Whew! What wake up call this series has been so far (for us at least). If you've missed the previous 4 articles of this series, click here to read up from the start.

Let's dive into what it means to "glow-up" from the inside out and why this is as necessary as rectifying our mindset and getting our finances back on track.

The Heart of the Glow-Up

Becoming a high-value woman isn’t about expensive skincare or designer labels — it starts on the inside.

Your health, hygiene, energy, posture, presence, and personal style are all forms of self-respect.

“Don’t you realise that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?” – 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NLT)

God gave us these bodies not just to exist — but to thrive, flourish, and reflect His glory.

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1. Internal Health: Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Glow

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health…” – 3 John 1:2

True glow-ups start from the inside. If your gut is inflamed, your skin, mood and energy will follow.

Especially as women with easy access to fast food, processed meat, white carbs in addition to continuous stress — we have to be intentional.

Simple, Affordable Ways to Boost Internal Health:

• Drink your water (add lemon or cucumber if it helps!)

• Eat more plants: Green leafy veg like spinach, morogo, and kale nourish your blood and skin.

• Cut back sugar & oil-heavy meals: Especially from takeaways.

• Try fermented food: Like amasi, maas or plain yoghurt for gut health.

• Take a basic multivitamin (from Clicks or Dis-Chem – no need for luxury brands).

Remember: Health is not about perfection. It’s about being kind and consistent with your body.

 

2. Physical Fitness: Movement is Medicine

“She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.” – Proverbs 31:17

You don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment to move your body. YouTube workouts. Walks. Home dancing. Jump rope.

Moving your body = moving your mood + energy + discipline.

Pick Your Path:

• Trying to lose weight? Prioritize cardio (walking, jogging, skipping, dance workouts).

• Trying to gain/shape? Add strength training (resistance bands, bodyweight).

• No time? Stretch and do 10–15 min videos 3x a week.

The goal isn’t to look like a model — it’s to feel strong, healthy, and capable in your own body.

 

3. Hygiene & Cleanliness: Feminine, Fresh, and Confident

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40

You don’t need expensive perfumes and products — you need consistency, cleanliness, and care.

Non-Negotiables:

• Daily showers (even during depression seasons, if nothing else, get in the water).

• Clean underarms, teeth, and private areas — avoid fragranced soaps in intimate areas.

• Clean nails, socks, and undies: Details matter.

• Detox your environment too: A tidy room = a tidy mind = a calm spirit.

Looking clean is nice. But feeling clean gives confidence.

 

4. Personal Style: Dress the Part of the Woman You’re Becoming

“She is clothed with strength and dignity…” – Proverbs 31:25

You don’t need a massive wardrobe or the latest trends to look put together. You need:

• Clean, fitted clothes that flatter your shape

• A signature look or colour that feels you

• Confidence in whatever you choose

Style Tips for the Glow-Up:

• Invest in timeless basics: a great pair of jeans, solid colour tops, a blazer, a go-to dress.

• Accessories change everything — belts, earrings, scarves, or bags.

• Keep your shoes clean.

• Even if your clothes are from Pep or Jet — press/iron them and wear them with pride.

Looking “high-value” is not about money — it’s about effort, intention and pride in your presentation.

 

5. How You Carry Yourself: Presence Is Power

You can walk into a room in leggings and a doek and still command respect — if your posture, speech and presence are aligned with your worth.

“A gentle and quiet spirit… is of great worth in God’s sight.” – 1 Peter 3:4

Level-Up Your Presence:

• Stand tall: Shoulders back, chin up.

• Speak slowly and clearly

• Make eye contact when appropriate

• Be kind but firm with boundaries

• Smile when you mean it — not just to please

Carry yourself like a woman who knows God made her with purpose — because He did.

 

Final Word: Take Care of What God Gave You

Glowing up isn’t a trend — it’s an act of stewardship.

You don’t have to change overnight, but you do have to be consistent and conscious.

Your body is the home of your soul and the temple of the Spirit. Treat it accordingly.

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✅ Quick Action Steps:

1. Start a “Glow-Up Journal” to track your health, hygiene & habits.

2. Pick ONE internal health goal, ONE fitness goal, and ONE style upgrade to start with this week.

 3. Think the following:

“I honour my body, my temple, and my presence. I glow with health, peace, and purpose.”

#GlowUpWithGrace #SouthAfricanFaithGirl #HighValueHabitsSA #TempleCareZA #ChristianGirlGlow #HolisticGlowUp

Disclaimer:

The content in this blog is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, medical, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of qualified professionals before making major financial or lifestyle decisions. While biblical references are included, they are interpreted through the lens of personal belief and not intended to replace your own study or spiritual counsel.

© 2025 Amani Hair Couture (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved.

No part of this article may be copied, republished, or distributed without written permission from the author. Sharing the link with proper credit is encouraged — plagiarism is not.

Author Bio:

Written by Nadia Ntuli, founder of Amani Hair Couture (Pty) Ltd — a hub for affordable luxury, human hair accessories, self-care accessories, and faith-based lifestyle content for modern South African women. Through her blog series “Becoming Her - The Proverbs 31 Project”, Nadia shares transparent, practical guidance on identity, growth, and financial empowerment — rooted in biblical truth and the real realities of being a woman in South Africa today. When she’s not crafting luxury wigs and Sankofa Wraps or building digital hustles, you’ll find her journaling in the sun with a strong cup of tea and a bold dream in her heart.

Follow her journey on TikTok @ nadianandi or shop the products at www.amanihaircouture.com.

 

Behind The Wig - Blog

Why Your "Protective Styles" Aren't Working: A Guide on How to Correctly Protect Your Natural Hair

Protective styles are a popular way to shield your natural hair from damage, but sometimes they can do more harm than good. If you're experiencing breakage, dryness, or hair loss despite wearing protective styles, it's time to reassess your approach. In this guide, we'll explore common mistakes and provide tips on how to correctly protect your natural hair.

Understanding Protective Styles
Protective styles are hairstyles that minimize hair manipulation and reduce exposure to heat, chemicals, and environmental stressors. Examples include braids, twists, buns, and wigs. When done correctly, protective styles can help promote hair growth, reduce breakage, and protect your hair from damage.

Common Mistakes

1. Insufficient moisturizing: Failing to moisturize your hair before styling and keeping it moisturized while styled can lead to dryness, which then leads to breakage. 

2. Tight styles: Styles that are too tight can cause tension on your hairline and scalp, leading to hair loss and breakage.

3. Using harsh products: Products that contain harsh chemicals such as silicone and sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and damage.

4. Not giving your hair breaks: Failing to give your hair time to rest and recover can lead to fatigue and breakage.

Additional Tips

1. Keep your scalp clean: Regularly clean your scalp to prevent oil buildup and itchiness as a dirty scalp can potentially hinder or slow down hair growth. A healthy scalp is essential for optimal hair growth. A buildup of oil, dead skin, and product residue can clog hair follicles, preventing new hair from growing properly.

2. Avoid excessive manipulation: Minimize hair manipulation to reduce breakage and damage, this includes finding styles that will not requre daily heat pressing.

3. Protect your hair at night: Use a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, Sankofa Wrap and/or pillow case to protect your hair from friction and breakage while you sleep.
   4. Be gentle when removing styles: Be gentle when removing styles to prevent breakage and damage.
   Remember to be patient and gentle with your hair, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if you're experiencing persistent hair problems.