Shea Butter

Shea butter comes from the nuts of the shea tree or Butyrospermum parkii. The outer shell is removed and the nuts are crushed and roasted into a butter that’s rich in fatty acids.

Benefits for Hair

Shea butter contains oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid. It’s also rich in vitamin E and vitamin A. These fatty acids and vitamins lend to the many benefits of using shea butter for hair.

The top benefits for hair include the following:

1. Works As A Hydrator

Shea butter works as a hair and scalp conditioner that can help to heal moisture and alleviate dandruff. Simply apply a small amount from your roots to ends, let it sit for 20–30 minutes, and then wash your hair as usual. This will add moisture to the area and lock it in with a protective barrier.

Research shows that shea butter is effective for general skin care and scaly, dry skin, which is due to its moisturizing, soothing, and nourishing compounds.

2. Softens Locks

Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, which have nourishing, healing, and moisturizing properties. Plus, the fatty acids, including oleic acid and linoleic acid, will help to soften your hair while adding shine.

3. Serves As A Barrier

Products containing oleic acid are often used on the skin for wound healing and damage repair, but what about using it on your hair? Research suggests that the oleic acid in shea butter serves as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent while providing a layer of protective fatty acids that protect your hair and scalp from damage.

There’s also research showing that linoleic acid, another fatty acid in shea butter, improves hydration and serves as a barrier on the skin and hair follicles.

4. Eases Irritation

Research suggests that the fats in shea butter have anti-inflammatory effects and can be used to relieve irritation. Applying it to an irritated scalp may help to ease redness, itchiness, flaking, and any other issues related to inflammation in the area.

The vitamin A in shea butter helps to protect skin cells on the scalp and is known for its ability to promote wound healing and skin regrowth. It’s often used to reduce dryness, infections, and irritation.

5. Promotes Hair Growth

Using a shea butter mask or conditioning treatment on your scalp and hair may help to promote hair growth. Linoleic acid has been shown to improve thinning hair and promote healthy growth.

The vitamin E you get when using shea butter for hair also promotes growth by boosting circulation to the scalp and reducing environmental damage due to its antioxidant properties. Research indicates that vitamin E helps to protect against free-radical damage that impacts hair health.