I Just Received Raw Shea Butter - What Do I Do?

[fasika]

Hi guys, I haven't posted in the hair section in ages.

So I received a gift of raw shea butter straight from West Africa a couple of days ago and I'm at a loss on how to make it usable.

Initially, I thought I'd just put it straight in my hair, but the moment I opened that container, I knew it was a no-go. The smell knocked me back! I obviously can't have my head smelling like that.

So now what?

 

[claudzie]

You have to leave it as room temperature so it gets a little soft. You can whip it with a combination of essential oils or a creamy natural moisturiser, that should give it a pleasant smell

 

[fasika]

Thank you!

I guess I need to first buy essential oils!

 

[CodeRed]

I dunno... I melt all my butters, add a good amount of choice oil and whip them for a body butter. I still relax my hair so I use this same mixture (or straight unmixed butter) to base my scalp. Sometimes I use it on my face... my hair is fine so I can't use shea butter, relaxed or natural, straight on it. I'd not have hair if I did lol.

 

[Subscribe]

Whipped Shea Butta!

 

[fasika]

So the consensus is to whip it. Got it!

I just need to figure out what scents I want to add to it.

 

[PJaye]

IME, vanilla, cocoa and chocolate do a great job masking the smell; other aromas seem to produce an overtone with a strong shea undertone.

 

[fasika]

Thank you for the suggestion! I love vanilla-scented anything, so I'll look for that.