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It was once noticed that the fruit pickers from which shea (or shea) butter is extracted have perfect skin and luxurious hair. Let’s reveal an old secret and tell you how to use shea butter for hair.
Useful properties of shea butter for hair
unsaturated fatty acids (stearic, linoleic, oleic), nourishing and restoring damaged strands;
natural latex, which has the best effect on hair elasticity, prevents photoaging;
phytosterols – they can be called anti-aging components that slow down the aging process;
vitamin E, which has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, fights free radicals;
vitamin A, which regulates cell metabolism, promotes recovery.
Our test will answer the question of what exactly your hair lacks.
How to choose shea butter for hair?
How to understand that you have a quality product in your hands? One of the signs of quality shea butter is a slight smoky smell.
Shea Butter Applications for Hair
As a rule, shea butter hair masks are evenly distributed over the strands. If we are talking about pure oil, it must first be slightly warmed up to a fluid consistency and, after distribution, left on the hair for 40-60 minutes or overnight. The oil is applied to dry hair, and then thoroughly washed off with warm water and shampoo.
Typically, hair products that include shea (or shea) butter are used to:
cope with dryness, including after staining;
prevent brittleness and fluffiness of curls;
fight back split ends;
return a healthy beautiful shine to the hair;
restore strands after the sea and sunbathing;
provide nutrition to the scalp;
defeat dandruff.
We will tell you in more detail how to apply shea butter to solve certain hair problems, and reveal all the secrets of its use.
To strengthen and grow hair
In this case, it is recommended to use a mixture of three types of oils: 2 tbsp. l. shea butter, 1 tbsp. l. castor oil and a couple of drops of rosemary essential oil. To stimulate hair growth, add a little vitamin A. Mix everything well and apply evenly over the entire length. This mask can be left on the hair overnight.
From dryness after staining
Applying shea butter to dry hair is easy. Here is the easiest recipe: mix about 2 tbsp. l. shea butter with a spoonful of linseed oil and a spoonful of burdock. Apply the mixture to your hair so that they are properly oiled. Leave for an hour and then wash off.
Against breakage, fluffiness and for recovery after a holiday at sea
An oil mask is perfect for this. How to use shea butter for hair in this case? Just apply oil on your palms, warm it up a little in your hands and stroke each strand with your palms. Leave for at least an hour. Then wash your hair with shampoo and do not forget to use a balm.
From split ends
Shea butter for hair in its pure form is also recommended for split ends. Wash your hair, dry the strands and apply oil to the ends of your hair. We think it’s a great weekend routine.
Against scalp discomfort, flaking and dandruff
Shea butter has emollient and anti-inflammatory properties. But with one important caveat: for maximum effectiveness, the mask must be applied for at least 3-4 hours. For cooking you will need: 2 tbsp. l. shea butter and 3-4 drops each of rosemary, tea tree and lavender essential oils. Mix everything and evenly apply the resulting composition to the roots. Do this mask a couple of times a week, and after a month the result will pleasantly surprise you.
Should You Use Pure Shea Butter for Hair Care?
When asked whether it is possible to use shea butter for hair care in its pure form, our experts unanimously answer: yes, but only if you are confident in the quality of the product. Apply it on strands along the entire length or on split ends.
If you want to use it as a mask, then it is better to combine it with other oils. What? We have already given several recipes above. But it is much more convenient to use ready-made cosmetic products.
Are homemade shea butter hair masks effective?
See the previous chapter for recipes for ready-made masks.
Shea Butter Hair Care Products
Fructis Triple Recovery Hair Mask, Garnier
The mask contains three valuable oils, including shea. The tool affects each hair and contributes to its restoration and strengthening. As a result, the strands become smooth and radiant, almost like a shea fruit picker.
Oil Elixir “Transformation” Fructis “Triple Recovery”, Garnier
Elixir oil is quickly absorbed without weighing down the strands. Facilitates combing. The formula with triglyceride, fruit oils (including shea butter) and valuable plant extracts creates a protective coating on the surface of the hair, intensively nourishes and increases their elasticity. After applying the elixir, the hair becomes soft to the touch, smooth – shine with health. The product is suitable for all hair types and does not require rinsing.
Summary results
What are the benefits of shea butter for hair?
Shea butter, like any vegetable oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, nourishes and moisturizes the skin and hair. One of its specific features is the presence of latex in the composition, which helps to increase the elasticity of the hair. It also contains antioxidants (vitamins E and A) that enhance natural defenses. In addition, shea butter smoothes the cuticle and adds shine to the hair.
What problems does shea butter solve for hair?
Shea butter is effective for:
dry hair, including after dyeing;
fragility;
fluffiness;
split ends;
dryness and flaking of the scalp;
dandruff.
Shea butter in the form of a mask or oil treatment will return a beautiful shine to the hair if the hair lacks moisture (for example, after a long beach holiday).
Should you use pure shea butter for hair care?
Yes, shea butter can be used in its pure form for hair care. Especially if this is the “right” oil – from the ripe fruits of an old tree. It can be applied both along the entire length and on split ends.
How to choose shea butter for hair?
The easiest way to make sure you have quality shea butter in your hands is to smell it. Good shea butter has a slight smoky smell. Choose oils prepared according to the classic cold-pressed technology.