Shea Butter, Oil, and Cream - OH MY!

Did you know that Shea can actually be experienced in three different forms? Shea Butter, Shea Oil, and Shea Cream. I, personally, had no idea even though I am a long time Shea Butter enthusiast. The three forms are NOT created equal, they are great for DIFFERENT purposes. But don’t worry, I’m going to break it down for you, so you can use the right form for your needs!

It is important to note that Shea Oil is a by-product of the Shea Butter making process and Shea Cream is something that you can make using Shea Butter.

Shea Butter

Shea Butter is great for your skin. It has nutrients and vitamins that many have claimed to reduce the formation of stretch marks, alleviate certain skin disorders, heal sunburned or dry skin, and nourish aged skin. It’s basically a skin superfood, especially when combined with other powerful oils (lavender, jojoba, argan, etc). Take a peek at our earlier blog postings for some amazing and easy DIYs, like mixing coconut oil, lavender oil, and Baraka Shea Butter into a thick mask. Place on your face for fifteen minutes and wash off. Voila, your skin is hydrated!

Shea Oil

Shea Oil is perfect for your scalp and hair. Since it is a bit heavier (and oilier, obvy), it can clog your pores. Placing it directly on your skin is not recommended. Since we are smack-dab in the middle of summer, you can apply Shea Oil to your roots and hair to protect it from the damaging effects of chlorine. The oil can help to strengthen and protect breakage from exposure to heat or the sun. Massage the oil into your scalp and wrap a damp, warm towel around your head for 20 minutes. Feel the product absorb into your scalp and ends almost instantly, without weighing down strands like Shea Butter can (it is much thicker). Did you know that massaging oils into your scalp can help stimulate hair follicles, so your locks will grow 2x as fast? Get to massaging!

Shea Cream

Shea Cream is ideal for styling hair and taming any frizz you may be battling. Since the cream is whipped and lightweight, it won’t weigh your strands down or look overly oily. Fun Fact: you can even apply the cream as aftershave to help avoid unwanted razor burn or rash! How can you make your own? Combine Baraka Shea Butter and coconut oil in a double boiler, melt until liquid form. Add essential oils and let it cool to a more solid form. Place it in the freezer for twenty minutes and using a hand mixer, whip into a cream. You will have some killer shea hair cream that is both healthy and effective.

Remember, the best and most nutrient-rich form of any Shea product is unrefined. While it may not smell as good as other over-the-counter Shea products, you are fully taking advantage of each vitamin and benefit it has to offer you. So stock up on all three forms of Shea (unrefined of course) or make your own, and lather on your skin and hair this summer! For more DIY’s, information on Shea Butter, or overall tips on how to use natural products on your body, browse Baraka Shea Butter’s collection of blog postings. Happy Summer, everyone!

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Thank you to Sonia for contributing this article to the Baraka Shea Butter blog! Do you have an article that you would like to share with us? Please be sure to get in touch with us (info@barakasheabutter.com).