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Magic shea butter for hair: how to use it correctly? Shea butter for hair. Perfect care for damaged hair Shea butter recipes

Thanks to the positive effects of shea butter on the skin, it is popular in cosmetology. It preserves the youthfulness of the skin making it smooth, elastic and elastic, in addition, shea butter is used for hair. It is considered the most effective way to moisturize and nourish hair, restore it at the structural level, and prevent splitting of the ends. Today, shea butter is added to all kinds of hair care products at home, masks with shea butter are prepared with their own hands. It is also very popular in the production of hair cosmetics, namely shampoos, conditioners, ready-made masks, tonics, and so on.

The benefits of shea butter for hair

Unrefined shea butter is rich in vitamins and minerals that have a beneficial effect not only on the hair shaft, but also on the scalp. The key to healthy hair is healthy skin and follicles provided with the necessary nutrition.

Useful composition of the oil:

    • acids: oleic, stearic, palmitic, linolenic, linoleic;
    • vitamins: retinol, calciferol, tocopherol;
    • hydrocarbons;
    • phenols;
    • steroids;
    • tocopherols.

Hair healing properties:

    1. Quickly removes dandruff;
    2. It is used against split ends due to its moisturizing properties;
    3. Nourishes follicles by strengthening weakened hair;
    4. Effective for active growth;
    5. Helps to heal chemical burns;
    6. Revitalizes brittle and dull hair;
    7. Relieves itching and flaking;
    8. Smoothes the hair shaft and sticks the scales together.

There are no contraindications to the use of the product, except for the individual intolerance of the oil components. If you are allergic to latex, you should not prepare homemade masks and add shea to finished cosmetics. The fact is that this oil is a source of natural latex and can harm those who suffer from such rare allergies.

Where can one buy?

You can buy the healthiest oil at any pharmacy in your city, a cosmetic store, or order it online. When making a purchase, be sure to look at the composition, if there is no Hexane-Free ingredient, then the oil will bring maximum benefit to the hair. Hexane neutralizes all the usefulness of the product. The average price for 100 ml is about 250 rubles.

How to apply shea butter to hair

Before use, the plant extract must be warmed up, as it tends to take a solid form. Fortunately, it melts at human body temperature, but it is important not to boil it. You can apply the oil to your hair without additives or as part of any home remedies. Pure application is the easiest way to strengthen the hairstyle, for this it is enough to apply it a couple of times a week to the hair along the length and to the hair roots.

Adding to shampoo

Mixing with shampoo is a little more complicated.

There are two mixing methods:

    1. We take the base oil of our choice (wheat, castor, olive, etc.), add a little shea butter, and pour everything into the shampoo, stirring thoroughly.
    2. Add a little oil to the required amount of shampoo before washing your hair.

Regardless of the method, further actions are standard, mix, foam the composition on damp hair, keep it for 5 minutes and wash it thoroughly. As you can see, using karite shampoo is not at all difficult, but even convenient.

Important advice from the editors

If you want to improve the condition of your hair, you should pay special attention to the shampoos that you use. A frightening figure - 97% of shampoos of famous brands contain substances that poison our body. The main components, due to which all the troubles on the labels are designated as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, coco sulfate. These chemicals destroy the structure of the curls, the hair becomes brittle, loses its elasticity and strength, the color fades.

But the worst thing is that this muck gets into the liver, heart, lungs, accumulates in the organs and can cause cancer. We advise you not to use the products that contain these substances. Recently, experts of our editorial office conducted an analysis of sulfate-free shampoos, where the first place was taken by products from Mulsan Cosmetic. The only manufacturer of completely natural cosmetics. All products are manufactured under strict quality control and certification systems. We recommend visiting the official online store mulsan.ru. If you doubt the naturalness of your cosmetics, check the expiration date, it should not exceed one year of storage.

Scalp massage

It is equally useful and pleasant to use shea butter for hair during a head massage. This encourages the curls to grow faster, improves blood flow in the skin, enhancing the nutrition of the follicles. If desired, you can use shea butter during the massage in the form of a kind of mask, mixing it with a few drops of pepper tincture. The massage is performed from 5 to 10 minutes, if you massage in the evening, you can make a night compress by wrapping your head with a film and leaving it until morning.

