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Cocoa butter for hair is a sweet hair spa. Nourishes, moisturizes, makes curls shiny. It also gives the strands a pleasant chocolate aroma. We will tell you how to use cocoa butter for hair with maximum benefit.
Benefits of cocoa butter for hair and scalp
The effect of cocoa on the hair, scalp and body is still the subject of extensive research. But today it is already known for sure that there are more antioxidants in the fruits of the cocoa tree than, for example, in green tea and even red wine, and the bioactive compounds of cocoa beans reduce the adhesion of platelets (this effect was noted in volunteers who received dark chocolate daily). We have already written about the effect of cocoa on the skin, you can read it here. Now let’s talk about the benefits of cocoa butter for hair.
Our expert, Maria Nevskaya, describing the benefits of using cocoa butter for hair, first of all draws attention to its composition. It contains:
oleic and stearic fatty acids – this lipid-restoring complex is effective in protecting and softening hair, reducing dryness and flaking of the skin;
phytosterols and vitamin K, which stimulate regeneration processes;
caffeine and theobromine, which have a tonic effect;
polyphenols that activate the body’s defense mechanisms;
organic acids (citric, malic, oxalic, etc.) – they act as antioxidants;
vitamins of group B, which restore, enhance regeneration;
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that softens and nourishes the skin.
All these properties of cocoa butter make it really indispensable for hair. Specialists in the development of effective products for hair and scalp have long adopted this ingredient. Today, cocoa butter includes:
shampoos;
air conditioners;
masks;
milk;
indelible means.
Natural cocoa butter for hair is both refined and unrefined. And if there is a question about the use of the product in its pure form, then preference should be given to the unrefined one. It is less processed and due to this it retains a maximum of useful substances, has a pleasant aroma (unlike refined) and becomes liquid from the heat of the hands, literally spreading over the palms.
Tame the most naughty strands.
Facilitates the process of combing.
It has a beneficial effect on porous hair.
Preserves the color of dyed hair.
Moisturizes.
Leaves hair healthy looking & shiny.
Stimulates hair growth.
Smoothes split ends.
You can buy oil in the composition of butters, as well as in its pure form. Make sure that the packaging is hermetically sealed, and the oil itself smells like chocolate after opening. A pleasant aroma is a guarantee that you have a fresh product in front of you.
How to use cocoa butter for hair at home
For effective results, use cocoa butter for hair at least once a week. The oil can be used both in its pure form and as an ingredient in masks, body wraps, etc.
Cocoa butter instantly softens the strands and makes them shiny.
So, let’s dive into the details of how to apply cocoa butter for hair.
Since unrefined oil has a solid consistency, it must be melted for several minutes in a water bath before use (but not in a microwave oven, since it is rather difficult to predict overheating of the product in it). The temperature at which the butter begins to melt is about 30 degrees.
A few drops of melted butter are applied along the entire length of the hair and on the scalp. If you have oily hair, you can limit yourself to applying oil to dry ends or strictly dose the product.
After applying to the hair, it is recommended to put on a cap or wrap your head with a warm terry towel – in heat, the oil acts many times more efficiently.
Exposure time – from 20 minutes to 1,5 hours. It all depends on the color of the hair. Blonde girls with cocoa butter should be careful – it can make the strands darker. Therefore, it is optimal for blondes to keep the oil on their hair for no more than 20 minutes. But brunettes and brown-haired women do not have to worry and do not wash off the mask for up to an hour and a half, and if we are talking about a pure product, then even leave it on all night.
Rinse off the oil with warm water, after washing your hair with shampoo.
Recipes for hair masks with cocoa butter
We are sure that after you read this article, your hands will reach out to prepare a hair mask with cocoa butter. Anticipating this, we at the editorial office took care in advance to tell you how to use cocoa butter for hair at home and prepared several recipes to choose from.
For growth
As we said above, cocoa butter stimulates hair growth and prevents thinning.
