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Shea butter for hair: video reviews
Shi (second name – karite) is a fruit tree that grows exclusively in Africa, in countries such as Ghana, Guinea, Cameroon, Congo, Mali, Sudan, etc. These trees, reaching 10–20 m in height, live for centuries and bear fruit for over a hundred years. From the seeds of the shea fruit, butter is obtained, which is used in cosmetic, medicinal, and in Africa itself also for food purposes. In the West, shea butter is actively used in the cosmetic industry, including for strengthening hair, and its effectiveness is legendary.
What are the benefits of shea butter
At home, in Africa, shea butter is called “women’s gold” for its amazing properties. Its composition is dominated by triglycerides, moisturizing and protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the environment. The so-called unsaponifiable fats, which are rich in shea butter, promote the regeneration and synthesis of collagen in the skin, therefore it is recommended for everyone who suffers from dryness.
The use of masks with shea butter will help not only strengthen the hair, but also get rid of dandruff (flaking of the scalp)
In addition, shea restores the structure of damaged and weakened hair and hair styling, prevents split ends, restores healthy shine and makes the hair more manageable.
What is shea butter? Outwardly, it resembles creamy, has a light beige tint and a dense creamy texture. It melts extremely quickly, so it is convenient to warm it up in your hands. However, if you need a large amount of butter, it is best to melt a small piece, for example, in the microwave. The unused oil will then harden again and return to its original appearance.
Shea butter has long gained immense popularity in the Russian market, so buying it today is not a problem. It is realized both by itself, in its pure form, and as part of all kinds of cosmetics for body and hair care. But a very important caveat should be made here. In the vast majority of cases, you will find only refined oil on sale, and it is significantly inferior in quality to what Africans have used for centuries.
Unrefined shea butter is something that is obtained in the traditional way and retains all the miraculous properties
It has a brownish or greenish tint and a subtle nutty smell. Refined oil, which is full of store shelves, is a product obtained by filtration, bleaching, deodorization, heat treatment, etc. Of course, this oil has lost a good part of its beneficial properties. Nevertheless, this cosmetic oil is still great for treating weakened hair. But if you need unrefined karite, you will have to look for it for a long time, because it is still difficult to get it. The easiest option is to order from the online store.
The market is mainly represented by refined karite, for the extraction of which the solvent hexane is used, therefore, for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, unrefined oil is preferable
The market is mainly represented by refined karite, for the extraction of which the solvent hexane is used, therefore, unrefined oil is preferable for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.
Using Shea Butter for Healthy Hair
There are many ways to use shea butter to improve hair health. The easiest way is to melt a small piece of the bar in a water bath and apply it evenly to the hair (while avoiding eye contact!). You can also add a few drops of oil to your shampoo or hair conditioner while washing your hair. If you are using pure organic, unrefined oil, melt it, wait for it to cool slightly (it should stay warm, but never hot), and apply it to your hair. Massage the scalp so that the shea is absorbed better, then use a wide-toothed comb-comb and spread the oil along the entire length of the hair. Now put on a special plastic cap and wrap your head in a towel. Wait 25-30 minutes and wash off the oil with warm water.
If your hair is weak and needs hydration and nourishment, repeat this procedure twice a week.
Triglycerides in shea butter have a plasticizing effect and protect the scalp from drying out. To improve the appearance of split ends, apply a small amount of oil daily to damp curls. Do not be afraid to overdo it, it is absolutely not harmful. Shea butter, in principle, has no specific contraindications, the only thing that can happen to you is individual intolerance (banal allergy).
Shea butter is great for protecting skin and hair in hot climates, so be sure to take it with you when traveling.
An extremely effective way to treat brittle hair is to mix 1: 1 olive oil and shea butter and add some conditioner. The resulting mixture must be evenly applied to the hair and left overnight. You can also make a yogurt and honey mask at home.
In addition to a teaspoon of shea, you will need:
- olive oil – 1 tsp
- natural yogurt without additives – 2 tsp
- yolk
- honey – 1 tbsp. l.
Melt the shea butter, combine with the rest of the ingredients (if the honey is too viscous, it can also be melted), mix well and apply to the hair. Keep the mask for half an hour, then rinse with warm running water.