Butter Me Up: DIY | Whipped Shea Butter

Shea Butter, like its sisters Cocoa and Mango butter are heaven sent for hair and skin.  They are all excellent moisturizers and sealants. Don't believe me? Check the ingredient list on any listed must have or holy grail moisturizer on the market.

Since I embarked on my Natural Journey, and moreso after I welcomed my TWA, I have been sucked down the rabbit whole night and day researching products, especially moisturizers, for natural hair. There are so many, and sometimes I feel I need them all...matter of fact, I kinda tried to have them all (see post here). However, at the end of the day, as great as these products are touted to be, I prefer to have control of the products use by ensuring the ingredients in the 'products' are natural.  I have adopted the idea that it should be injestable; after all, natural health starts from the inside out, and if I can't eat it, then why should I dump it on my hair (or skin and body).


This led me to take a closer look at the ingredients in the products receiving the highest acclaim for hair care with specific moisturizing properties, and set out to create my own DIY product.  With the aid of a few blog reviews, online DIY recipes and Pinterest, I devised this recipe.
*The recipe may very well already exist, but I assure you, I chose these ingredients and amounts used based on my own hair needs, and suggestions for my hair 'type' health and care.

The chosen Ingredients

...and why they were selected specifically for this recipe

Shea Butter - Lead Actor

• acts as a natural sunscreen by providing protection against the ultraviolet radiations of the sun --> contains plant antioxidants, such as vitamins A and E (protects from free radicals and environmental damage)
• locks in moisture to hair and seals --> rich in precious constituents such as unsaturated fats with a large proportion of non-saponifiable components, essential fatty acids, vitamins E and D, phytosterols, provitamin A and allantoin
• considered as the best [skin] care for winter and after-sun care as it provides the extra moisture, nutrients and protection needed ...during the cold season and summer

Avocado Oil - Best Supporting Actress

• moisturizes dry, brittle, and damaged hair --> light weight formula that’s easily absorbed into the hair and scalp 
• beneficial for nourishment and hair growth--> contains many nutrients such as vitamins A, B, D, E, protein, amino acids, iron, copper, magnesium, and folic acid
• natural humectant properties adding and locking in moisture
• acts as a natural SPF
• promotes healthy cell growth and great for maintaining and restoring scalp health (dry, itchy scalp)--> vitamins, amino acids, and high fat content
  

Jojoba Oil - Star of the Show

• helps control the sebum production of the scalp --> similar molecular structure to sebum 
• works well as an agent for reducing hygral fatigue--> moisturizes scalp deep down to its pores and doesn’t evaporate, unlike other water-based moisturizers, thus sealing in the moisture 
• helps to repair damage caused by heat and styling --> an emollient – it fills in cracks that are on the surface of the hair cuticle
• strengthens the follicle shaft --> composed of 98% monounsaturated fats and 2% saturated fats so it can penetrate the hair follicle and strengthen hair fibre

Now that we covered the what and why... Scroll on down and check out the recipe.

This NATURAL Thing's Whipped Shea Butter

Ingredients

8oz Shea Butter
1T Jojoba Oil
1T Avocado Oil

Tools

1 small bowl              OR Double Boiler
1 medium sized pot
1 Tablespoon
1 Whisk                      OR 1 Hand Mixer 

Directions

• Soften Shea Butter (if firm) by placing in a bowl over hot water, or double boiler.  Do not allow to melt completely.  It should be soft enough to smush when pressed
• Add Jojoba Oil using whisk or mixer to incorporate into Shea Butter until there is a smooth consistent mixture
• Remove from heat
• Add Avocado Oil and gently whisk into the mixture created
• Using a spoon or spatula transfer the mix into your desired container or jar.  If you're creating the mixture as a gift, or just enjoy having your products luxuriously presented, you can use a piping bag (or create one by snipped one corner of a zip lock bag) to fill your chosen vessel.

There you go, in 5 Super Easy Steps

The mixture should be smooth and light, and dare I say fluffy.  It will not be runny or liquid-y.  It will resemble any high popular product on the store shelf BUT for a fraction of the cost!

*Essential oils can be added to your mix to your liking, to create a luscious scent or for additional benefits the oil possesses.
*Oils such as Coconut, Grapeseed or Olive Oil, can also be added to, or replace the oils listed, based on how different oils work with your hair and your personal preferences.
*Other butters such as Mango Butter (for hair) and Cocoa Butter (for skin) can be used in place or along with the Shea Butter.  
**Ensure to adjust the amounts of oil or butter added or replaced, to maintain the mix's consistency.

When you try this recipe, do share in the comment box.   

How did it work for you? What if anything did you change, add?

~ Josie Jo ~

Do You Have Your Own DIY Hair Moisturizer Recipe? 
Please do share!