Himba Red Ochre Beauty
Namibia’s Himba women maintain a striking appearance using otjize paste, a mixture of red ochre and fat. They apply this vibrant coating daily to skin and hair, creating their signature rust-colored glow. Beyond beauty, the paste serves practical purposes, protecting skin from harsh desert sun and insect bites. Each region produces slightly different red hues based on local ochre sources. Traditional mixing techniques pass through generations.
