How to use shea butter on hair?

Many of us appreciate the benefits of Shea butter for our hair.

And for good reason: it's a highly accessible natural ingredient that can deliver excellent results. As a shampoo, deep conditioner or mask, Shea butter is ideal for nourishing dry, damaged hair. You'll find that it quickly becomes an essential part of your hair routine.

Our experts explain why you'll love it, and how you can easily incorporate it into your daily routine. Follow the guide!

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Contents

• Focus on the origin of Shea butter's cosmetic properties
• What benefits can I expect from Shea butter for my hair?
• What are the different types of shea butter?
• Is shea butter suitable for my hair type?
• How can I use pure Shea butter on my hair?
• My ready-to-use Shea butter hair cosmetics
• I make my own shea butter hair care products: which product should i choose?
• What should I use Shea butter with on my hair?

 

Focus on the origin of Shea butter's cosmetic properties

Like vegetable oils, Shea butter is composed mainly of essential fatty acids. It is also very rich in unsaponifiable matter. These are active substances that are sources of plant sterols and vitamin E. They are not transformed into soap during the saponification process. That's why shea butter is used in so many soap recipes.

Wondering why you should use Shea butter on your hair? Quite simply because it contains so many elements that your hair will love.

• Essential fatty acids (oleic acid, stearic acid), which nourish the hair fiber.
• Phytosterols (including karisterols), involved in anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
• Vitamins A and E (natural antioxidants), which help keep hair supple.

 

What benefits can I expect from Shea butter for my hair?
Shea butter:

• Intensely nourishes the hair fiber. It acts as an emollient and is capable of deep action.
• It coats and smoothes the hair surface. It's also an excellent ally in preventing unruly frizz and facilitating detangling.
• It leaves hair shinier and softer. It improves overall appearance and revitalizes damaged hair.
• Shea butter protects hair from external aggressions. These include temperature variations, humidity and the sun's rays.
• Finally, this precious plant butter can help prolong the hold and shine of your hair colorings (chemical or vegetable).
• Cinnamic esters, for moderate UV protection.

What are the different types of shea butter?

There are two types of shea butter: refined shea butter and pure, unrefined shea butter:

Refined shea butter: this is the type found in most traditional cosmetics and is the least expensive. This is because its extraction by petrochemical solvent is faster and less costly, enabling us to sell cheaper products that keep longer.

However, refining, carried out at high temperatures and often using low-quality almonds, denatures the butter and causes it to lose a large proportion of its vitamins, fatty acids and natural properties (around 50% to 80%). It is bleached and deodorized, with a lumpy texture (due to the disappearance of its fatty acids) that is sometimes quite difficult to spread.

 

Pure or unrefined shea butter: this is the rawest, most natural shea butter. It is produced by gentle extraction (whether traditional, artisanal or by mechanical cold pressing) of high quality (and therefore more expensive) fatty nuts. The sun-dried almonds are then ground by hand, and the resulting paste is churned with water, then cooked for a long time in a cauldron to separate the butter from impurities. The butter is then filtered and beaten by hand. This method preserves all its properties, including vitamins and fatty acids. Pure shea butter has a true color (depending on its origin, it can be beige, off-white, pale yellow, etc.). It has a light, nutty fragrance, sometimes similar to that produced by roasting coffee. It has a melting texture and penetrates the skin easily.

Before choosing a shea butter, opt for pure or unrefined shea butter, which also plays a social and environmental role. Shea butter production is the main activity for many people in African countries, and the more polluting and less costly refining technique effectively takes this activity away from them. Prefer organic and/or traditionally-made products.

 

Is Shea butter suitable for my hair type?

You're in luck: Shea butter is suitable for all hair types. You can therefore incorporate it into your cosmetic recipes with complete confidence. We've listed for you the hair types that will derive the most benefits from this wonderful plant butter.


Shea butter for frizzy hair
It's our favorite combination! Afro hair is naturally drier than Caucasian hair. Sebum has difficulty flowing from the roots to the ends. As a result, your hair is more susceptible to dryness. By adopting a Shea butter hair care product, you can help your hair regain its suppleness and softness.

Shea butter for curly hair
Do you have curly hair? If so, you may often feel that your hair is dry, frothy and unruly. Shea butter is ideal for restoring shine and beauty to your springs. For example, you can incorporate a Shea shampoo and conditioner into your hair routine. They'll nourish your hair right from the cleansing phase.

Shea butter for fine hair
Don't worry: you can use Shea butter on your fine hair. It's an excellent ingredient if your hair is prone to dehydration or dryness. We simply advise you to avoid leave-in shea butter treatments, which may weigh down your mane. Use sparingly as a pre-shampoo mask.

 

 

How can I use pure Shea butter on my hair?
Shea butter can be used directly on your hair. In this case, you only need a small amount. Shea butter hair care is therefore very economical! Don't hesitate to adapt your portions to the nature and length of your hair.


I make a shea butter hair mask
Did you know that you can make an oil bath with shea butter? This tip is one of our favorites: it's very easy to do, and the before-and-after results are stunning. Here's how to make your own shea butter pre-shampoo mask.

• Take a dab of vegetable Shea butter. Don't hesitate to increase the amount if your hair is very dry.
• Melt the butter in your hands. You should obtain a thick oil.
• Spread it over your detangled lengths. You can also apply it to your scalp to stimulate sebum production.
• Wrap your hair in a warm towel and leave on for at least 30 minutes. If possible, leave on overnight.
• Wash your hair with your usual shampoo.

I apply a Shea Butter repair balm to my split ends
Are your split ends in need of a little help? Now's the time to get out your Shea butter. You can use it as a leave-in repair balm on dry hair. This minute daily recipe is particularly suitable for thick, curly and textured hair

• Take a tiny dab of Shea butter and melt it by rubbing your palms together.
• Apply the resulting oil to the ends of your hair, starting at the fork and working your way up for about 10 centimeters.
• Massage for a few seconds, concentrating on the most damaged areas.
• If necessary, remove excess product with a towel and/or brush.

Sarah Traboulsi