Homemade Shea Butter Hair Mask Recipes

Trichologists recommend using it in its natural form without diluting anything, and a hair mask with shea butter that includes other natural products will also be equally effective. Shea butter recipes are varied, all of them are aimed at active nutrition and restoration of hair. This product is suitable for curly, straight, dark, light, dry and oily hair. In each case, it solves individual problems. Traditional recipes provide for the application of medicinal compositions with shea butter on dry strands in a warm form on the ends of the hair, along the length and on the roots. Due to the fact that the oil product is absorbed for a very long time, it is recommended to keep it on the head for at least 2 hours, if desired, you can leave it overnight.

Enhanced Growth Mask

Effect: nourishes the follicles, encouraging active hair regrowth, and also perfectly moisturizes.

Components:

    • 20 ml of burdock oil;
    • 20 ml shea;
    • 2 capsules each: retinol and tocopherol.

We warm up the oil mass, mix with vitamins. With the resulting solution, we process the smooth surface of the hair along the entire length, wrap it with a film, leave it for 2 hours. We wash with shampoo with plenty of water.

Anti-hair loss mask

Effect: helps to solve the problem of even intense alopecia, strengthens the roots, moisturizes the curls.

Components:

    • 30 ml castor oil;
    • 5 drops of rosemary ether;
    • 40 ml shea.
Preparation and application method:

Mix the oils together, warm up, then drip the rosemary. We generously smear the resulting composition on the strands, comb them with a comb. Massage into the base of the hair. We wrap our head with cling film, wrap ourselves with a towel for 3 hours. After the expiration of time, we wash our hair in the standard way.

Strengthening mask

Effect: strengthens roots, improves the rate of regrowth of strands, adds shine.

Components:

    • wheat grains;
    • 1 yolk;
    • 10 drops of shea.

Preparation and application method:

We purchase dry wheat in advance on the market and germinate it. We take 2 tbsp. l. ready-made seed, grind well in a blender, mix with yolk and butter. Put the finished mixture on the top of the head, distribute along the length. Place the head under a shower cap with a scarf for 1 hour. Rinse thoroughly.

Anti-grease mask

Effect: well cleans the head from sebum, tames the work of the glands of external secretion, makes the hair shiny and voluminous.

Components:

    • 20 ml of the main ingredient;
    • 5 drops of geranium ether;
    • 5 drops of vetiver.
Preparation and application method:

We connect the base, enrich it with ethers. We process each strand with a warm solution, warm the head for 1.5 hours. After the allotted time, we habitually wash our hair.

Split Ends Mask

Effect: moisturizes, nourishes, gives elasticity and radiance to weakened and prone to split hair.

Components:

    • 40 ml almond oil;
    • 40 ml shea butter;
    • 1 yolk.
Preparation and application method:

Mix the yolk into the prepared oil mass, beat slightly, distribute over the hair. We put on a warm cap for 3 hours. We wash it as usual.

Dandruff mask

Effect: well cleanses the skin, eliminates dandruff and other fungi and bacteria on the skin.

Composition:

    • 3 fresh aloe leaves;
    • 30 gr. honey;
    • 20 ml shea.

We extract gel from the leaves, dilute it with oil and honey. We process the scalp generously, distribute the remains to the ends. We wear it under a warmed hat for a couple of hours, wash our hair.

Moisturizing mask for dry curls

Effect: deeply moisturizes even the driest strands, gives shine, elasticity, smoothes scales.

Components:

    • 3 tbsp. l. shea;
    • 2 tbsp. l. linseed;
    • 1 tbsp. l. burdock;
    • 1 tsp tocopherol.
Preparation and method of application:

We mix the oil solution, heat it up, mix in the vitamin. Apply the resulting mass along the entire length of the hair, place the head under a warm cap for 3 hours. We wash my head in the usual way.

Nourishing mask

Effect: shea with coconut oil gives hair vitality, restores structure, nourishes.

Composition:

    • 1 tbsp. l. main component;
    • 1 tbsp. l. coconut oil;
    • 3 drops of sandalwood
    • 5 ml each: tocopherol and retinol.
Preparation and method of application:

We heat the oils in a bath, mix with ether and vitamins. We process the strands, keep them under the hood for 3 hours. We wash it out as usual.

