Advantages of shea butter?

[Je Ne Sais Quoi]

I saw the sticky up top about the natural product website. I'd like to get a few things being a pj and all but want to be smart in my choices. Can you please advise what the advantages are of pure shea butter, and how to use it (hair and skin), what you mix it with, etc.. Also, if you have any personal recommendations for other products I'd greatly appreciate you leaving your 2cents. I'd like to point out that I need moisture, moisture and more moisture

eta: if it matters I am probably a 4aish hair type.

 

[stargazer613]

Hi Bre~Bre,

I just found this on the From Nature With Love website:

African healers have used shea butter for thousands of years as the ideal treatment for dry or aging skin. Its high content of non-saponifiable fatty acids gives it the ability to moisturize and retain the elasticity of the skin. Shea butter also helps to protect the skin against the damaging effects of the sun while repairing cellular degeneration. Our shea butter is extracted and refined without the use of harsh chemicals. It is deodorized and discolored but is not bleached. Shea butter can be used "as is" or in any proportion in formulations for moisturizing the skin or hair.


I recently purchased some from that site along with mango butter and I melted the two together along with some coconut oil, jojoba, olive oil and grapeseed for about 10-15 min in a double boiler. I then poured the mix into a bowl and let it cool for about an hour. Then I added some essential oils (lavender and ylang ylang) and some coconut fragrance. I let the mix solidify in a jar overnight.
I pretty much take a dab of it and rub/melt it in the palm of my hands until it liquifies then I apply it to my ends as a daily moisturizer or on my edges and brush it back into a bun or pony. I also use this on my feet and elbows too....shea makes your skin feel sooo soft and moisturized for hours. However, this mix is very oily/greasy, so I tend to only use it on my skin at night.
Hope this was helpful to you.

 

[Je Ne Sais Quoi]

That was extremely helpful. I've noticed that a double boiler is what most sites recommend. What if you don't have a double boiler? Am I out of luck?

 

[stargazer613]

That was extremely helpful. I've noticed that a double boiler is what most sites recommend. What if you don't have a double boiler? Am I out of luck?

I read somewhere that you can use a small pot (like a tiny sauce pot with a long handle) inside of a larger pot and it should act like a double boiler. for a long time i didn't have a double boiler and I was microwaving butters and oils, but most time I overcooked it in the microwave (eeek). I believe you should fill the large pot halfway with water, place the smaller pot on top, then add the butter, and simmer it on low to get the best results.

the only place i was able to find a double boiler was at Bristol Farms for around $20. But I think Target.com sells them too. hope this was helpful and hope you enjoy the shea butter

 

[blue_flower]

I ordered shea butter from FNWL and I did not like it at all. It was very white, crumbly, and difficult to rub between my hands. I even tried to melt it. Eventually, I gave it away because I didn't like it. There's this store in my neighborhood that sells African goods, including shea butter. The shea butter the store sells is tannish, has a distinctive smell, and is very smooth and creamy. It's very easy to apply and mix with oils, no melting or blenders needed. After using it for a year, I often wonder if that was real shea butter I got from FNWL.