8. Toulekouna Oil

This earthy scented oil is found primarily in the Casamance region of Southern Senegal. It is well known for it’s skin toning abilities and can not be found at many places. Think of it as Senegal’s little secret.

7. Aloe Vera

Found on sidewalks and gardens all across Dakar, you can ask a neighbor to cut a piece off but whatever you do..don’t get caught stealing Aloe Vera from in front of someone’s house at 11:PM with a knife….the guard may get upset and chase you away or something  👀. Anways, aloe vera is awesome for pre-pooing, leave-ins, and homemade conditioning creams.

6. Coconut Oil

Big local bottles can be found for 7,500 cfa in the market. Coconut oil is amazing for so many things. You can use it for body oil for radiant skin, oil-pulling for healthy teeth, pre-pooing for softer hair, make-up remover, and oil rinses for your morning face wash.

5. Baobab oil 

Coming from the Baobab tree, the fruit is dried and then processes into oil. It is usually used for body and hair purposes. Its rich in vitamins A, D, E, and F, it’s awesome for evening out your complexion  and wrinkles.

4. Black Soap

This is the Queen of getting your skin right. Whenever you see those gorgeous women walking around the beach with beautiful clear skin, be sure there is some black soap somewhere in their cabinet.

3. Local Honey

You can find this from your local fruit vendor. Honey is really good for clearing blemishes. It’s also really good when you have a cold or one of them terrible  dusk-institgaed flu symptoms. Mix with lime, kinkeleba tea/mint tea,  vodka/rum, and the honey. Say good-bye mucus!

2.  Shea butter (called Karite locally)

Great for creating DIY hair products and skin care. Karite is an awesome moisturizer and some people even eat it. Most of the Karite here in Dakar comes from Mali and other neighboring countries.

1. Henna

Although not originally from Senegal, I believe the Islamic presence brought in the usage of henna as artistic body art.  It is usually seen at  marriage and naming ceremonies. The designs come in many different styles and I was told only married woman were supposed to get henna on their feet, just a heads up!