Shea butter

A solid plant fat that forms a soft film on the hair surface and slows water loss. Heavy, so it suits coils and very dry hair best.

INCI name

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter

Origin

Botanical

Role

Occlusive butter that seals moisture in

Best for

Coily and kinky textures (3C–4C) · High porosity · Very dry ends

Watch out

Can weigh down fine, low-porosity or wavy hair and build up if not cleansed.

What it does

Shea butter is rich in stearic and oleic acid plus unsaponifiable compounds. Unlike a light oil it stays semi-solid at room temperature, so it forms a thicker, longer-lasting film on the fibre. That film is what slows evaporation after you have added water, which is the whole point of the "moisturise, then seal" routine for coily hair.

The same property is why it can look greasy on fine hair: the film does not go away between washes. It is best used after a water-based leave-in, on ends rather than roots, and cleansed out regularly.

How we use it

The sealing step in masks and creams for coily and high-porosity profiles. It is left out of formulas for low-porosity or fine hair unless the scan shows real dryness at the ends.

Helps with

• Dryness and breakage
• Curl definition

Often paired with

• Argan oilEmollient oil for slip and shine
• Aloe veraLightweight humectant and scalp soother
• Coconut oilPenetrating oil that limits protein loss

Educational only, not medical advice. Persistent scalp irritation, sudden hair loss or unexplained breakage warrant a visit to a dermatologist. Written by Cosmixxology R&D.