Video recipe: Mask for dry hair and split ends at home

Revitalizing mask

Effect: restores the damaged structure of the hair shaft, smoothes the scales, gives shine and silky smooth hair.

Components:

    • 2 tbsp. l. shi;
    • 2 tbsp. l. olive oil;
    • 5 drops of ylang-ylang ether;
    • 1 capsule of tocopherol;
    • 1 capsule of retinol.
Preparation and application method:

We thoroughly knead all the oils, heat them, and lastly we drip ether and vitamins. Mix well, apply on the head, leave under the film for 3 hours. My head is standard.

The use of organic oils for body and curl care is becoming more and more popular every year. Their composition is balanced, it includes plant substances and various vitamins. Shea butter for hair, commonly known as shea butter, is one of the most valuable natural anti-aging and moisturizing natural supplements.

Thick hair with a slight silkiness, after being treated with such a product on an ongoing basis, will be the calling card of every woman. This product, brought from Africa, is a commonly used ingredient. The natural product is popular for home-made wellness formulations based on natural ingredients.

The beneficial properties of shea butter

Shea's rich bio-composition can become a useful helper in manipulating hair and scalp care. Its application leads to the following processes:

  • restoration after chemical damage to the dermis near the rod bulbs, their strengthening;
  • normalization of blood circulation, improvement of metabolic processes in the scalp, general improvement of the epidermis;
  • elimination of itching, dryness;
  • intensive saturation of hair follicles with moisture;
  • getting rid of dandruff, keratinized pieces of skin;
  • saturation of the dermis;
  • prevention of brittleness, sectioning, sticking and falling of the rods;
  • restoration of the original hair structure;
  • protection against thermal influence, ultraviolet rays, negative environmental influences.

The use of African walnut oil in restorative procedures will make the curls obedient, a shiny look, volume, and thick hair will appear. But, at the same time, shea will not leave a greasy shine on the curls. The elasticity of the hairline appears due to a whole complex of fatty acids.


Expert opinion

Catherine the Great

The useful liquid of the shea tree contains phenols, rare vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates. This African product is loaded with fats that support the production of natural collagen.

Healing product from the fruits of the African shea butter tree is obtained by cold pressing.

How to apply correctly

The peculiarity of shea butter is that it is capable of producing an effect without other additives and substances. But, it can also be used as an accompanying ingredient in nutritional complexes for restoring curls. The leading cosmetic developments include an unrefined type of oil, which contains a complex of natural, unique beneficial substances.

Distinguishing between processed and pure oil is not difficult. The second substance is characterized by a light yellow, creamy, slightly greenish tint with a distinctive, persistent nutty smell, while the processed product is pure white in color.

By itself, it looks like a light mass, resembling butter in consistency and color. At a temperature of 30-35 degrees, the substance quickly melts, then becomes a liquid. For productive application, it is heated with a water bath, but the boiling process is not allowed, otherwise the complex of useful substances will evaporate.


Expert opinion

Catherine the Great

Dermatovenerologist, trichologist and cosmetologist

Before spreading on the hair, you need to make sure that the temperature of the melted substance is comfortable for the skin.

Instructions for using shea butter:

  1. Apply the substance to cleaned, dry or moistened curls in the direction from the roots, going down to the tips (soak the bulb growth zone well).
  2. Rub the liquid into the scalp with light massage movements, put on a special cap for cosmetic manipulations, cover it tightly with a towel on top.
  3. Keep the hair under the hood for at least 2 hours.
  4. After the prescribed time, thoroughly wash off the natural component or mask.
  5. Rinse hair in herbal broth.

Shea is mixed with other natural oils, which enhances the effect and also gives the desired result in the fight for healthy strands. Cosmetologists recommend adding it to moisturizing, nourishing, restorative masks, balms, homemade and industrial rinses.


Expert opinion

Marina Selyutina

ChudoMed Medical Center, 23 years of experience

Sessions of therapeutic manipulations should be done twice every seven days. As a preventive measure, three procedures per month will be sufficient. Cosmetologists recommend doing it 10-15 times, and then letting the rods "rest" for 1-2 months.

