Natural hair usually requires extra care and attention to keep it healthy. While there are several ways of keeping its beauty, one of the effective ways to nourish and hydrate it is using hair butter. The thick, creamy product provides moisture and protection to your hair, allowing it to thrive.
What is Hair Butter?
Hair butter is a blend of natural plant butter and oil. You can use hair butter as a sealant, moisturizer, sheen, nourishment, and shine. These moisturizing sealants can be used for protective styles, especially during cooler months. They are best suited for sealing in moisture from water and products such as moisturizers and leave-in conditioners.
Why Use Hair Butter?
Just like oils, hair butter helps revitalize brittle or dry hair. Since they are heavier and creamier than oil, they act as a sealant for the hair, helping to define the curls and coils of your natural hair. This also means that you should not overdo it, but apply just the right/little amount. Usually, you will only need a dab for perfect results. Too much butter on your natural hair can lead to excess product buildup and may weigh down your hair.
How to Use Hair Butter
When it comes to butter, keeping it organic and raw can give you better results. The produces the best results when applied after using a leave-in conditioner. In other words, butters are usually the last step or used before styling the hair. It also helps to apply the butter directly to the scalp, especially for those with particularly dry hair.
The versatility of butter allows it to be applied to achieve different results. For instance, applying bitter only to the ends of your hair can help to smooth frizzy ends. You can also use it to add shine and sheen, and edge tamer. Some of the tips you may find useful when using butter include:
- Wash your hair to remove dirt and any product buildup before applying butter
- Always apply as the last hair product before styling
- Can be applied on damp or dry hair
- Apply on dry, split ends to prevent breakage
- Apply butter in sections and use a wide-tooth comb to distribute it evenly throughout the hair
- Acts as a sealant to protect the hair from heat and styling
- Works great for styles like braid out, twist out, and a sleek burn
Top 4 Butter for Natural Hair
Butter has some of the best ingredients for natural hair. While there are several butters that you can use on your hair and skin, the best ones for natural hair include:
1. Shea Butter
Best for: Moisturizing, protecting, and promoting hair growth.
One of the most commonly used butter for natural hair is shea. The multi-purpose butter is easy to apply and is applauded for its great results. Although the West and East African shea butter are formulated differently, they both do wonders for natural hair. They help protect, hydrate, smooth, and soften the hair, locking in moisture when applied to the damp hair.
2. Mango Butter
Best for: Softening dry and brittle hair and reducing scalp inflammation.
With mango butter, you get a great product for dry and brittle natural hair. The butter is also packed with minerals and vitamins that help to moisturize and soften the hair while adding shine. The anti-inflammatory properties of mango butter further help to soothe the scalp and reduce itchiness.
3. Cupuacu Butter
Best for: Intense hydration and softening the hair
When looking for a butter that is not heavy on the hair, Cupuacu is a great choice. The creamy butter is lighter than shea and cocoa butter, which makes it easier to be absorbed by natural hair. When applied routinely on hair, it softens it while adding shine, sheen, and manageability.
4. Avocado Butter
Best for: Intense hydration and detangling
Since it is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, avocado butter is a great choice for those with dry and damaged natural hair. It helps to moisturize soften, and protect the hair strands. The high-quality emollient is also effective in reducing breakage and split ends. With moisture-sealing properties, avocado butter helps keep the hair softer for longer/
Conclusion
Incorporating butter into your hair care routine can help to nourish, hydrate, and protect it. While the best butters of natural hair can be used in different ways, considering the needs of your hair can help in making the right choice. Some are great for softening brittle hair while others offer intense hydration and others are great for styling.
