Shea butter is often the go-to for naturals to moisturize their natural hair or stimulate hair growth. Shea butter contains natural ingredients that leave dry skin or hair smooth and soft. Here is all you should know about Shea butter and its benefits for natural hair.

What is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is produced from Shea nuts of the Shea-Karite tree, a native tree that is grown in West Africa. Its contents are a mix of vitamins, minerals, catechins, and fatty acids such as stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. Shea butter is used as a natural moisturizer for softer skin and hair. It is also known to heal cuts, injuries, and burns on the skin.

1. Protect hair and scalp against UVS
   When your hair follicles are exposed to the sun too often, it gets damaged and produces dry damaged hair. Shea butter contains a small amount of SPF which serves as a protective barrier against the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Before going out to where your hair would be exposed to the sun, apply a small quantity of Shea butter Royalty Organics oil treatment, and apply lightly to the hair. You can add it to your moisturiser Royalty Organics leave-in conditioner to apply onto your hair.

2. Soothe dry and itchy scalp

Shea butter has anti-inflammatory qualities and rich fat which can get absorbed into the scalp without leaving a greasy feel or clogging the pores. This is why it is effective in easing dry itchy scalp or dandruff. Shea butter is also great for moisturizing dry or damaged hair. It provides a good deal of moisture to dry tired strands starting from the roots to the ends. It is safe to use on relaxed or color-treated hair as a moisturizing product too.

3. Protect hair against heat damage
   If you straighten, curl or use any form of heat on your hair Shea butter can act as a heat protectant for your hair. This is because Shea butter doesn’t sit heavy on the hair instead it absorbs into each hair strand and protects against heat damage.
4. Moisturize and soften hair
   Shea butter contains vitamin A and E with essential fatty acids which are believed to add moisture and shine to the hair. Its non-greasy quality makes it an excellent moisturizer for the hair. It softens dry brittle hair and repairs split damaged ends as well.
5. Seal in moisture to the hair
   Due to its emollient qualities, Shea butter is an excellent sealant for the hair especially for Afro-textured hair which is naturally dryer than other hair types. It provides moisture for the hair and then seals in moisture to the hair without leaving it greasy. This sealing quality ensures that your hair stays moisturized during harsh weather.
6. Prevent hair loss and promote hair growth
   The anti-inflammatory qualities and fatty acids contained in Shea butter supply essential nutrients that help to treat scalp conditions and improve the overall health of the scalp. This will, in turn, strengthen the hair follicles, reduce hair loss, and make your hair grow thicker.