Shea butter<\/a> melt it over boiling water with a double boiler. After it’s cool apply onto your fingertips and massage into your scalp in circular motions. For dry hair apply thoroughly from roots to ends and comb through.<\/p>\n3. Protect hair against heat damage<\/h3>\n
If you straighten, curl or use any form of heat on your hair Shea butter can act as a heat protectant for your hair. This is because Shea butter doesn’t sit heavy on the hair instead it absorbs into each hair strand and protects against heat damage.<\/p>\n
How to use it<\/h4>\n
Use just Shea butter or add other natural oils like grape seed or\u00a0avocado oil\u00a0to it. Then apply in small amounts before using heat on the hair.<\/p>\n
4. Moisturize and soften hair<\/h3>\n
Shea butter contains vitamin A and E with essential fatty acids which are believed to add moisture and shine to the hair. Its non-oily quality makes it a superb cream for the hair. It mellow dry fragile hair and fixes split harmed finishes also.<\/p>\n
How to use it<\/h4>\n
Mix with another carrier oil and apply as the oil for the LOC method or apply as\u00a0a leave-in moisturizer\u00a0after every wash day.<\/p>\n
5. Seal in moisture to the hair<\/h3>\n
Due to its emollient qualities, Shea butter is an excellent sealant for the hair especially for Afro-textured hair which is naturally dryer than other hair types. It gives moisture to the hair and afterward seals in dampness to the hair without leaving it oily. This fixing quality guarantees that your hair stays moisturized during harsh climates.<\/p>\n
How to use it<\/h4>\n
Apply a small quantity to your hair or add to your favorite conditioner for extra moisture. You can add it to your\u00a0creams and shampoos\u00a0too.<\/p>\n
6. Prevent hair loss and promote hair growth<\/h3>\n
The anti-inflammatory qualities and fatty acids contained in Shea butter supply essential nutrients that help to treat scalp conditions and improve the overall health of the scalp. This will, in turn, strengthen the hair follicles, reduce hair loss, and make your hair grow thicker.<\/p>\n
How to use it<\/h4>\n
Mix Shea butter with any carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. Apply to the hair and edges and massage into the scalp often. You can do this before styling your hair in the morning or before bedtime.<\/p>\n
Tips for Buying Shea butter<\/h3>\n
When shopping for Shea butter go for the raw or unrefined ones. Unrefined Shea butter is in its natural state and has the highest quality. It has a strong nutty aroma to it while refined Shea butter has been refined to remove the natural aroma for people who may not like it. A plastic-like scent indicates that it has been refined.<\/p>\n
Make sure to check the color before purchasing it. If it is not ivory-colored this means that the Shea butter has been refined through the process of bleaching.<\/p>\n
Do a patch test on your skin before applying it to the scalp. Apply a little amount to your skin to see how your skin and possibly scalp would react to Shea butter.<\/p>\n
If you can’t find Shea butter, you can opt for other hair care products that contain Shea butter. Conditioners with Shea butter is a good choice here. You can also use\u00a0Jojoba oil\u00a0for your hair as it provides similar benefits.<\/p>\n
How to store Shea butter<\/h3>\n
The best way to store Shea butter is in an airtight container and in a cool dry environment. Make sure to keep it away from environments exposed to heat. Too warm temperatures will also cause it to melt and return to liquid form. Shea butter usually lasts up to 2 years but if you start to notice an acidic smell it is probably time to toss it in the bin. There are some awesome ways on how to grow hair in a week naturally<\/a><\/p>\nFor more ways on how to use Shea butter, TwoLala shares the 5 Shea butter hacks they use for their hair.<\/p>\n