Shea Butter=White hair??

[natural_one]

Why is my hair white and dull looking after I apply shea? The only time it works is if I apply it when it is dry, but if I try to put it on after washing I get that white, dull look . What am I doing wrong? erplexed

 

[cmw45]

This can happen for a couple of reasons...

1) The shea butter was too cold when you put it on...
2) or your hair was wet when you put it on...
3) or you put too much on your hair.

This is an easy fix and if you put a blow dryer on low heat on your hair is should go away. In the future you can either warm the shea up in the microwave (which is what I do...you only need a second or two and then mix it together with a butter knife) or really make sure to work it in your hands so that it emulsifies.

Also, this usually happens more when the shea is raw and untouched and less when it is raw and whipped; you can whip it yourself pretty easily.

HTH

 

[natural_one]

Yes I am applying it to wet hair. I was going to microwave it but was afraid if I keep reheating it that will be lose some of its "goodness"

 

[cmw45]

Yes I am applying it to wet hair. I was going to microwave it but was afraid if I keep reheating it that will be lose some of its "goodness"

Hmmm. I don't think there is anyway to avoid the "white hair" when applying it to wet hair without heating it up a bit. Technically shea butter is an oil so I think you should be okay...but if you are worried you could take out a smaller portion and just heat that up on its own so you are not continuously heating up the whole batch.

 

[newbeginnings2010]

I'm not natural (just transitioning), but I have the same problem. Shea Moisture's Shea Butter deep treatment masque is mostly shea butter, but my hair felt like crap after using it as a DC. I can only use it on dry hair for moisture.

 

[Tiye]

Melt a little in the palms of your hands then apply. There may be a little whiteness but it will go away when your hair dries. If the white/greyish coating doesn't go away even after your hair is dry then you used too much. In this case you can blot it a lint free towel.

 

[divachyk]

OT and not trying to hijack OP but, I have some shea butter in my stash....can you use any shea butter? I think mine is African Shea. How do you use it?