice to treat body or face pains. As well as woman believed "this beauty treatment would signify one’s beauty and to protect oneself from evil eye"(Sheen Kaal). However, this practice has died down, since Afghanistan became a major Islamic country and majority of the population is Muslim. Because in Islam tattoos are prohibited or seen as a sin. Many people gave up this practice to follow their religion. But you may still see older women having sheen khaal still on their faces or many people still use this beauty treatment with other cosmetics, such as eyeliner or black marker or pencil. As it is more of nonpermanent tattoo and can be easily removed.

Lawang

Lawang is a traditional necklace or bracelet and or accessory that is made of cloves. Cloves were used as a aromatic and fragment plant. That allowed both genders to smell good. Lawang could also be considered a clothing perfume, in which people would wear it with their clothes. It allowed woman and men, to feel and smell good.

References

“The Art of Henna in Muslim Cultures.” Bayt Al Fann, Bayt Al Fann, 23 July 2022, www.baytalfann.com/post/the-art-of-henna-in-muslim-cultures#:~:text=Afghan%20tradition%20holds%20that%20henna,Adha%2C%20milad%20and%20other%20events.

Clark, Kate. “The Daily Hustle: The Ancient Art of Making Surma.” Afghanistan Analysts Network - English, 14 May 2024, www.afghanistan-analysts.org/en/reports/context-culture/the-daily-hustle-the-ancient-art-of-making-surma/.

Insights, GGI. “Beauty Rituals: Skincare and Self-Care with Natural Beauty Rituals.” Gray Group International, Gray Group International LLC, 21 Mar. 2024, www.graygroupintl.com/blog/beauty-rituals#:~:text=To%20enhance%20facial%20skincare%2C%20Afghan,and%20promote%20a%20radiant%20complexion.

SheenKhaal,pashtuncultureandhistory.blogspot.com/2010/08/sheen-khaal.html?m=1. Accessed 21 July 2024.

Wsc-Admin. “Afghanistan.” World Sensorium / Conservancy, 18 Apr. 2022, worldsensorium.com/afghanistan/.