Homemade hair mask recipes

Shea butter for hair is an ideal ingredient in the creation of miraculous formulations that fight to restore the hair shaft. Thanks to this product, you can again give brightness, color saturation, a healthy look to your hair, as well as restore the epidermis and stimulate the growth of bulbs.

It is important to take care of creating a greenhouse effect at the roots after applying the cosmetic composition. It is most convenient to use plastic wrap or a shower cap made of polyethylene, then wrap your hair tightly with a towel or scarf.

Moisturizing mask

The use of the nutritional composition will give the scalp a natural, bright and beautiful appearance. Its components are:

  • oils: shea (30 g) and olive (30 ml);
  • avocado (1 pc.);
  • honey (30 g).

The fruit is crushed to a mushy consistency, then a mixture of honey and preheated ingredients is introduced into it. The resulting mass is distributed along the curls, wrapped well, kept for 50 minutes, then thoroughly washed the head under streams of water.

Against dandruff and dry scalp

Trichologists advise using shea butter to treat the ends of the hair and combat such severe ailments as the presence of dandruff, flaking and a feeling of dryness. It moisturizes the skin, gently removes keratinized dermis scales, and helps to normalize blood circulation. Cosmetologists offer the following balanced and simple composition - oils: shea (2 tablespoons) and tea tree or lavender (4-5 drops) mix and then rub into the scalp. After 50-55 minutes. wash off the product with warm water. This manipulation is advised to be carried out 3 times within one month.

Anti-grease mask

Shea butter can remove grease from the skin and hair. It is able to regulate the work of the sebaceous glands, but not clog them. When applying the following nutritional composition, the hair will get rid of unpleasant shine, will look more natural, and will acquire the proper volume.

Main ingredients:

  • oils: shea (40 g) and essential geranium (10 drops);
  • orange (1 pc.);
  • egg white (1 pc.).

Squeeze the juice out of the fruit, preheat the shea butter in a water bath, add geranium oil, and beaten egg white. After combining all the components, distribute the resulting mass to the hair. Warm the head with a towel cap and keep it in this state for 40 minutes, then rinse the strands with water without detergents.

For strengthening weakened hair

To give strength, smoothness, accelerated growth of the hair shaft and seal the ends, there is the following firming procedure, which includes oils such as:

  • shea (40 g);
  • burdock (40 ml);
  • essential from cedar nuts (20 ml).

All components are mixed and heated. The resulting mixture is carefully applied to the hair from roots to ends. The head is wrapped in a film, insulated with a warm cloth. After half an hour, the composition is washed off with shampoo until the oiliness disappears.

Hair Loss Mask

Experts recommend the use of a therapeutic mask for many who are faced with increased hair loss, where the basic substance is nutritious shea. It strengthens and strengthens the hair follicles. In order to make a healing composition at home, you should use the following oils:

  • shea (3 tbsp. l.);
  • essential rosemary (3 drops);
  • castor (2 tablespoons).

All components are connected, then applied along the entire head of hair, paying attention to the hair follicles. Cover your head with a warm cap, keep the composition for 3 hours, then wash off. This mixture is advised to be applied 2-3 times in one week for one month.


Expert opinion

Catherine the Great

Dermatovenerologist, trichologist and cosmetologist

You can also use herbal tinctures with shea butter: chamomile, aloe juice, rose hips.

Can be added to shampoos and balms

The beneficial substances of shea deservedly have the reputation of being powerful reducing agents, so the use of even a small amount of this product brings a positive effect. Experts in the cosmetic industry say that a few drops of liquid added to the shampoo can restore shine, smoothness, volume to the curls.

Catherine the Great

Dermatovenerologist, trichologist and cosmetologist

Not all trichologists recommend this method, since the shampoo is on the hair for a short time, and also emphasize that the composition of the detergent is already balanced. But based on the reviews, we can say that its use is paying off. Many girls emphasize that the hair has become alive, has acquired the silkiness that was lost earlier.

