Shea butter, or rather, nuts from the plant Butyrospermum Parkii, has a fat structure and a soft consistency. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, close in composition to the natural human skin fat.
Types of oil:
- Shea butter is unrefined. It is produced in the traditional way, without the use of chemicals, solvents and preservatives. It has bactericidal properties and does not deteriorate for long. In this form, shea butter is solid and its storage is not difficult.
- Shea butter is refined. This kind of oil is obtained after heat treatment, deodorization and filtration. It partially loses its healing properties, is less stored and has almost perfectly white color, while unrefined oil is greenish-brown. This kind of carite (shi) has a thick creamy texture.
Shea butter - application in cosmetology
Due to the high content of vitamins A and E, this product is used:
- for the treatment of bruises and sprains;
- with burns, wounds, abrasions;
- for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis of various origin;
- at puffiness of extremities;
- for the removal of diaper rash, including in young children;
- from insect bites;
- to soften the rough and cracked skin;
- for moistening dry, flaky skin;
- with irritation, even after shaving;
- for the rejuvenation of fading skin;
- to protect against harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and cold;
- with a massage to improve blood circulation;
- with stretch marks and striae;
- to prevent the formation of scars and scars.
Natural shea butter - hair application:
- softens and moisturizes the hair;
- removes fragility and dry hair;
- effectively fights dandruff;
- prevents hair loss;
- treats scalp diseases accompanied by itching;
- provides hair nutrition;
- gives hair shine and elasticity;
- protects the hair from the harmful effects of the environment.
Hair products with shea butter
Masks for hair with shea butter:
1. With coconut oil:
- Melt 100g of shea butter in a microwave oven or in a water bath;
- add in the warm oil 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 100 ml of coconut;
- mix the oils in a blender;
- Allow the mixture to cool and apply to damp hair for 20 minutes.
2. With avocado oil:
- in equal proportions mix the shea butter (pre-melted) and avocado oil;
- add to the mixture 5 drops of essential oils of geranium and vetiver;
- apply on hair and stand for 1 hour;
- wash off the mask under running water with shampoo.
3. With olive oil:
- 2 tablespoons of karite and olive oil are mixed and added to the used hair conditioner;
- evenly apply the mask on the hair, warm it with a cosmetic film or a towel;
- Leave the mixture on all night, thoroughly wash your head with shampoo in the morning.
4. With jojoba oil:
- mix in equal shares of jojoba oil and karite;
- apply immediately after washing on damp hair;
- leave the product for at least 40 minutes;
- wash off the mask with warm running water.
5. Pure shea butter is also used as a mask and is very effective for restoring dry and damaged hair. It is necessary to melt karite oil in a water bath and apply warm on clean damp
Shampoo with shea butter:
- For every 50 ml of the finished shampoo, add 5 ml of shea butter.
- Thoroughly mix the ingredients and use to wash your hair.
This is the simplest method, but no less effective than salon and organic shampoos, as well as hand-washing detergents.