I grudgingly accept washing the dishes with harsh detergents that have worn down my hands. I begrudgingly tolerate washing my clothes with cleaning agents that have turned them into tattered fabrics. But I cannot, and will not, accept putting those chemicals on my face or hair. I love my face too much. And I adore my hair even more!
But I will not wash my face with laundry detergent, nor will I wash my hair with this miserable dishwashing soap!
I started searching YouTube channels for methods to make homemade soap. I found various techniques, but the raw materials needed were unavailable. I stood for a long time, staring at the empty perfume bottle I loved. My God! How did we get here? I can hardly believe what we’ve come to and what we’re living through! Dozens have developed skin diseases from using harsh chemical cleaning agents due to the scarcity of proper cleaning supplies in the markets.
I don’t know how to find a solution!
Suddenly, I remembered the cosmetics bag I had bought just days before the war, preparing for a trip. For a moment, it felt like I was dreaming. My God! The bag I had placed on top of the closet must still be holding everything inside it. I leaped from my spot eagerly and rushed to my room… Climbing onto a chair, I carefully took the bag despite my haste. The moment I opened it, I burst into uncontrollable laughter. My God! Dove soap! Soap for the face, shampoo for the hair, conditioner, hair fragrance, perfume, and other products! My God!
My siblings rushed into the room, eager to discover the source of the sudden fragrance that filled the air. My brother exclaimed: “My God! Perfume? Am I dreaming? It’s been so long since we’ve smelled anything but death and gunpowder. This is an ancient fragrance, where did you get it?”
I began scattering the contents of the bag, laughing as I said to him:
“I told you; I love my face too much… and I’m not going to wash my face or hair with laundry detergent!”
Mariyam Qoush
July 20, 2024