Contraindications for use

Oily shea liquid, undoubtedly, has a set of advantages, but before using it, especially those people who suffer from various types of skin diseases, you should consult with doctors, allergists and trichologists. Also, experts note that a reaction is possible in people who have allergic reactions to nuts.

Catherine the Great

Dermatovenerologist, trichologist and cosmetologist

One drop of oil is applied to a small area of \u200b\u200bthe skin. The result is obtained in a day. If there is no redness and itching on the epidermis, then this means that this component can be used without fear.

For people suffering from oily skin, you should not often do nutritious cosmetic manipulations with shea.

Shea Butter or Shea Butter is known for its properties to make the skin wonderfully smooth, supple and firm, and keep it youthful. Meanwhile, it is one of the most effective means for nourishing, strengthening and restoring brittle, dry and damaged hair, as well as split ends. Today, it is widely used in the cosmetics industry for the production of masks, shampoos, balms, conditioners, emulsions and other hair cosmetics.

The benefits of natural oils for hair are obvious and known for a long time, even the beautiful Cleopatra herself generously anointed her beautiful curls with them. Their composition is a storehouse of vitamins (in particular, E, D, A, F), protein, fatty acids and a fairly large amount of other useful substances, which, penetrating deep into the hair follicles and into the structure, maintain the optimal level of moisture and provide them with nutrition. ... Shea butter is one of the most popular ingredients in modern cosmetics. Its softening, protective, nourishing and moisturizing properties make it suitable for all hair types.

Shea butter is extracted by cold pressing from the flesh and seeds of the selected shea tree fruit. This unique tree grows only in certain climatic conditions, which correspond to the climate of African countries. In appearance, it can be said about it as a mass with a dense consistency, having a white or creamy shade and a pleasant aroma of nuts. Despite its density, the oil simply melts before our eyes in contact with human skin. When used in homemade recipes, shea butter should be lightly soaked in a water bath so that it melts somewhat, which makes it easier to use in combination with other ingredients.

It is impossible not to say about the healing effect of shea butter. Its systematic use helps to cope with various unpleasant hair problems, in particular, eliminate brittleness and hair loss, dandruff, accompanying itching, making them stronger, firmer, shiny and elastic, returning a healthy look.

Daily thermal styling, curling, coloring, straightening, etc. lead to a deterioration in the condition of the hair, weakening it and making it dull and lifeless. In this situation, shea butter will become a universal remedy for health restoration and protection. Today, in specialized stores of professional cosmetics and beauty salons, you can see whole lines of products that contain this unique oil.

Due to its amazing resistance to rancidity, shea butter is perfectly stored in its pure form for two years, even at room temperature.

Shea butter recipes for hair.
This truly magical hair remedy can be used in pure form, included in homemade masks, shampoos, balms and conditioners, as well as combined with other types of cosmetic and essential oils, cosmetic clay, added to vegetable and fruit masks.

In pure form, shea butter is preheated and distributed over the entire length of the hair, including roots and ends, with light movements in combination with massage. In this case, the amount of applied product depends on the length and density of your hair. Cover the head with polyethylene and a towel to create an additional warming effect. The duration of such a procedure is half an hour, after which the head should be rinsed with shampoo.

Oil masks are a universal care product. In addition, they stimulate the follicles, thereby accelerating hair growth. Shea butter can be combined with other oils. For example, combine half a teaspoon of flaxseed oil with the same amount of castor and burdock oils, add a teaspoon of shea butter, and add a couple of drops of vitamin E and A in oil capsules. It is advisable to warm up the composition and use it warm as described in the previous recipe.

To maintain beautiful and shiny hair, in general, in a healthy state, as well as to prevent hair loss and sectioning, it is recommended to carry out the next mask twice a week, half an hour before washing your hair. To prepare it, combine 50 g of shea butter with two tablespoons of olive oil preheated in a water bath. Spread the resulting composition over damp hair, wrap it on top with polyethylene and a towel. Remove the mask as usual using warm water and shampoo.

Using a water bath, melt a teaspoon of shea butter and mix with the same amount of avocado oil. Add to this mass a mixture of essential oils of geranium and vetiver, taken in three drops. Distribute the composition in a warm form on the hair, wrap it up in the same way and leave for at least an hour. Rinse off as usual with shampoo and balm.

