Recently a lot of my friends and random people walking past have been asking me what products I use on my hair. Lately I have cut down on a lot of the things I used to use last year (See my previous regime here). Now I've only been using Shea butter.
Shea Butter is a rich organic oil which is thick and sticky in it's unrefined state. Shea butter has many benefits especially for the epidermis layers of the body (Skin and Scalp) due to the presence of certain substances and also it's anti inflammatory properties.
What's the best way to use Shea butter?
I tried using it on my dry hair but the oil was so thick that it just wore my hair down and was not absorbed very well. It also was not visibly pleasing as the oil could still be seen in my dry hair. So I tried it on my moist hair, after normal shampooing and conditioning. The result was much better. I use raw Shea butter. It blended in well with moist hair, and was better absorbed. My hair was better coated and the oil was completely dissolved and well absorbed by the time my hair dried.
5 Advantages of using Shea Butter
1. It is a great moisturizer
The natural oils in Shea butter protect the hair's natural oil. It rehydrates the scalp without blocking the spores, however using too much may cause a build up. However, it is easily absorbed.
2. Healing properties
Shea butter is well known for treating blemishes, but with regards to hair, it helps rid of scalp wounds and bumps possibly from very tight protective hairstyles like braids. It's anti inflammatory properties are due to the presence of cinnamic acid, hence using it can reduce inflammation of scalp. It also helps with collagen formation, which is important for quick wound healing.
3. Revives hair to a healthy state
After damage from dying or over relaxing, it's moisturising properties reduce irritation due to dryness, like dandruff. It also leaves hair with a richer looking texture and is excellent for dry hair
4. Very good sealer
It moisturizes hair from the roots to top. It protects against hair damage due to harsh weather, dryness and brittleness. Because it seals the entire hair surface area, it strengths hair preventing it from breakage.
5. Visual Appeal
It restores shine/luster to dull damaged hair
If you can't access raw Shea butter, get a product with Shea butter listed amongst the first 3 products. Ingredient lists usually indicate how much of an ingredient is present in the product in descending order (most present to least present)
I hope you now know enough to go hook yourself up with some Shea goodness!!
Love, Joan
