What is shea butter?
Shea butter is a natural conditioner for hair. It is produced from the Shea-Karite tree nut, which is a native tree found in the tropics of East and West Africa. It provides extraordinary moisturizing properties and is known as “mother nature’s conditioner”.
It has been used for decades in areas all over Africa not only for the hair but also because of its skincare and therapeutic qualities. Shea butter is also known to heal burns and injuries, and to get rid of surgical marks, dermatitis, and stretch marks. Apart from medical uses, some of the most common uses for Shea butter include using it as a natural moisturizer for your body and face, and as a conditioner for dry hair. Here are some uses for Shea butter:
Soothes Irritated Scalp
Shea butter has been used for centuries to soothe dry itchy scalp or dandruff on black hair. It’s also a great source to provide moisture for dry or damaged hair. It is usually used like a foundation for health-related creams, and it is believed to possess anti-inflammatory qualities. It absorbs easily into the scalp and it does not clog the pores. It provides moisture from the roots on down to the ends. It is therefore extremely beneficial to hair that is relaxed, colored, or heat-treated.
How to use it
Melt down Shea butter over boiling water. Once it has cooled to a reasonable temperature, spread onto your fingertips and apply in small amounts directly onto your scalp. Rub in circular motion. You can add drops of other oils for an extra soothing sensation.
Sealer For Hair
Black hair is dryer than any type of hair due to the texture. The natural sebum from the scalp has a hard time making its way down the strands to the ends because of the coils of black hair. Shea butter is frequently found in curly hair treatments because of its emolliating qualities. This makes it excellent for locking in moisture without leaving your hair greasy and heavy. Since it aids in fastening moisture into hair it’s fantastic for keeping your hair protected against the weather.
How to use it
You can use it seperately or you can add it to your favorite conditioner to give you extra moisture. It’s also a great additive for shampoos and hair creams.
Protection Against Heat
Shea butter does not sit on the hair, instead it absorbs into the hair strand without leaving a greasy or heavy feel. However it does coat the hair shaft so that it is protected against damage from the heat tool being passed along the hair.
How to use it
You can melt it down and combine it with another natural oil, such as grapeseed oil or avocado oil which have high smoke points. Apply in small amounts before blow drying and straightening natural hair.
Shield Against UVS
Shea butter is believed to have a low amount but sufficient SPF to protect your hair against the damage from ultra violet rays of the sun. This is definitely beneficial for processed or color treated hair.
How to use it
Melt it down and apply lightly before going to the beach, lake, or any activity in which your hair is exposed to sunlight. You can even add it to a moisturizer spray to spray it on easily to your hair.
Softener For Hair
Shea butter is great for softening hard brittle hair. It’s an excellent moisturizer, and therefore offers that advantage for dried as well as fragile curly hair.
How to use it
Mix with another oil and apply as your “oil step” in this method, or as a moisturizer for 2nd or 3rd day hair.
Refined vs Unrefined
There are two types of Shea Butter refined and unrefined. Unrefined Shea butter means it has more of its natural goodness. One of the reasons Shea butter is refined is to eliminate it’s natural aroma which may not be liked by some. However the odor does absorb fairly quickly. If you want to use an unrefined Shea butter with less of an aroma, its been recommended to use Shea Butter from Ghana or East Africa. It cost slightly more, but it is also known for being able to make your hair a little softer and it’s slightly better at moisturizing.
Where Can You Buy Shea Butter?
Shea Butter is a very popular moisturizing supplement for the hair and therefore most beauty supply stores that cater to black hair should carry refined and unrefined Shea Butter. You can also purchase it from online retailers that are focused on natural black hair care.
Tips For Using Shea Butter
Find pure unprocessed Shea butter at your local store. To melt it down, use a double broiler or place in a bowl over hot water. Do not expose it to direct heat on the stove. Keep in a cool dry place. Shea butter will melt in warm temperatures, just like coconut oil. Everyone’s skin is different. Do a patch test on your skin before applying all over your scalp. You want to see how your skin and scalp react to Shea butter first. Are you on the shea butter bandwagon? You can get your products here
