Here's Why You Should Be Using Shea Butter for Hair and Skin, According to Beauty Experts

With so many beauty ingredients trending on social media or being touted as the latest thing, it’s hard to weed out what really works. One buzzy ingredient in a plethora of skin care products is shea butter, especially during the colder months. But does it truly live up to the hype? Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Shea Butter?

Unlike a typical body product, shea butter isn’t made in a lab. According to cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Ariel Ostad—it is entirely natural. “Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It’s rich in essential fatty acids, including oleic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid. It also contains vitamins A, and E, as well as cinnamic acid.”

Becasue shea butter is an excellent moisturizer, it's a popular ingredient for both skin and hair care products. 

What Are The Benefits Of Shea Butter For Hair?

According to Lacy Gadegaard-West, hairstylist and founder of Laced Hair Extensions, there are many benefits to using products with shea butter for the hair. “Shea butter is packed with antioxidants which can help reduce a flaky, itchy scalp. It is also full of fatty acids which can balance the oil on your skin and scalp," she says. "Shea butter is ultra-moisturizing so it can deeply penetrate strands and help heal damage and split ends.”

What Are the Benefits Of Shea Butter For Skin?

According to Hayley Goldbach, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Brown University, “Like other oils, it can be a good moisturizer. It acts by preventing transepidermal water loss, which is loss of water through the skin barrier.” 

Products with shea butter can also be useful for anyone with irritated or damaged skin. Dr. Ostad notes that the cinnamic acid in shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties. “Shea butter contains triterpenes which aid in the healing of wounds and the reduction of scars. It’s often recommended for minimizing the appearance of scars and stretch marks.”

Lastly, it can help protect skin from the sun. “Shea butter also contains a low level of natural sun protection (SPF 6) which can provide additional protection against harmful UV rays when used with sunscreen,” explains Dr. Ostad.

How Do You Use Shea Butter?

While you should follow the directions on the packaging of any shea butter product you use, “It’s best to apply shea butter after washing and patting dry your skin," says Dr. Goldbach. "That will help lock in the moisture.”

If you’re applying pure shea butter, Dr. Ostad says it is best to take a small amount and warm it up in the palm of your hands. “You can gently massage the shea butter onto clean, dry skin and focus it on areas that need extra moisture such as elbows, knees, and dry patches. It can be used on the face but it is only recommended for those that have dry or sensitive skin. Then just let it absorb into your skin.” 

If you’re using shea butter in your hair, Gadegaard-West advises using it sparingly. “Depending on your hair type, start with a little bit. You can always add more. Shea butter can weigh down fine hair and possibly be too rich for those with an oily scalp.”

Expert-Approved Products With Shea Butter

 1. Eu’Genia Everyday Shea Butter Balm

If you want a concentrated shea butter product, Dr. Goldbach recommends Eu’Genia Everyday Shea Butter Balm. Formulated for face and body use, it is super moisturizing and very easy to apply.

2. OSEA Undaria Algae Body Butter

Dr.Goldbach also likes OSEA Undaria Algae Body Butter, even going so far as to call it “heavenly.” In addition to shea butter, this product contains other skin soothers including Undaria Seaweed, amino acids, and ceramides.

3. Native Vegan Strengthening Shampoo And Conditioner With Almond And Shea Butter

Dr. Ostad likes Native Vegan Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner With Almond And Shea Butter. If your hair could use some extra moisture and strength, this affordable yet powerful duo is worth a try.