One of the most frequent questions I get is: “Vera, how do I care for my waist beads? How do I make them last longer? Can I bathe with them?” And trust me, this question pops up so often that if I had a cedi for every time I heard it, I’d have a second studio by now.
So today, let’s break it all down — the do’s, the don’ts, and the Taltohma way of keeping your beads looking as stunning as the day you tied them on. At the end of the day, I’ll share our signature Tohma Care Routine — the same one we use in our studio to keep our beads fresh, fragrant, and forever fine.
Before we dive in, though, here’s the first truth: whether or not you should bathe with your waist beads depends on what you use them for. Waist beads serve different purposes for different women. For some, they act as a weight management gauge — a quiet, honest friend who tells you when the fufu was a little too good. For others, they serve a far more… intimate purpose — what we politely call “African lingerie.” WINK.
The material used also plays a big role. Traditionally, waist beads were made of glass, but today, many artists (myself included) use materials like plastic glow beads, crystal-coated beads, or metallic charms. These materials, though beautiful, can lose their shine when they’re constantly exposed to water, soap, and heat. Think of it this way — would you bathe in your favorite gown every day and expect it to still sparkle? Exactly.
Now, don’t get me wrong — if you ask most waist bead artists whether you can bathe in your beads, they’ll smile and say, “Oh yes!” And part of that is good marketing — we don’t want to scare you off. But between us, the real answer is “You can… but not forever.” Bathing with your beads regularly wears down their brilliance. Water and soap residue dull the colors, pomade buildup affects their sheen, and over time, the thread weakens and can even start to smell — yes, subtle, but still!
Let’s talk about that thread for a second. It’s the unsung hero of your waist beads, holding all that beauty together. But like anything that spends its days pressed against your skin, it needs care. When it’s constantly damp, it frays, tangles, and eventually breaks. And trust me, beads falling off unexpectedly during a romantic moment is not the kind of surprise anyone wants!
And while we’re at it — if your beads have clasps, particularly the barrel clasp, take note: over time, water exposure can twist or rust it, rendering the entire strand useless. So, when in doubt, take them off before you bathe. If you wear your beads for weight management, you can keep them on longer — just make sure to air dry them afterwards. For your bedroom beads, though? Keep them safely stored away in something special — like our gorgeous Tohma Pot, which you can find in the store section of our website.
Now that we’ve covered the “why,” let’s talk about the “how.”
How to Care for Your Tohma — The Taltohma Way
Caring for your waist beads isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit of love and intentionality. Here’s the Taltohma-approved method to keep them clean, fresh, and irresistible:
- Gather your items: You’ll need a container, warm water, a bit of shower gel, your favorite perfume, and your Tohma Pot (or any dedicated bead container).
- Mix and clean: Pour warm water into the container and add a small amount of shower gel. Swish it around until it lathers. Drop your beads in and gently swish until they’re clean.
- Rinse & dry: Rinse them under running water and lay them out in the open to air dry completely. Never tuck them away while damp!
- Add your scent: Once dry, spray them lightly with your favorite perfume. This not only keeps them fresh but adds a personal touch — like sealing your energy into your beads.
- Store with love: Place them neatly into your Tohma Pot, close it gently, and smile — your beads are ready for their next moment of magic.
At Taltohma, we believe that caring for your waist beads isn’t just about maintenance — it’s a form of self-love. The same way you nurture your body, skin, or hair, your beads deserve that same care and attention. After all, they’re more than accessories; they’re extensions of your story, your sensuality, and your identity as an African woman.
So, the next time you tie on your beads, remember: every strand carries energy. Treat them the way you’d treat yourself — with gentleness, pride, and a little perfume for good measure.
Do you bathe with your beads, or do you have your own care routine? I’d love to hear your experience! Share your bead-care rituals or tag @Taltohma on Instagram with your Tohma Care moment. Let’s teach the world the beauty of caring for our culture — one strand at a time.
Happy Beading.
Vera (Artist, Photographer & Bead Instructor at TALTOHMA)
References
Mensah, R. (2021). The Evolution of African Body Adornment: From Symbolism to Self-Expression. Journal of African Material Culture, 17(2), 98–112. Available at: https://journals.ub.ac.za/jamc2021
Abiodun, R. (2017). The African Aesthetic: Cultural Memory and Visual Meaning. Indiana University Press. Available at: https://iupress.org/9780253034152/the-african-aesthetic/
Adusei-Poku, S. (2023). The Care Aesthetics of African Womanhood. Feminist Africa, 29(4), 23–35. Available at: https://feministafrica.net/article/the-care-aesthetics-of-african-womanhood