Shea Butter: A Hair Treasure

Shea butter, an ivory colored fat, is produced from the kernel of the fruit of the Karite tree that grows wild and abundantly throughout the savannah of central and West Africa. The healing properties of unrefined shea butter are extensive. To get the full benefits of shea butter, use only unrefined shea butter. Unrefined shea butter comes in blocks or can be bought already packed in jars. It is odorless if 100% pure or can be bought ready fragranced with essential oils. Shea butter can be applied directly to the scalp as a moisturizing treatment for dry, itchy scalp & dandruff, and the butter can be applied to the length if the hair shaft to moisturize, add shine, and strengthen the shaft.

Shea Butter is an excellent deep conditioning treatment for dry hair. This thick and super rich emollient is great for parched dry hair. Melt shea butter, and apply to hair as a hot oil treatment after shampooing. Comb through and rinse for silky soft tresses. It moisturizes hair from roots to ends, and adds shine and healthy luster. It helps stop hair breakage and split ends. Although it can be applied directly to the hair, it tends to be a bit hard in its natural state. You can also make shea butter easier to apply by melting it on a low heat, adding natural oils like extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil and stirring until thoroughly mixed. The natural oil should make up about ¼ the amount of the shea butter. Pour the mixture back into a jar. By adding the additional oil, the shea butter will remain relatively soft when completely cooled and be easier to apply to the hair.

You can also make a wonderful shea butter cream by melting unrefined shea butter and combining it with an equal amount of natural oil. Cool the mixture over a bowl full of ice, while you whip it with an electric mixer. Whipping it as it cools will yield a velvety smooth cream that can be used for your hair and body. This recipe also makes an excellent hair moisturizer and sealer for both natural and relaxed black hair.

The Basic 5 of Healthy Hair Care

Proper hair care will lead to healthier, longer and better-looking hair. Bad hair care tactics, or not taking care of your hair can lead to breakage, fly away, frizziest, split ends, dull hair, and early hair loss. When it comes to hair care, there are a few basic rules that everyone should consider adopting for the long-term health of their strands. Although, everyone’s hair is different in many ways- texture, length, condition- all hair types, generally, require the same basic elements for a well-rounded, effective hair care regimen. Those elements are listed and explained below:

Lubricate- Oiling the hair is a fabulous way to keep the moisture content high from root to tip. There are a variety of oil choices...the two main ones tend to be Jojoba Oil, and Coconut Oil. Safflower, Almond and Grape seed oils are also excellent for oiling the hair. Oiling may be done before a wash to protect against harsh detergents or afterwards to help condition the hair and maintain moisture.

Cleanse-Cleansing the hair helps to maintain a healthy scalp, remove debris and pollutants, and prepare hair follicles for optimal growth. The frequency of your shampooing depends on your hair type, on the season and on whether or not you live in an area of high pollution. Do not use a lot of shampoo; it only causes depletion of protective oils and moisture.

Stimulate-Massages are a crucial part of your hair healthy program. Massages should be done daily to improve circulation, help stimulate and nourish the scalp and keep the skin loose, thus allowing the blood to flow easily to the roots of the hair. Stimulation can also be done by incorporating “stimulating” essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, cinnamon, ginger, clove, eucalyptus, basil, or nutmeg, into hair oils, shampoos, or rinses.

Strengthen- Routinely using shampoos and conditioners that contain proteins, keratin or amino acids help ward off weak, damaged hair. These ingredients bond to the hair shaft to fill in the cracks caused by damage and deliver stronger, healthier, longer hair, with consistent use. Deep conditioners with protein, applied for 15-30 minutes with heat, are high effective. They help to strengthen the hair deep inside the cuticle and provide more long-term benefits.

Moisturize- Dry hair leads to breakage, especially with daily styling and manipulation. Moisture is the single most important factor in determining healthy growth and retention of hair. You need to be seeking out products that promote the attraction and retention of moisture. Most moisture based products contain some type of humectants. Humectants are substances that attract moisture. Glycerin, honey, propylene glycol are a few common humectants. Moisture equals water. Oil is NOT moisture (however, it can be used to “seal” in moisture). Many commercial moisturizers will be mainly composed of water. Depending on the needs of your hair and your environment, moisturizing may be need to be done as often as 1-3 times per day or at least every other day.

Long, healthy hair takes dedication and time. Maintaining a consistent regimen will help you achieve the results you desire. So make the commitment today, to treasure your tresses and give them the time and attention they need to thrive.