5 Simple Ways To Indulge In Effortless Yoni Self-Care
Self-love means also caring for your yoni. For years, women openly discussing their yoni was taboo. Growing up, the only "yoni talk" between my Puerto Rican mother and I was, "You better not come in my house pregnant." My mother's words scared me straight, so I steered away from acknowledging my yoni altogether. My yoni and I were complete strangers. As I got older, the fear of exploring my yoni rolled into the lack of acceptance of my own body and sexual expression. It took me years to freely discover myself or even look at her.
Now, thanks to radical feminism and the body positivity movement on social media, I have fully embraced my yoni. I've learned taking great care of our yonis is a way of honoring our temple. The female anatomy is beautiful and you should never feel embarrassed or uncomfortable to connect with it. Since taking care of your yoni is indeed a form of self-care, here are 5 self-care practices for your vag, vajayjay, yoni, or if you're a millennial or a Gen Z-er, your WAP.
Don’t Curve Your Gyno
Shutterstock
Hey, I get it. I'm not thirsty for a pap smear either, but as a woman it's part of the job. For those of you who aren't familiar, a pap smear is a procedure used to collect cells from the cervix as a means to test for cervical cancer. Getting a pap smear can reduce the risk of cancer, STIs, and other health-related issues. According to sources like Women's Health, it is recommended that women get a pap smear every three years and/or during yearly wellness checks.
Cancel Douching, Consider Yoni Steaming Instead.
In recent years (thanks to Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle brand GOOP), yoni steaming has become very popular. Yoni steaming is a natural remedy facial for your vagina. The remedy stems from ancient medicine. Women are instructed to infuse a variety of herbs into a steaming pot of water. When the steam comes to a comfortable temperature, you may sit over it for anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes. According to Healthline some benefits to steaming are allegedly hormone imbalance, generalized pain, stress, depression, and hemorrhoids.
Women have also praised yoni steaming for healing deep wounds from sexual trauma and honoring their womanhood. It is also celebrated for its alleged ability to restore balance as well as being a catalyst for healing. Steaming can be done at home or in spas that specialize in yoni steaming. It is best to take into consideration that yoni steaming has not been scientifically proven to improve vaginal health. If you attempt to partake, do so at your own risk.
Use Fragrance-Free Feminine Wash.
Shutterstock
According to Mary Bogel, a pelvic floor physical therapist who shared her thoughts with Elite Daily, using fragrance soap to clean your vagina can be too over-drying. Instead, she suggested using a castile soap or glycerin soap and advised women to look for soap with a pH between 5.3 and 7.3. Harsh-scented soaps are not needed to cleanse the vagina. The beautiful thing about our yoni is it contains a healthy amount of bacteria and it's also capable of self-cleaning. I love a good Lush bath bomb as much as the next person, but for the sake of yoni self-care, it's best to be mindful of such products. If you love to indulge in baths, please consider natural bath balms. DIY vaginal washes are also a great way to honor your yoni.
If You Don’t Use Condoms Or Lube, We Not Linking.
Part of honoring your yoni is protecting your temple. Safe sex is always great sex. According to the STD-Center, women have a 60-90% chance of being infected by another male. The chances of those women being women of color are even higher. Safe sex is also great with lube. Using lube helps enhance your sexual experience and is overall easier on your yoni. According to ippf.org, using lube decreases your chances of injury during sex. To find the best lubrication for you and your yoni, check out our article on the site, "If You've Always Wanted A 'Lubricant Cheat Sheet,' Here Ya Go".
Going Commando Hits Different!
Shutterstock
Yes, we know you are obsessed with your Savage x Fenty panties, but let her breathe honey! She needs her space! It's OK if you don't feel comfortable going commando during the day. Going commando while you are wearing jeans might not be a good fit, sis. However, going commando at night can be more of a practical choice for most women and allows you to still tap into the benefits of going commando. According to Healthline, going commando means fewer chances of having a yeast infection (not cute). Another added benefit is the reduced chances of vaginal odor.
At the end of the day, honor your yoni like she's Beyonce. We are queens and as queens, we need to pay homage to our yonis. Our yoni is the entryway to our kingdom, our energy, and our divine femininity. We hope you radically accept your yoni for the beauty she is and honor her the way she deserves.
Are you a member of our insiders squad? Join us in the xoTribe Members Community today!
Featured image by Shutterstock
- How Do You Perform a Vaginal Self-Exam? - xoNecole: Women's ... ›
- What Are Yoni Detox Pearls, Vagina Detox - xoNecole: Women's ... ›
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line CÉCRED & Here's My Honest Review
Beyoncé is snatching our wallets yet again with her latest business venture CÉCRED. In 2023, the Texas native hinted at a potential haircare line when she posted this photo causing fans to speculate that her next project would be focused on her famous tresses - they were right. Her haircare line Cécred launched on February 20 with her first drop called The Foundation Collection which focuses on haircare first, and I can only assume that a style product line for colored-treated hair will likely follow since Beyoncé is known for slaying various shades of blonde.
