Are you tired of battling dry, frizzy hair that never seems to cooperate, no matter how many products you try? Shea butter might be the natural solution your hair routine has been missing. Sourced from the nuts of the shea tree, shea butter has been used for centuries to nourish both skin and hair. It's packed with the kind of moisture that can bring life back to your strands, leaving them soft, manageable, and frizz-free. In this article, we explain how shea butter can benefit your hair and show you how to whip up your DIY treatment at home.
Benefits of Shea Butter for Hair
1. Moisturises Dry Hair
Shea butter is packed with essential fatty acids like stearic and oleic acids that give your hair a serious moisture boost. It works by creating a protective layer over your hair, locking in hydration and preventing dryness. This makes it a go-to for anyone dealing with dry, damaged, or coarse hair. Regular use can transform brittle, dull strands into soft, smooth, and manageable hair.
2. Soothes Dry and Itchy Scalp
The nourishing qualities of shea butter extend beyond the hair shaft to the scalp as well. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe an irritated, itchy, or flaky scalp. A 2018 review found that using shea butter alongside other moisturisers could help reduce dandruff flakes and lower the risk of flare-ups. The soothing effects of shea butter on the scalp will help relieve dryness, dandruff, or eczema while also maintaining the skin's natural moisture level.
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3. Promotes Hair Growth
Shea butter’s rich nutrients, including vitamins A and E, help boost the overall health of the scalp and hair. It can stimulate hair follicles, encouraging hair growth by moisturising and improving scalp circulation. While it doesn’t directly trigger hair growth, using shea butter as part of your hair care routine can create optimal conditions for healthier, stronger hair to grow.
4. Prevents Hair Breakage
Hair breakage is often caused by dryness and a lack of nutrients. Shea butter’s thick consistency helps to fortify the hair shaft, making it less prone to breakage, especially when exposed to heat or harsh environmental conditions. A 2017 study on a seed oil with similar nutrient-packed properties to shea butter showed that it helped strengthen hair, making it more resistant to breakage. Also, it forms a protective barrier around the hair, safeguarding it from split ends and breakage caused by styling, heat, or manipulation.
5. Tames Frizz and Adds Shine
If you struggle with frizzy, unruly hair, shea butter can be a game-changer. Its high-fat content smooths the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and flyaways. This helps make your hair appear sleeker and more polished. Shea butter also imparts a natural shine to hair, giving it a healthy, lustrous appearance without making it greasy.
6. Natural Heat Protectant
Shea butter’s thick, creamy texture can act as a natural barrier against heat damage from styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons. Applying a small amount of shea butter before heat styling helps to coat the hair and protect it from high temperatures that can cause damage and lead to dryness and breakage.
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How to Make Your Own Shea Butter Hair Treatment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of raw, unrefined shea butter
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- A few drops of essential oil (lavender or rosemary)
Instructions
- Start by melting the shea butter. You can do this by placing it in a heat-safe bowl and using a double boiler method. Alternatively, microwave the shea butter for 20-30 seconds until it melts completely.
- Once the shea butter is melted, remove it from the heat and add in the coconut oil and olive oil. Combine the oils by stirring well.
- Using a hand mixer or whisk, whip the oil mixture for a few minutes until it starts to take on a creamy texture. This step is optional but will make the treatment easier to apply and more luxurious in texture.
- Once the mixture has cooled slightly, add a few drops of your preferred essential oil. Lavender oil is soothing and can help with scalp irritation, while rosemary oil is known for promoting hair growth.
- Transfer the whipped shea butter hair treatment to a small jar or container with a lid. Store it in a cool, dry place. To use, take a small amount and rub it between your palms to soften. Apply it to your hair, focusing on the ends and any dry areas, or use it as a scalp treatment by massaging it directly onto the scalp.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only, hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]