How to Make A Home Hair and Scalp Treatment Using Oil & Shea Butter
Shea butter is a thick, fatty oil compound extracted from African shea tree nuts. According to The American Shea Butter Institute, this formulation contains vitamin A and works as a moisturizing agent that promotes healing.
Shea butter is a thick, fatty oil compound extracted from African shea tree nuts. According to The American Shea Butter Institute, this formulation contains vitamin A and works as a moisturizing agent that promotes healing. Shea butter is said to help skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis by hydrating and sealing the affected area. Adding jojoba oil and vitamin E oil to whipped shea butter at home creates a treatment that moisturizes the scalp and adds fullness to hair.
Step 1
Set a large pot filled with water on the stove. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the temperature. Add a second smaller pot to the water. This is a double boiler system. A small pot sits on top of hot water in a larger pot. No water enters the smaller pot, and the hot water in the large pot heats the small one.
Step 2
Add the shea butter to the small pot. Heat the butter until it reaches a temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Dip a candy thermometer in the shea butter to determine the temperature. Heat the butter at 175 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.
Step 3
Remove the small pot from the stove and transfer the melted butter to a large metal or glass mixing bowl.
Step 4
Pour the jojoba oil and vitamin E oil into the butter. Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 5
Set the bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes. Check frequently. The goal is to cool the liquid quickly, not freeze it. If the butter develops a thin coating on the top before the 10 minutes is up, remove it.
Step 6
Mix the compound again for 5 minutes. Repeat placing the bowl in the freezer and remixing it a number of times until the butter firms to a creamy consistency.
Step 7
Scoop the whipped product out of the bowl and store it in a glass container. Place the container in a cool dry location until ready to add to hair and scalp.
warning
AromaWeb reports that shea butter can catch fire. Watch the compound closely when heating.