As a super fan since the early 2000s, it was only right that I give an honest review of the full line and purchase the Super Fan Bundle (retailed at $265) which includes the full product line of the 8 products, as well as a branded cosmetic bag. If you’re thinking, “Girl that bundle is too pricey for me,” I can assure you that for the value you're getting, the price is quite reasonable. This bundle was an intentional and marketable way to allow consumers to experience every Cécred product.
The brand messaging surrounding Cécred has been salon-inspired, and rightfully so as an ode to Beyoncé’s upbringing growing up in her mother’s hair salon in Houston. This line is backed by science and licensed cosmetologists showing that she’s done her research and appointed the experts. Cécred's IG feed has been filled with images and videos inside of hair salons including some videos of Ms. Tina herself assisting in the styling of beauty experts who visited Cécred's private salon to have the VIP treatment!
Now, have I seen influencers, consumers, and beauty stylists using the Foundation Collection at home? Yes, but I thought it was best to experience Cécred with my go-to cosmetologist who also happens to be my Auntie Tawana. She has been my educator and go-to for hair knowledge since I was a child and has had a hand in my mom's hair health which has always been goals for me. As a little girl, my Saturdays were spent sitting in her hair salon while my mama got her hair done as I patiently waited reading Jet and ESSENCE, ever so carefully eavesdropping on the conversations of the ladies who were coming for much more than just a beauty routine, but an experience.
I’d fall asleep on the plush couch in the waiting area flipping through magazines while listening to the sultry sounds of Maxwell. And I had my first lesson in breakup empowerment when I heard Sunshine Anderson’s “Heard It All Before.” So there was no other place for me to go than to see her, and because I’m her niece, I was able to visit her private salon in her home that she calls The After Hours where upon arrival I was greeted with my favorite Black-owned sparkling Rosé, candles lit, and my aunt’s breakdown of Cécred.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
But let me refocus and share my salon experience as I tried Cécred for the first time.
If You’re Wondering…Who is Cécred For?
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
When news of Beyoncé potentially launching a beauty brand hit the internet, there were a bunch of predictions of what and who the line would be marketed towards and if she’d have any wig care products as she’s known for slaying her units! But she went in a totally different direction which I love, and I’m going to tell you why. Critics have questioned if Beyoncé should be venturing into the haircare industry because she is often seen in weaves and wigs, but true Beyoncé fans know that she has healthy hair and that, like many Black women, experiments with various styles.
Cécred was created for all hair types and textures, including straight to coily, virgin, color-treated, chemically processed, and heat-styled. As a Black woman who has worn wigs, had chemically processed hair, heat-styled, natural, and color-treated hair, let me tell you, this was no easy feat! The amount of money I’ve spent on my hair through its various changes just on product alone, forget styling has been astronomical.
Cécred is serving the needs of various hair types in textures and I truly believe that this is going to make Beyoncé a true competitor in the hair industry amongst brands that are comparable such as OUAI and Olaplex. Both competitor brands have similar items at a higher price point and unlike Cécred, their products and brand messaging haven’t always felt inclusive to Black women and other hair types.
Cécred has been tested inclusively and the reviews from various hair types and backgrounds of consumers are allowing the brand to stand out.
I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line Cécred: My Honest Review
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
My hair has never felt cleaner and it shined for well over a week following the styling (but the oil should be used sparingly if like me, oil can weigh down your hair.) Immediately when my hair touched the sink, my aunt told me that she saw all the dirt and oils lifting from my hair when she applied the clarifying shampoo. As a girl who loves my curls, I am often judgy when I use any other shampoo and conditioner aside from Pattern, but not this time.
When my aunt guided my hands across my hair, she showed me how my curls weren’t tangled, and how she didn’t need to comb out my curls before applying the moisturizing deep conditioner or the deconstructing treatment mask.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
She applied each step with care and walked me through the process, and to my surprise, the hair mask wasn’t thick - but through trial and error as a natural girl, I’ve learned that a thick mask doesn’t always equal what’s best for your hair. She styled me with a silk press that left my hair with shine and I can honestly say that each step of the line is needed especially if you are someone who changes up your hair and deals with breakage. If your hair is healthy, you can opt out of the reconstructing treatment mask but I recommend taking the product line to your salon, having a discussion with your stylist on where your hair health needs improvement, and then purchasing based on that.
We know ourselves better than anyone else, but your stylist knows your hair better than you do. I like to lead with their knowledge first and then incorporate what my hair goals are. If you’re a girly who’s committed to hair health and has either the discipline to incorporate each step at home or can bring your products to the salon, Cécred is for you no matter if you’re a silk press or a wash-and-go naturalist.
Give Cécred a try, I’ll be using the line for my hair appointments until it runs out and if I see long-term results, it will be added to the beauty regimen indefinitely.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image courtesy of CÉCRED