To use an African exfoliating net, wet it, work in a body wash until it lathers, then scrub in gentle circles from your feet up. Hold both ends to stretch it across your back. Rinse, wring it out and hang it to dry. Two to three times a week suits most skin.
How do you use an African exfoliating net?
To use an African exfoliating net (also called an African net sponge or sapo), first wet it thoroughly and apply body wash. Lather the net in your hands, then scrub your body in upward, circular motions starting from your feet. Stretch it to wash your back, then rinse, wring, and hang dry.
Mastering your body care routine with this versatile tool takes only a few minutes but yields incredible results. Whether you are using the classic version or the African Exfoliating Net - Sensitive, the process remains exactly the same. The open-weave design creates a rich, foamy lather that ensures your skin is properly cleansed and exfoliated in a single step.
Follow these detailed steps to get the most out of your net:
- Wet the net thoroughly: Step into the shower and let warm water run over the net until it is completely saturated. Warm water softens the nylon fibers and prepares them for lathering.
- Apply your cleanser: Pour a quarter-sized amount of a hydrating cleanser, such as the Cocoa Moringa Body Wash, directly onto the center of the wet net.
- Build a rich lather: Rub the net together between your hands vigorously. The unique knotted texture will quickly whip the body wash into a thick, bubbly foam.
- Scrub upward in circular motions: Starting from your feet and ankles, move the bunched-up net over your skin in gentle, circular motions. Work your way up your legs, torso, and arms, lifting away dead skin as you go.
- Stretch it across your back: Unbunch the net, hold one end in each hand, and pull it taut across your back. Use a side-to-side, see-saw motion to scrub those hard-to-reach areas.
- Rinse, wring, and hang: Once you have finished your body care routine, rinse the net thoroughly under the shower stream until the water runs clear. Wring out the excess water tightly, and hang it on a hook to air dry. It dries rapidly, preventing any unwanted odors or buildup.
What should you do before using a new net for the first time?
Before using a new net, rinse it thoroughly in a basin of warm water to remove any excess surface dye. Some richer colors release dye initially, which is completely normal. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear, then wring it out and let it air dry before your first shower.
When you receive your fresh tool from the African Exfoliating Nets collection, proper preparation ensures a flawless first experience. The vibrant dyes used to color the nylon can leave a slight residue on the surface of the fibers. This is just excess dye, not a sign of the net breaking down or fading significantly.
Skipping this warm-water prep could result in colorful suds in your shower or a temporary tint on your bathmat. Taking five minutes to soak and massage the net in a sink of warm water completely resolves the issue. Once the water runs clear, you are ready to begin your exfoliating journey without any mess.
How hard should you scrub with an African net?
You should scrub gently and let the textured weave of the net do the work. Apply only light pressure, especially on sensitive areas of your body. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, over-exfoliating can leave skin red and irritated, and a sponge works best with short, light strokes.
It is a common misconception that harder scrubbing equals smoother skin. In reality, heavy-handed friction can disrupt your skin barrier, leading to dryness and discomfort. The knotted texture of the net is specifically designed to lift away dead skin cells without requiring brute force. When navigating areas with thinner skin, such as the chest, neck, or inner thighs, ease up on the pressure even further.
Listen to your skin's feedback during your body care routine. If your skin looks angry or feels overly tight after showering, you are likely pressing too hard. Glide the lathered net smoothly over your body, trusting that the exfoliation is working effectively even with a light touch.
How do you wash your back with an African net?
To wash your back with an African net, hold one end in each hand and stretch the net fully behind you. Use a side-to-side, see-saw motion to scrub from your shoulders down to your lower back. The long length is specifically designed to reach areas that hands or cloths miss.
One of the greatest advantages of this tool over standard washcloths or short gloves is its impressive stretch. The standard length easily extends to span the width of an adult's back, eliminating the need for long-handled brushes that often lack flexibility.
When washing your back, alternate your angles. Hold the net diagonally to reach between your shoulder blades, then horizontally to sweep across your lower back. This thorough reach keeps the skin on your back as smooth and fresh as everywhere else.
What do you put on after using an African net?
After using an African net, smooth Body Silk onto damp skin, add body butter where you need more, then press a dry body oil on top last to seal everything in. The oil sinks in quickly.
Post-shower hydration is the most critical step in a successful body care regimen. When you step out of the shower, gently pat your skin with a towel; do not rub it dry. Leaving the skin slightly damp creates the perfect canvas for what comes next.
Start with your water-based layer. Smooth Body Silk all over while your skin is still damp. If your skin runs dry, add body butter next, on knees, elbows and heels, or all over when it needs more. Finish with dry body oil on top: it locks in the water and every layer underneath, and sinks in without feeling greasy. Oil always goes last. This layering keeps your skin soft and radiant all day long.
How often should you use an African exfoliating net?
You should use an African exfoliating net two to three times a week for the best results. Exfoliating too frequently can irritate your skin and compromise its barrier. For more details on finding your ideal schedule, read our guide on how often you should exfoliate your body.
While the sensation of freshly polished skin is wonderful, daily exfoliation is rarely needed. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that, generally, the more aggressive the exfoliation, the less often it needs to be done. Giving your body a rest between scrubbing sessions lets your skin recover.
On your non-exfoliating days, you can simply use a soft washcloth or your hands to lather your body wash. If you live in a particularly humid climate or exercise heavily, you might lean toward three times a week, whereas those in dry, cold climates may prefer just twice a week.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most common questions we receive about our African exfoliating nets.
Can I use bar soap with an African net?
Yes, you absolutely can use bar soap. Just rub your favorite bar of soap directly against the wet, bunched-up net until it forms a thick, rich lather. The net's texture helps generate foam quickly, often extending the life of your bar soap compared to using it alone.
Should I use it every day?
We do not recommend using it every day. Two to three times a week provides the perfect balance of smoothing the skin without over-stripping it. Daily use can lead to irritation and compromise your natural moisture barrier.
Do I need the Sensitive net?
If you are new to exfoliating, have delicate skin, or are prone to redness, the African Exfoliating Net - Sensitive is an excellent starting point. It provides all the lathering and back-reaching benefits of the original but with a softer, gentler weave that minimizes friction.
How do I clean and store my net?
Cleaning is incredibly simple. After each shower, rinse the net thoroughly under warm water, wring it out tightly, and hang it on a hook to air dry. For a deeper refresh, you can place it in your washing machine on a gentle cycle. For full instructions, read our article on how to clean an African net sponge.
