Shea Butter for Hair
Shea butter is extracted from shea butter nuts, which grow on the Shea-Karite tree that grows only in the tropics of Africa. The nut has a high content of fatty acids. The traditional way of extracting shea butter from the nuts involves cracking, grilling and pounding. The pounded nut is then boiled in clean water for hours until shea butter rises to the surface, from where it is scooped and left to cool. However, with the advent of modern technology in cosmetology, it is extracted with the aid of a machine, untouched by the human hand. It is popularly used for hair care, and is widely used in hair care products.
Why Use Shea Butter for Hair Care?
As it is full of minerals, vitamins, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, shea butter's benefits for hair are many. Its anti-inflammatory properties heal damaged scalp and help clear any infection. It works well against dandruff too. It can do wonders for hair that has been damaged by excessive coloring and blow-drying. It also helps to de-stress hair that has been affected for too long by pollution. Damaged and brittle hair can be conditioned and revitalized by its moisturizing properties. It soothes and softens dry hair. As it is light and non-greasy, it can also be applied as a leave-in for hair. This will help to shield hair by locking or concealing hair moisture. Besides being great for dry hair, it helps to nourish normal hair and it's non-greasy, easy spread property helps to control excess moisture in oily hair. Its use for hair growth is quite popular due to the presence of rejuvenating minerals and vitamins.
How to Use Shea Butter on Hair?
Shea butter is the mainstay for many cosmetic products, either as one of the ingredients or as the main one. People good in making essential oils can make whipped shea butter, a natural moisturizer to suit individual hair and scalp requirement, using a dose of shea butter and some natural oils. For those who want to use it without too many combinations, make sure you get the raw or unrefined one.
For Dry Hair
Massage a coin-sized amount of shea butter on scalp and in damp hair, after shampooing it. It is recommended to do it on a clean scalp. Wrap hair with a warm towel for 15 minutes. Remove towel, hand comb first, and then style as desired. This treatment will revitalize hair.
For Normal to Oily Hair
Take one part melted shea butter and mix it with a quarter part of extra virgin olive oil and stir thoroughly. Pour the content into a jar, and massage in scalp and hair, at least six hours before shampooing. You can add 5 ml of shea butter into a 50 ml shampoo bottle, to get its moisturizing goodness every time you shampoo.
How to Make Shea Hair Butter at Home?
You Will Need
- 1 cups - Shea butter
- cup - Olive oil
- ounce - Essential oil
- 1 teaspoon - vitamin E oil
- Electric mixer
Place shea butter in a microwave-safe bowl, and soften it by keeping in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Make sure the butter does not melt down completely. Transfer it in a mixing bowl and whip it using an electric mixer. When the cream turns into a batter-like consistency, add olive oil to it and mix evenly. Now add Vitamin E oil and an essential oil of your choice to the mixture. Blend well till the mixture develops a light texture and has a mousse-like consistency. Fill the prepared butter in a cosmetic container, close the lid properly, and store in a cool and dark place away from sunlight. Use the butter as and when required.
Which Grade of Shea Butter is Good for Hair?
The quality of the nuts, method of extraction, and storage play a major role in determining the quality or grade of shea butter. Raw shea butter in its original form is slightly yellowish in color and is extracted with the help of water (the traditional way). Refined extraction reduces the yellowish tinge from the butter, ensuring all natural stimulant properties are intact. These two grades are good for hair care. The last method is when the butter is highly processed using chemical solvents. Processed shea butter is least recommended for therapeutic, as well as cosmetic use.
Shea butter is expensive in its true, original form, so don't get misguided into purchasing one that is not the real thing. While buying shea butter products, make sure you pick them up from a reputed brand. It is advisable to buy it in small quantities; this way one won't have to worry about it getting stale or rancid. Use it for hair regularly, and watch your hair get back its natural shine.