Mask with cocoa butter and essential oils
It will take about 35-40 g of cocoa butter. Heat it in a water bath to 40 degrees and gradually add 3 drops of essential oils of rosemary, ylang-ylang and castor oil. Mix everything thoroughly and apply the finished mixture to dry hair. Leave on for 40-60 minutes. Repeat the procedure once a week for 4-6 weeks.
Rinse off this mask with warm water and shampoo.
From falling out
Henna and garlic mask
Take about 2 teaspoons of cocoa butter melted to 40 degrees. While it is heated in a water bath, dilute 1 tbsp. a spoonful of colorless henna with 2 tbsp. spoons of curdled milk. Make sure that the composition is not too fluid. Add 2 grated garlic cloves and 3 drops of orange or any other citrus essential oil. Rub the resulting mixture into the hair roots and leave for 35-40 minutes. This procedure is more suitable for the evening, because the smell of garlic may remain on the hair for some time. For a noticeable effect, do this mask once a week for 10-12 weeks.
Anti-dandruff
Mask with shea and cocoa butter
Take one part cocoa butter and two parts shea butter. Mix everything thoroughly and rub the resulting mixture of oils into the hair roots. How much to keep is an individual question. The minimum time is an hour, the maximum is all night. If you are making a night mask, then it is better to put a cap on your head or wrap your hair with a towel. Wash off in the usual way – with shampoo and warm water.
Nutritious
Cocoa butter itself is very nutritious. And if the hair requires urgent rehabilitation, why not help them with such a mask.
Mask with orange essential oil
Melt 3-4 tablespoons of solid cocoa butter in a water bath, and when it melts, add 7-8 drops of orange essential oil. Apply to hair and carefully comb hair with a wooden comb. To make the composition work faster, put a shower cap on your head. Wash off after an hour.
For hair ends
Vanilla essential oil mask
Approximately 10 drops of heated cocoa butter should be mixed with the same amount of vanilla essential oil. Apply the resulting mixture to the ends of your hair. The mask helps moisturize dry hair, which is especially valuable in cold weather.
Sweet help
Cocoa butter is an ingredient that is rightfully considered an ambulance for hair. But even if there is no mask, shampoo or conditioner with this component at hand, this is not at all a reason to be upset. For curl care, you can look for a product with a different oil. We have put together a small selection of resources especially for you, which are worth paying attention to.
Cream-care Elseve “Dream Length”, L’Oréal Paris
We recommend this treatment to anyone with long hair. It contains vegetable proteins and castor oil, necessary for strengthening hair and smoothing split ends.
Perfecting “Elseve Extraordinary Hair Oil”, L’Oréal Paris
Adds shine to hair and helps curls become silky. Only 3-4 drops, and the hair looks luxurious.
Shampoo against hair loss Botanic Therapy “Castor oil and almonds”, Garnier
Fructis Triple Recovery Oil Mask 3-in-1 for very dry and damaged hair, Garnier
The main components of the mask are shea butter, macadamia, jojoba, sweet almond.
Revitalizing, intensely nourishing hair mask Dercos Nutrients Nutri Protein, Vichy
The effect of the mask: the hair becomes well moisturized, shiny and smooth. It’s all in the formula with protein-rich quinoa bran and nourishing pracaxi oil.
Fructis Mask, Superfood «Macadamia. Smoothing», Garnier
Summary results
Can I use pure cocoa butter for hair?
Can. To do this, you need to heat a solid piece of oil either in your hands or in a water bath. It quickly becomes fluid. The easiest recipe: warm a piece of oil in your palms and comb your hair with your hands. It is better to do this procedure at night. Wash off in the morning with warm water and shampoo. Hair will become soft and shiny.
What are the benefits of cocoa butter for hair?
It contains a lot of vitamins, antioxidants and acids (especially oleic and stearic), which soften, restore and heal hair. This oil also contains phytosterols, vitamin K. These components contribute to hair regeneration.
Are there any restrictions on the use of cocoa butter for hair
No, there are no restrictions. Perhaps we would advise not to abuse it, like any other oil, with oily hair. We also advise you to play it safe and check before the first use whether the oil will cause allergies: apply a little on your wrist and look at the reaction. If there is no irritation and redness, you can use it.