4 DIY Hair Masks and Treatments with Shea Butter

Shea butter, also known as karite butter, is extracted from the nut of the shea tree native to Africa. It consists mainly of stearic acid and oleic acid. Due to its high saturated fat content, shea butter has a long shelf life and melts and body temperature, which makes it perfect for DIY skin and hair care products. These homemade hair masks with shea butter will keep your hair nourished and hydrated, improve its structure from root to tip, and prevent split ends.

Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask

This is a rich nourishing mask that provides hair follicles with fatty acids and other essential nutrients, reduces hair loss and boosts hair growth. In addition to shea butter and coconut oil, it contains bergamot essential oil that helps balance out the oil content of the mask, as well as combats bacteria and fungi that cause dandruff.

Melt 1 to 3 tbsp of shea butter and ½ to 1 tbsp of coconut oil in a microwave or double boiler, mix well. Add 3 drops of bergamot essential oil, stir with a spatula, and then whip all ingredients together using a hand mixer or egg beater. The resulting mixture should be fluffy and easy to spread. Apply it to your hair, put on a shower cap and wrap your head in a towel. Let the mask sit for at least half an hour, then wash your hair thoroughly.

Shea Butter Mask for Hair Growth

This natural treatment contains ingredients that reduce hair loss and promote new hair growth by nourishing hair follicles and stimulating microciruclation in the scalp, leave the hair soft and shiny, treat damaged hair and split ends, and relieve itchy and flaky scalp.

Melt ½ cup of shea butter (preferably raw) in a microwave, double boiler or bowl of hot water. Add 2 tbsp of melted coconut oil, 2 tsp of sweet almond oil and 1 tsp of castor oil. Mix the oils together using a whisk. Add 7 drops of rosemary essential oil and 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Mix again until smooth. Apply the mask liberally to your scalp, gently massaging with your fingertips. Put on a shower cap and lave the mask for at least half an hour. Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and warm water.

Shea Butter Mask for Dry Hair

If you have dry hair that needs intense hydration, this hair mask with shea butter is exactly what you need. It will provide you hair with moisture and nutrients without making it look greasy, as well as prevent itchy and flaky scalp.

Melt ¼ cup of shea butter and 2 tbsp of coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil (preferably extra virgin) and 1 tsp of raw honey. Stir well and put in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Then mix the ingredients using a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture turns white and creamy. Apply liberally to your hair and scalp, put on a shower cap and wrap your head in a hot damp towel. In an hour or two, wash your hair thoroughly.

Shea Butter & Avocado Hair Mask

The flesh of ripe avocados is a rich source of monounsaturated fats and vitamin E (tocopherol) that has strong antioxidant properties. When combined with shea butter, avocado effectively tames unruly hair and makes it softer and smoother. This mask is great for dyed, bleached, weak, brittle, and damaged hair.

Wash a ripe avocado, cut it in half and remove the pit. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh and put it into a blender. Blend until you get a smooth puree. Add ¼ cup of shea butter (preferably raw) and 1 tbsp of sweet almond oil. By the way, shea butter doesn’t have to be melted because the blender will break it down. Blend again until the mixture is smooth. Apply the mask to your hair and scalp, let it sit for 30 minutes or more, then wash your hair thoroughly.