To saturate brittle and dull hair with moisture and return it to its natural shine, you can do the following procedure: combine two tablespoons of shea butter and olive oil, warm it up with a water bath and enrich your conditioner with this composition. Then apply it along the entire length and it is advisable to stand it overnight, and in the morning rinse off as usual.

A mask with oils and egg yolk prevents hair loss, strengthens, accelerates growth and heals the hair. It is very important that the yolks are not chilled, that is, a few hours before the procedure, remove the required number of eggs from the refrigerator. To prepare the mask, you need to melt two teaspoons of shea butter in a water bath, combine with two egg yolks, add two teaspoons of liquid honey and a teaspoon of ground red pepper. It is advisable to apply the composition in a warm form to the hair and scalp, wrap it up thoroughly and keep it for thirty minutes to an hour, then rinse it off with cool water to avoid curling the yolks, and then wash your hair in the usual way. The ingredients in this recipe are for the average length of your curls.

You can make recipes for masks based on shea butter yourself. Feel free to experiment, autumn-winter is ideal for this, because during this period the hair especially needs nutrition and protection. And finally, give your hair a rest at least sometimes, do not injure it with endless styling, coloring and lightening. If you absolutely cannot do without it, be sure to use protective and restorative agents.

Vitellaria tree grows only in the countries of Central Africa. An amazing oil is prepared from it by hand pressing. It is normally solid and used for everyday food purposes.

However, it is not only the nutritional value of shea butter that is widely known. It is effectively used in cosmetology. The main focus is the use of vitellaria oil to improve the condition of the hair and scalp. In order to obtain an optimal result, it is necessary to follow the most important recommendations.

Shea butter for hair: beneficial properties

For many people, the problem of finding an effective remedy for improving hair structure is extremely acute. The delicate scalp reacts to chemicals with allergic manifestations, which is fraught with aggravation of the condition of the hair follicle. However, due to the presence of a balanced composition of fatty acids, vitamins, trace elements and natural steroids, shea butter in many situations helps to restore damaged hair.

When applied, the following properties of shea butter are actively manifested:

  • elimination of dryness and brittle hair;
  • improvement and healing of small excoriation on the scalp;
  • strengthening the hair structure along the entire length;
  • removal of inflammation due to active natural steroids;
  • reducing the amount of dandruff;
  • relieving scalp irritation, softening it and improving blood supply to hair follicles.

Such diverse properties of shea butter for hair and its use are explained by a set of active biological substances, which, in interaction with each other, potentiate the effects. All properties of the product from the fruit of vitellaria are manifested only with regular use, since phytocomponents must accumulate in the tissues of the scalp.

Applying Shea Butter to Hair

Even a simple application of the product on the head from the very first time will have the necessary positive effect. However, it must be remembered that in the normal state shea butter is solid, so for a full result, you must adhere to certain rules. The main features of how to use shea butter for hair are presented below.

  1. Moisture and clean hair. The oil does not have detergent properties, as it contains a large amount of unsaponifiable fats. Therefore, before using it, wash your hair with a neutral shampoo and do not wipe dry.
  2. Oil temperature. As well as, shea butter in its normal state is very thick, so before use it is heated in a water bath or in a microwave oven to 37 degrees.
  3. Treatment intensity and amount of oil. The product is applied with extremely gentle movements, taking care not to damage weak hair. It is important to apply shea butter evenly along the entire length of the hair, being careful not to conserve product. It is impossible to overdose the agent, and if it is lacking, the effectiveness will seriously suffer.
  4. Features of washing off the remnants of the product. After finishing the treatment, the shea butter must be removed with a neutral soap. Sometimes for this purpose it is necessary to use combs with sparse teeth to effectively remove the congealed oil.
  5. Multiplicity of procedures. Likewise, the optimal amount of shea butter applications is no more than 2 times a week. If shampoo with shea butter is applied, then the frequency can be increased up to 4 times in 7 days. Exposure time - no more than 40 minutes.

If you do not forget the simple rules for using shea butter (shea butter) for hair, then with regular use, a significant positive effect is observed in a short period of time. The result is clearly visible after 5 procedures, and to consolidate it, up to 10-15 applications are needed.

