shea butter

**Sillage** · December 26th, 2013, 01:30 PM

I use shea as a leave-in on my ends and lightly on my length. It's "grabby" feeling but it really makes my hair feel supple and smooth.

**faellen** · December 26th, 2013, 02:22 PM

Raw shea butter is better when whipped up with other stuff. I use it mixed with various oils and some essential oils for fragrance - because I think raw shea butter smells absolutely gross on it's own!

**Aingeal** · December 26th, 2013, 02:43 PM

I need to try this on my skin. it is so dry this time of year.

**LauraLongLocks** · December 26th, 2013, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by faellen

Raw shea butter is better when whipped up with other stuff. I use it mixed with various oils and some essential oils for fragrance - because I think raw shea butter smells absolutely gross on it's own!

Me, too! Glad to hear it will be better mixed. Thanks.

**Firefox7275** · December 26th, 2013, 05:24 PM

If it is unrefined west African (high healing faction and stearic acid) use it on your skin. If it is refined East African (little healing fraction, higher oleic acid) try it diluted as a treatment on dry hair with heat to keep it molten for penetration. Be aware shea butter is not noted for slip so don't try detangling with it and can build up so don't overuse it/ clarify regularly.

Personally I use West African as a barrier agent in place of Vaseline/ petroleum jelly when dying hair and have used it post light lactic acid peel. Would not use sticky butters on my hair except tucuma.

**DweamGoiL** · December 30th, 2013, 03:42 PM

I made 2 versions of whipped butter with the shea butter. My first try at whipping it...well, something went amiss. I admit I got a bit creative with the add-ins. Then, I had the brilliant idea of adding a little vinegar to the mix. Well, the mix curded. It doesn't smell bad and it did not go bad, but it looks weird. I did try this on my daughter's hair with a bit of mayo mixed in. We did the whole heat cap for an hour thing. Her hair type is in the 4's. Let me just say that the results on her were short of amazing. Her hair was bouncy, moisturized, and curly, but not fluffy and dry as it had been prior to the treatment.

Then, I decided to go back to the drawing board and made another batch for skin. OMG! I loved it. I didn't even realize I was so ashy and scaly...lol. This is definitely a keeper for the winter months.

**LauraLongLocks** · December 30th, 2013, 05:22 PM

Well, so far, I've been mixing it with a little coconut and putting it on as a pre CO-wash. I can't really tell any difference. It's nice on my chapped hands. I'm sure the rest of my skin would appreciate it as well.

**queenieheather** · December 30th, 2013, 07:36 PM

I have been using a fingertip full of shea and like 5-6 drops of argan oil for my hands, face, and hair. I just melt it between my palms, get my hands and nails. Then put a pretty thick layer on my face and then put the rest on the my length and ends from ears down. It feels a little sticky putting it in your hair but it's super soft and smooth when it's dry.

**Stray_mind** · January 5th, 2014, 04:52 AM

I also got shea butter for christmas. I tried it on, but the smell... Oh the smell...

I'm definitely mixing it with coconut oil next time..

**Kitten1030** · January 9th, 2014, 05:11 PM

I like the smell of Shea, it smells earthy. Like good garden dirt! I've been using it on my skin. Amazing! My skin is really picky and usually anything I try makes it freak out. My fiancé is also a convert. He is also really acne prone but he uses this with no issues. I haven't tried it on my hair except for using the extra on my hands to smooth down my hair. I'll have to play with it some more.