Can Raw Shea Butter Be Put in Hair?

Shea butter is a popular ingredient that is frequently included in lip balms, lotions, soaps, and hair care products. It became popular because of its healing and hydrating properties. However, the best form of shea butter in the market right now is the raw variant because of its purity. You can use this directly from the container or incorporate it into your DIY cosmetic projects. In this article, you will learn how to apply raw shea butter to your hair and scalp.

Where Does Shea Come From?

Shea butter comes from the Shea Nut Tree in Africa. Its other popular name is the Karite Tree, which means the tree of life. Many say that this definition matches well because the tree provides so many beneficial properties. It helps in healing skin diseases and provides superior moisturizing properties because of its emollient fatty acids. Additionally, shea provides nourishment for your scalp and makes your hair shiny, too.

The Karite Tree grows up to 20 meters in height in spite of being in a warm and dry environment. It manages to thrive despite the harsh conditions. Raw shea butter comes from shea nuts. People harvest the nuts and dry them out. Afterwards, they scoop out the flesh, grind it, then roast it. From there, they boil the product and extract the fat. As it cools, the fat floats on top and solidifies, which is your raw shea.

Why Use Raw Shea Butter?

Raw shea butter happens to be the purest form of shea because it doesn’t undergo chemical processing. Unlike commercial shea, this one doesn’t have any additives or preservatives. Since it has not undergone filtration, you may find small nut skins and fiber in the product. Though the consistency may not be silky smooth like the refined version, this raw product offers you the best qualities. 

Its color usually comes in yellow and off-white, but some have the rare greenish or even gray tint. The color variation depends on the nut maturity upon harvest. This raw shea happens to be the best variant as it retains most of its natural properties because it has not undergone refining and filtration. None of the vitamins become lost, and the essential fatty acids hold their moisturizing and healing benefits.

This makes raw shea the best single-ingredient moisturizer that you can use all year round. In the United States of America, shea butter sold in the market comes with a grade, the highest being Grade A to the lowest, which is Grade F. This classifies the quality of the shea butter when it comes to its safety and nutrient density. Raw shea comes with the highest rating, Grade A.

For this reason, you can use it directly on your skin and hair without worrying about adverse reactions like allergic reactions or irritations. Take a look at its hair care benefits:

• The moisturizing properties of shea make it great for your scalp and hair.
• It has the highest essential fatty acid content that benefits your scalp.
• Direct application to the hair before blow-drying or ironing protects it against the damage caused by heat.
• Raw shea contains vitamin E, which works to nourish the hair and
• This provides relief against dry/ flaky scalp and heals pesky dandruff.
• Offers great preventive treatment for scalp issues like folliculitis.
• Deters the appearance of frizz, flyaway, and split ends.

How To Use It On Hair and Scalp?

When you purchase raw shea butter, it will either come in a tub or foil pack. It may come in different presentations depending on the manufacturer. It could be whipped in a tub, come in tiny chunks in a foil pack, or even in a solid bar like the real butter you see in supermarkets. Using this product is simple and easy to do no matter its form because you only need a little to apply directly on your scalp. Consider the following tips and tricks:

1.   Warm up the shea butter

If the weather is too cool, the shea may have solidified in its container. All you have to do is take a small chunk and warm it up with your hands. Your natural body heat will melt the shea into a smooth and soft consistency.

2.   Direct massage onto the scalp

Once you’ve warmed it up, you can then directly massage this into your scalp. Place it all over your scalp before you shampoo. This will help dislodge the dry flakes and offer relief from itching. You’ll notice that after a few applications, the dandruff in your slow diminishes.

3.   Apply with a comb

Another option is to comb the shea through your hair. Think of it as a hot-oil or collagen treatment in the salon. Make sure you coat your hair strands so the shea butter vitamins and fats will work their magic on your tresses. Leave it in your hair for at least 30 minutes so you’ll have the smooth, silky crowning glory you dream of. 

4.   Use post hair washing

You can also apply raw shea butter post shampooing when your hair is somewhat damp. Just rub it in your palms and coat it all over your hair. This tames any kind of frizzy factor and helps you manage flyaway hair parts. Best of all, this offers protection against blow dryers and flatirons. Everyone knows how the head from these two gadgets can severely damage your hair.

5.   Made into DIY shampoo and conditioner

If you like making your own DIY beauty products, you can add raw shea to your concoctions. You’ll find many recipes online that include shea butter in shampoo and conditioner. You can make liquid or even hair bars. Doing it yourself gives you control over your hair care products. Moreover, it assures that you are not using harmful chemicals. As you know, things you apply to yourself can seep in through your pores. Though crafting your own stuff will take time, it offers a fun process that assures the best quality products.

Final Wrap Up

Raw and pure shea butter definitely has a place in your hair care routine. Regular use assures that your hair becomes healthy and super shiny. It also takes care of your scalp, which equates to nicer hair. You must take care of your head to avoid an itchy scalp, split ends, frizz, and other kinds of damage. Don’t forget that your hair is your crowning glory!