Shea butter hair masks

For many people, using pure shea butter is not enough for optimal results. In this case, masks of the combined composition will help, which enhance the effectiveness of shea and accelerate the recovery of hair. Below are the most common shea butter masks for hair.

  • A mixture of oils. To perfectly moisturize the scalp and eliminate dullness and brittle hair, just mix in equal proportions warmed shea butter, olive oil and avocado. Application is carried out 3 times a week for 1 hour.
  • Mask with egg yolk and rosemary. This composition is easy to prepare at home. It is enough to add 1 egg yolk and 3 drops of rosemary ether for every 20 ml of warmed shea butter. Apply to hair 2 times a week. The duration of the exposure is no more than 30 minutes. This shea butter hair mask should not be used by people suffering from polyvalent allergies.
  • Olive oil, linseed oil and red pepper. More about and we talked about earlier. The same mask perfectly improves blood circulation due to the irritating effect of red pepper, and the mixture of oils mutually potentiates the effects of shea. It is recommended to mix 1 part olive oil and flaxseed oil with 3 parts shea butter with 2 g of ground pepper. The composition must be mixed and applied to the scalp with light massaging movements. Exposure - no more than 20 minutes, frequency - up to 3 times a week.

Thus, shea butter is a simple and versatile remedy for quickly improving hair structure and reducing breakage. It is relatively inexpensive, non-allergenic and suitable for most people. Before using shea butter for hair, especially in masks, it is advisable to consult with a specialist.

In the article we consider shea butter for hair - its benefits and possible contraindications... You will learn where to buy and how to use undiluted shea butter, learn how to make homemade masks with it, and appreciate the effect of using it from photos in customer reviews.

Outwardly, shea butter is unlike the usual vegetable oils, it resembles solid fat, saturated with useful components.

When stored in the refrigerator, it will be hard, at a temperature of 20-22 degrees - soft, and when heated from 27 degrees, it will begin to melt.

The color depends on the manufacturing technology, the region of the shea tree and the presence of additives, it can be white or yellowish. A pleasant, unobtrusive nut aroma is set off by light notes of coconut.

75% shea butter is composed of triglyceric acids (stearic, oleic, arachidic, linoleic, palmitic and myristic). Their complex is essential for a healthy cell life cycle.

It also includes:

  • squalene - saturates the hair follicles with oxygen;
  • carotenoids and tocopherols - protect hair from external factors;
  • carotene - stimulates cellular metabolism;
  • vitamin E - actively restores damaged and lifeless hair.

Shea butter has a balanced effect on the scalp and hair:

  • moisturizes, softens and protects;
  • strengthens the roots and heals to the very ends;
  • soothes and softens the scalp;
  • treats dermatological diseases such as seborrhea, eczema and fungus;
  • restores the hair structure damaged by dyeing or heat exposure;
  • increases volume and shine.

How to use shea butter for hair

The nutritional properties of shea butter are in demand in cosmetology; manufacturers are actively adding it to hair care products - shampoos, balms, sprays, rinses, and masks.

But you will get the maximum effect if you become:

  • apply shea butter in its pure form;
  • add to purchased funds;
  • cook homemade masks with shea butter.

If you decide to take care of your hair with undiluted shea butter, melt it in a steam bath first so that the product is absorbed faster into the scalp and curls. Add the melted shea to your favorite shampoos or homemade masks, but remember to stir the mixture thoroughly until smooth.

Follow simple rules:

  • Apply to freshly washed and slightly dried hair.
  • At the final stage, be sure to wrap your head with a polyethylene cape, and then a terry towel to activate nutrients. Insulation is also necessary so that the oil does not freeze and there are no difficulties with washing it off.
  • The undiluted oil should be completely absorbed, so keep it on for a long time - at least two hours.
  • It is better not to leave the homemade mask overnight. There will be no harm from this, but the oil in its composition will harden, which will complicate rinsing off the product in the morning.
  • Wash off the oil with shampoo. If the hair is oily, repeat the rinsing procedure several times.
  • For maximum effect from the shea butter mask, rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar (a large spoon per liter of water) after shampooing.
  • The course of treatment is at least 15 procedures. The optimal frequency is every 3-4 days.

