How to use shea butter for hair? Deep moisturizing and protecting hair with oil

Shea butter (shea butter) production began in the African savannah. The western part of the continent has proven to be the most favorable climate for the shea butter. The plant can be found in 19 African countries.

The shea tree can grow up to 25 meters and begins to bear fruit after 30-40 years. This is why there are very few shea plantations and why shea butter is obtained from trees that grow in the wild, which makes it quite expensive. The seeds of the fruit are incredibly rich in fats, so they can be easily turned into valuable hair oil. It is one of the vegetable oils that boasts an acid balance. Shea butter is mainly composed of oleic acid (monounsaturated) and stearic acid (saturated).

Shea butter has a firm consistency, creamy beige color and a delicate nutty aroma, thanks to the roasting of the seeds. It is solid at room temperature and becomes liquid at temperatures above 36 ° C, that is, the oil melts from body temperature. But we must be aware that the color and smell of shea butter can differ depending on whether it is fresh, cold pressed, unrefined, or refined. Usually, after processing, the oil loses its aroma and becomes lighter.

Use only unrefined shea butter for hair care. The reason is very simple. During the refining process, vegetable oils lose many valuable nutrients. Refined shea butter is much poorer and may perform worse.

Shea butter properties for hair and skin

Shea butter is a natural cosmetic raw material that is famous for its excellent moisturizing properties. Many cosmetic companies like to use oil in their hair care products.

1. Shea butter consists of a large amount of phytosterols, antioxidants, allantoin, vitamins A, E, F. It also contains valuable fatty acids. As a result, it can successfully replace hair conditioner.
2. Shea butter contains natural SPF3, which gives shine and shine to hair. It protects strands from harmful radiation, which is extremely important for hair exposed to sunlight.
3. The oil perfectly strengthens the hair after styling, for example, dyeing or straightening.
4. Shea butter smoothes hair and gives it elasticity, tangle free and a delightful natural shine.
5. The oil will not weigh down your hair unless you apply too much of it.
6. Thanks to about ten antioxidant compounds, it slows down the aging process of the skin and ensures its cellular renewal.
7. Shea butter has the ability to treat skin diseases, accelerates the healing of scars and eczema, reduces rashes, and relieves irritation. Shea butter is also a natural UV filter and works wonders for skin care.

Undoubtedly, this is one of the most popular herbal oils in cosmetology.

Applying Shea Butter to Hair

Shea butter is very popular in hair care, but girls should still avoid oil in their hair care if:

1. Hair is too porous
2. Hair is prone to oily and very thin

Always use unrefined cold pressed shea butter in hair care.

Shea butter hair masks

Homemade masks with shea butter should be done as a course, 10-15 procedures, courses can be repeated, but be sure to take a break. It is advisable to insulate the mask, so its active components work better.

Before applying the mask, there should be no styling products (varnish, foam, gel) on the hair.

Nourishing hair mask with shea butter

• 1 teaspoon of shea butter;
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil;
• 1 tsp honey;
• 2 teaspoons of aloe juice (can be replaced with ampoules);
• 5 drops of vitamin A in oil;
• 5 drops of vitamin E in oil;
• 1 yolk.

The mask should be applied to the length of the hair and insulated. Keep for 40-60 minutes, and then wash your hair as usual.

Mask for dry hair with shea butter

The mask is done before shampooing. The ingredients of the mask moisturize and nourish dry hair well.

• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 3-5 drops of vitamin A in oil;
• 3-5 drops of vitamin E in oil.

Mix shea butter and coconut, heat in a water bath, and add vitamins A and E to warm oils. Apply the mask to the length of the hair and insulate, keep for at least 40 minutes.

Hair ends mask

The mask nourishes and regenerates dry hair ends.

• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 tablespoon cocoa butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil;
• 2 ampoules of vitamin B12.

Mix honey with warm oils and add vitamins and essential oil at the end. Apply the mask to the length of the hair before shampooing. Keep for 1-2 hours.

Pure oil application: hot wrap

Shea butter can be applied neat, applied to hair, and hot wrapped.

Comb the hair well and apply warm shea butter to the length of the hair, stepping back from the roots and paying special attention to the ends of the hair. Then you can put on a shower cap (plastic wrap, plastic bag) and be sure to wrap it in a warm towel. The towel can be heated by holding it on the battery or under the iron, or you can periodically warm it up with a hairdryer. Keep it on your hair for about an hour, and then wash your hair, thoroughly rinsing off the oil.

A hot wrap can be done once a week if the hair is very dry and once every two weeks if the hair is not badly damaged. The course consists of 10 procedures.