How to use Body Butters for Hair
Let’s Talk Hair.
For some it’s literally the foundation of one’s confidence, a crowning glory to elaborately display. For others, it lends individuality or a creative outlet. Rainbow colored hair anyone? Yep, given all the above, it’s a safe bet to say that most of our hair has seen its fair share of abuse!
But -regardless of how we feel about it and how our hair either inspires or disheartens us, hair will always be something that we need to care for.
Thankfully, the industry continues to wise-up to the fact that chemically treating, sealing, straightening, stripping, gluing our tresses, or worse, is not the solution!
These only chip away further at our hair’s overall health.
No, the answer to protecting hair is to boost strength and resilience naturally with healthy habits and proper care.
Body Butters for Hair
One of these natural solutions is the use of plant based butters to help keep your hair strong and healthy.
And no, this is not some newly discovered miracle treatment. Body butters have been used for ages to care for countless aspects of hair, skin and body care. Their medicinal properties are undeniable.
What makes these butters so great for hair is the core problem they work to solve.
Most of us are all too aware that hair can become dry, brittle and prone to damage. Oftentimes, this is caused by everyday exposure to the elements like harsh sun, environmental toxins or overly dry conditions.
Add to this excessive chemical exposure from conventional hair care products or biological deficiencies in the body such as insufficient oil/sebum production and hair can really suffer.
Oil or what we call “sebum” is a naturally occurring moisturizer that our bodies produce.
Ideally, this would keep the moisture levels for the scalp and hair at optimal levels. But, these oils can slowly dissipate over time or become lacking altogether.
This is where body butters step in. Like sebum, plant based butters are great at keeping the optimum moisture level on each strand of hair while keeping follicles and the scalp strong, moisturized, and healthy. They can even promote faster and healthier hair growth as a result!
Now Let’s Get to the Fun Part!
There are many ways that you can incorporate these natural butters into your hair care routine. Here are some of our favorites.
Shea Butter Shampoo
Shea butter is a great main ingredient when mixing together your own batch of shampoo. Unlike other moisturizing agents, shea butter is a superior choice because it doesn’t clog hair follicles and is able to coat each strand of hair without leaving a greasy residue.
Here’s what you’ll need to mix up a batch of your own Shea Butter Shampoo:
- 2 tbsp. of Shea butter
- ¼ cup liquid castile soap
- 20 drops geranium essential oil
- 1 tbsp. soy lecithin
- ¼ cup rose water
- Use a double boiler to melt 2 tbsp. of Shea butter.
- Once the Shea butter is melted, pour into a mixing bowl. Add the soy lecithin and geranium oil as you stir vigorously until well integrated.
- Let cool for 1-2 minutes and set aside.
- Prepare the rose water by gently warming it, being careful to avoid simmering or boiling.
- Pour rose water into the shea butter mixture and mix thoroughly using an immersion blender until it has a uniform color and texture.
- Transfer the mixture into a container of your choice. It is now ready to use.
Mango Butter Hair Cream
Mango Butter may sound like a mouth-watering addition to a sweet treat but it’s not what you might expect. This specific type of butter is made from the oils extracted from the large seed or pit of the mango fruit. It has minimal scent and is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can protect hair from UV damage while keeping your scalp and strands moisturized.
To get this extra layer of protection, combine the following ingredients:
- 5 oz. of Mango butter
- 2 tbsp. of Shea butter
- 1 tbsp. coconut oil
Note: You may add or substitute an alternate carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil according to your preference.
- Heat the shea butter and mango butter using the double boiler method until the two are melted together and fully combined. Make sure to not bring the butters to a boil.
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator until it hardens, usually 1-2 hours. Once it has achieved the desired stiffness, whip the mixture using a hand mixer until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Add the remaining ingredients such as the coconut oil or any alternate carrier oil of your choice and mix thoroughly until a creamy consistency is achieved.
- Now you have a ready-to-apply cream you can use in either treating or even styling your hair.
Cocoa Butter Conditioner
Cocoa butter is a pale-yellow, edible fat extracted from the cocoa bean that is frequently used in cosmetics and food. Oils from the cocoa butter works to moisturize, strengthen, and add volume to hair – making it a well sought-after ingredient for DIY skin and hair care aficionados.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Cocoa Butter conditioner:
- 2 tbsp. of Raw Cocoa Butter
- 1 tbsp. of Coconut oil
- 1 tbsp. of Jojoba oil
- Combine the raw cocoa butter and the coconut oil together into a double boiler to melt the butters.
- Once melted, add the jojoba oil and mix together. Allow the mixture to cool until it starts to solidify.
- When the mixture has completely solidified, use a hand mixer to whip completely until the mixture has a velvety texture, similar to whipped cream.
- Transfer into a container of your choice. The Conditioner is now ready to be used after your regular shampoo.
- Note: You will want to rinse hair after use.
By using all or some of these remedies, you can spare your hair from excessive breakage and drying.
We’re certain that using butters as a part of your hair care routine is going to do wonders for that beautiful mane of yours.
We hope you enjoy and do let us know what you think in the comments below!