Shea butter hair masks

Before applying shea butter, identify the problem with your hair.

Only after that, select recipes and do not forget to carry out the procedures regularly in compliance with all recommendations.

Treatment mask with shea butter against dandruff

Ingredients:

  1. Shea butter - 2 tablespoons
  2. Tea tree (lavender, rosemary) essential oil - 4 drops.

How to cook: Melt the shea butter in a steam bath. Add essential oil (lavender or rosemary can be used instead of tea tree). Stir well.

How to use:Apply 1-2 times a week to the roots and scalp. Keep it on for at least an hour (the optimal time is 3 hours). Rinse off with warm water and shampoo.

Result: The nutrient blend will eliminate dry skin and reduce dandruff. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture and apply it not only to the skin, but also distribute it over the entire length of the mixture to make your hair shiny and supple.

Nourishing Shea Butter Mask

Ingredients:

  1. Shea butter - 2 tablespoons
  2. Flax oil - 2 tablespoons
  3. Burdock oil - 1 tablespoon
  4. Vitamin E (liquid) - 1 tablespoon

How to cook:Melt the shea butter in a steam bath. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until smooth.

How to use:Apply to full length of hair. Massage your skin for 10-15 minutes. Leave it on for 4 hours. Rinse off with warm water and shampoo.

Result: The oil blend with vitamin E nourishes the hair, restoring it to its full length and leaving it shiny, silky and smooth.

Shea butter firming mask

Ingredients:

  1. Rosemary oil - 3 drops.
  2. Castor oil - 2 tablespoons
  3. Shea butter - 3 tablespoons

How to cook: Melt the shea butter in a steam bath. Mix with castor oil. Add rosemary. Mix thoroughly.

How to use: Massage the mask onto the roots. Then spread the mixture with a wide-toothed comb all over the hair. Wash off the mask with warm water and shampoo after 3.5 hours.

Result:Castor oil and shea in combination with rosemary will strengthen hair follicles, stop hair loss, give them strength, firmness and elasticity.


Shea butter mask for split ends

Ingredients:

  1. Almond essential oil - 2 tablespoons
  2. Egg - 1 pc.
  3. Shea butter - 2 tablespoons

How to cook:Separate the egg yolk. Mix it with almond oil and shear until smooth. If the butter is hard, melt it in a water bath.

How to use: Apply the mask to split ends. Leave it overnight. The mask is ideal for the ends, but it can be applied over the entire length of the hair if its structure is severely damaged. For full-length application, keep the mask for 3.5 hours and then wash off with warm water and shampoo.

Result:Nourishing ingredients seal hair from root to tip, leaving it healthy, smooth and manageable.

Shea butter mask for oily hair

Ingredients:

  1. Shea butter - 1 tablespoon
  2. Avocado oil - 1 tablespoon
  3. Geranium essential oil - 3 drops.
  4. Vetiver oil - 3 drops.

How to cook: Melt the shea butter in a steam bath. Mix ingredients until smooth.

How to use: Apply to roots and then spread over the entire length of hair with a comb or fingers. Leave it on for half an hour. Rinse off with shampoo water.

Result:The mask reduces oiliness, makes hair light and manageable.

Contraindications

A natural product has only one contraindication - individual nut intolerance.To see how your skin will react to the oil, apply a small amount to the inside of your elbow. If after a few hours there is no discomfort, there is no redness or flaking on the skin, then you can safely use the product and include it in home remedies.

In addition to individual intolerance, there is one more rule that you should be aware of before using shea butter.

If you have oily or combination skin type, we recommend using the oil only in combination with other ingredients and not too often, as the product clogs the pores.


Where can one buy

You can buy cosmetics with shea in any cosmetics store, but for pure shea butter you should go to the pharmacy market or place an order in the online store.

The cost of the product depends on the volume and manufacturer. So, cosmetic shea butter "Botanica" with a volume of 30 ml costs 168 rubles. Refined and unrefined shea butter in 100 ml jars is produced under the well-known Russian brand Spivak. The first costs 167-180 rubles, the second is more expensive - 315 rubles.