The sad truth is that not everyone has naturally shiny and smooth hair. While some are born with gorgeous locks, others need to pay more attention to their haircare routine to keep their strands looking healthy. But regardless of your hair type and texture, maintaining strong, beautiful hair takes work.
You need to ensure your hair is clean, moisturised and not exposed to excessive heat, otherwise, it will be dry and prone to breakage. That’s why everyone loves shea butter! It can transform your limp strands into something soft, manageable and full of life. It is another powerful, naturally sourced ingredient to add to your beauty arsenal.
What Is Shea Butter And What Can It Do For Your Hair?
Shea butter comes from the nuts of the shea tree, Vitellaria paradoxa, native to West Africa. The nuts go through a long process, from harvesting and preparation to crushing and boiling, to extract the light-coloured fat we know as shea butter.
What makes shea butter good for the hair and skin are its essential fatty acids, such as linoleic, oleic, and stearic acids. Its main components are absorbed quickly into the skin, including the scalp, and have significant nurturing and nourishing effects. So, it’s not surprising that this supercharged natural ingredient is becoming more widely used in cosmetics and haircare products.
Haircare Benefits Of Shea Butter
When it comes to haircare, shea butter is truly a winner. But if you’re still unsure whether you should add this ingredient to your routine or not, here are some ways to maximise its nourishing power for your hair.
Moisturise The Hair And Scalp
Shea butter can moisturise even the driest skin, so it can also work wonders when it comes to keeping your scalp and strands hydrated and moisturised. It does this by acting as a sealant to keep moisture in your hair and enhance its softness. Additionally, it contains Vitamins A and E which are known antioxidants. Not only can they help add shine and moisture to your hair, but they also fight oxidative stress and repair damaged strands.
Prevent Breakage And Hair Loss
Dealing with weak strands and hair loss can be frustrating. Shea butter can help with these issues, too, thanks to its essential fatty acids. These acids will condition your hair and improve the health of your scalp. As a result, your hair follicles will remain strong, reducing hair loss and making your strands less prone to breakage.
Fight Scalp Irritation And Dandruff
Are you suffering from dandruff or scalp irritation? Shea butter is effective in treating various scalp conditions. That’s because it’s rich in nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties that your skin can easily absorb without leaving any greasy residue. This makes it good for relieving scalp irritation and itchiness.
Fight Frizz, Maintain Curls
Another reason users love applying shea butter is its smoothing qualities. Since it’s a fantastic moisturiser, this nutrient-rich oil can soften and smooth strands while fighting frizz and maintaining your gorgeous, bouncy curls.
Things To Know Before Using Shea Butter
Now that you know that applying shea butter, or using products containing this ingredient, is excellent for your hair, it’s time to take action. Before you head to the beauty store, make sure you understand what to expect and how to use it.
Types Of Shea Butter
You’ll find that there are several types of shea butter, including refined, ultra-refined, raw and unrefined. They vary in scent and colours, and they may offer different benefits. Although they come from the same shea nuts, the additional processing makes the difference. Raw, unrefined shea butter is the best, highest-quality product.
How Much Should You Use?
Too much shea butter may weigh your hair down and make it look flat, especially if your hair is naturally thin and oily. Use it in small amounts, therefore. It’s also worth mentioning that shea products come in butter and oil form, so you should understand what your hair needs before you use it.
Storage
It’s best to store shea butter away from the sun or heat. If it’s too warm, shea butter will melt and turn into liquid. You also don’t want to keep it in locations with low temperatures, as it will become hard, solid and difficult to use.
Conclusion
Shea butter has been a vital ingredient in the skincare industry for many years. However, its minerals, vitamins and other nutrients also play a crucial role in improving your scalp health and ensuring your hair remains healthy, shiny and full of life.
If you’re one of the many people experiencing hair loss, it may be time to seek professional help. The experts at Vinci Hair Clinic are on hand to help with support and hair loss treatments. We offer a free consultation to all new clients. Get in touch with us to book your appointment today!
