The BLACK WOMAN’S ULTIMATE PACKING LIST FOR CENTRAL ASIA

This list focuses on essential self-care for Black Women travelling through Central Asia.

If you’re a black woman travelling in Central Asia, the last thing you want to worry about is how the weather will affect your skin and hair. So, I made this list of the most essential things every black female traveller should bring to Central Asia.

This is not a list of EVERYTHING you will need; instead, it is a list of essentials that are difficult to find here.

I have lived in Central Asia for two years. You can buy a lot of affordable, good-quality stuff here. Trust me; you don’t need to bring toilet rolls here.

Central Asia facts:

The dry climate throughout the year

Summers are very sunny, with temperatures reaching around 40 degrees. From March to October, the sun shines brightly. The winters are brutal. Temperatures as low as -24 degrees made last winter one of the coldest on record.
Extreme weather is hard on your hair and skin, but if you come prepared, you won’t have to worry about a thing.

The language barrier

Instructions aren’t written in English, and the alphabet is Cyrillic, so figuring out what you’re buying is hard. It makes sense to exercise caution regarding pharmaceuticals and self-care supplies. In Bishkek, powerful medications can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. This, combined with not understanding what is written on product packages, can lead to severe consequences. While deciding what is safe and what is not, you should bring any necessary self-care and medicines.

Pollution

In Central Asia, air pollution is a severe health risk. The burning of fossil fuels such as coal causes it. Pollution is worsened because locals generate heat by burning rags, plastic, and even tyres.

Tools to help cope with pollution:

• Choose when to come

Pollution is drastically reduced in the summer months because there is no need to burn coal. If visiting rather than relocating, it is better to come in the summer.

• Accommodation

Choose your accommodation wisely. Pollution is reduced outside the centres; avoid city centres and stay in the outskirts closer to the mountains.

The Ultimate Packing List

Air Purifier

An air purifier is a must, and you can buy one here, but if you have the space, bring one. I bought this Xiaomi here for about £100.00. It works well. I only need one for my whole apartment. I have had it for over one year and have not had to change its filter yet.
Central Asia uses the same power plug that is used in Europe. But bring power adaptors for your appliances.

Anti-Allergy Tablets & Sprays

I suffer from pollution when I venture out into the city. To prevent much suffering, I use the antihistamines I brought. It is very effective. The nasal sprays work for immediate relief during an attack.

Mentholated Balms

I grew up with Robb and will never go anywhere without it. It helps decongest, especially at night. An alternative to Robb is Vicks Vapour rub. These are super cheap but very effective for decongestion.

Sunscreen

Women of colour need to wear sunscreen. Period! There are many options in Bishkek, but they all make your skin look white and chalky. Find an excellent mineral-based sunscreen that dries clear and protects your skin. I wear sunscreen all year round and increase the SPF as the weather gets Warmer.
During the day, I use an SPF 15; indoors in winter, if I am popping for a short time, I use an SPF 25. I ramp things up to SPF 50 if out and about in spring and summer. Indoors, I still use the low SPF creams.

Face Creams

Stick to what you know, but remember that the climate is dry. What has worked for you in the past might not work here. My skin was oily/combination before I moved to Central Asia. Two years in, my skin is no longer oily and is now normal. This is because the weather is drier. I have a day cream, the SPF mentioned above, and a hydrating night cream.
Try these (Amazon link)

Shampoo

When it comes to black women’s hair, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. But we can all agree on a few things a good shampoo should have. Afro hair needs to be washed, hydrated, and nourished correctly. My hair is dry and prone to breakage. I choose shampoos that are hydrating with no sulphates. Know your hair type and bring a bottle or two of a shampoo that works. Every shampoo I have seen here has sulphate and will dry out your hair. Try these (Amazon link)

Hair Mask and Conditioners

The dryness of Afro hair is pronounced in central Asia. I had to cut my hair after a year here. I have since learned my lesson. So you need conditioners that strengthen your hair and promote growth. Find conditioners specifically designed for black hair because these are richer in emollients and moisture to enhance your natural curls and coils.

Remember, the air here is dry all year; without these essential items, your hair would suffer.

Hair Moisturiser

With this one, I’m not going to mince words. During the year, the humidity is extremely low. A moisturiser with high emollient characteristics is essential for your hair. Shea butter is an excellent moisture-locking sealant. I’ve been using Shea butter since I was a small child in Nigeria. Way before it was trendy. It worked for me back then and still works for me now.

You only need a small jar because a little goes a long way. Unprocessed Shea butter is best.

You can make your shea Butter smoother by mixing it with other oils. Olive oil and coconut oil are sold here. The quality of the Olive oil is excellent, but I haven’t bought coconut oil here, so I can’t say how good it is.

Since you can’t get shea butter here, putting it on your list of things to bring is essential.

Body Moisturiser

Moisturisers are available, but they are water-based. It feels amazing when first applied but quickly dries, leaving the skin crusty. So, to battle the dryness, I mix some olive oil into my moisturiser or apply a layer of olive oil on top of my moisturiser. This method works for me, but some friends need more than this to battle dry and flaky skin. If you have dry skin, carry a moisturiser that works well for you. Try these (Amazon link)

Hair Extensions

You can choose to wear hair extensions or not. It depends on how you wear your hair. I like to keep mine from drying out by wearing it in a protective style. Since I’m busy and don’t want to do my hair daily, I choose to “jumbo braid” myself once a month. Here, you’ll find easy ways to braid your hair.

Xpression hair extensions are a lifesaver. I brought four bundles with me, and I’ve used them repeatedly because they are indestructible and still look good as new. So, you save money by reusing the same packs, and you are environmentally friendly. The trick is to make big braids that are easy to make and take apart. Wash it with warm water and a cheap shampoo, then brush it out.
Amazon link to extensions

Shine n Jam

Since I moved to Central Asia, I have had to do my hair. Shine n Jam styling gel is the one thing that has made the process easier. I LOVE IT. It feels great in my hair. It doesn’t dry out my hair and helps keep the moisture in.

I learned about the gel from this YouTube video on how to braid my hair—an absolute must-see. The gel is the critical component in this.

Makeup

If you wear makeup, you must bring your foundation and concealer at least. I have seen make-up for black women in Bishkek. I was pleasantly surprised, but you will be challenged to find your shade. Brands like L’Oréal Paris,  Maybelline, Revlon exist here.

For some reason, Vaseline does not exist in these parts. Every time I travel to London, my Kyrgyz friends beg me to bring back Vaseline. If you are a user of Vaseline, bring some with you. Vaseline serves well as a lip moisturiser, among other things.

A Big Scarf

One of the most versatile items in your bag is your scarf. It will keep you warm and protect you from the sun, and if it rains, you may use it as an emergency towel or to cover yourself up as required by local customs. The possibilities are endless! You can buy scarves here, but the quality ranges from very good and expensive to cheap but smells of industrial chemicals. I don’t buy clothes here for this very reason.

Final thoughts

The good news is that Central Asia is a beautiful, exciting place with many cultures to explore. Come prepared for extreme weather, and you will be fine.

We all have needs beyond self-care, like what to where eat and hang out with. If you want to know more, please check my other Central Asia blogs.

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