Changes in the weather and season can lead to several health problems such as frizziness, dryness, dullness, and breakage. Nowadays, hair treatments are thought to be the most efficient method of keeping your hair healthy, but they can cost a lot. Another way to make your hair healthy is by trying natural or kitchen ingredients to restore and enhance your hair. If you are searching for a natural remedy to protect your hair, try using hair butter in your hair care routine. Here are the benefits of hair butter and how you can include it in your hair care routine.

What is hair butter?

Hair butter is a hair moisturiser made from unprocessed natural oils and fats produced by plants (also known as butter). It is a thick, creamy product made with nourishing ingredients like natural oils, butter, and plant extracts. It provides significant moisture, nourishment, and repair, making it a useful remedy for dry, damaged hair. The plant oils/fats that are most frequently used to make hair butter are shea butter, kokum, cocoa, mango, murumuru, sal, and tucuma. Natural oils such as castor, hemp seed, avocado, coconut, and almond oil are combined with these ingredients according to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science.

The rich and hydrating combination of ingredients nourishes and moisturises your hair, reduces dryness and frizz, and prevents breakage. It is very useful for natural hair and is used during protective styling to keep the strands moisturised for several days. Hair that needs intensive moisturising due to damage or overprocessing can benefit from hair butter as well.

What are the benefits of hair butter?

1. Controls frizz

“Dry hair is prone to frizz because it lacks moisture and hydration. Using hair butter can help minimise frizz and flyaways by sealing moisture into the hair shaft. As a consequence, hair becomes less frizzy and static and becomes smoother and easier to manage,” says dermatologist Dr DM Mahajan.

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2. Gives intense moisture

In a study published in the International Journal of Trichology, hair butter is formulated with natural oils to provide dry hair strands with strong moisture, assisting in regaining their natural moisture equilibrium. The rich emollients enter deeply into the hair shaft, replacing moisture and leaving it silky, smooth, and hydrated.

3. Protects from heat and styling

Every day we experiment with hair by using styling tools and to cut time short, we use hair dryers to dry it quickly. However, using heat and styling directly or indirectly affects our hair very badly. “Using hair butter creates a protective barrier that shields the hair from heat damage caused by styling tools and environmental factors,” explains the expert.

4. Improves elasticity

In a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, dry hair lacks elasticity, leaving it more prone to breakage and damage. The flexibility of hair strands is increased with hair butter, enabling them to stretch and flex without breaking or snapping. This makes hair stronger and more durable by reducing breakage and split ends. Plus, ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil in hair butter help to strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage and improving elasticity.

5. Gives shine and lustre

“If you are looking for silky and shiny hair, incorporate hair butter into your hair care routine. The emollient properties of hair butter help to reflect light, resulting in a healthy, glossy shine,” says the expert.

How to make hair butter at home?

Here is a quick DIY hair butter recipe, as explained by the expert.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• A few drops of your favourite essential oil (optional).

Method:

• Melt the shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler.
  Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sweet almond oil and essential oil (if using).
• Pour the mixture into a container and allow it to solidify at room temperature.
• Whip the solidified butter with a hand mixer or blender.
• Blend the butter until it becomes light and fluffy.
• You can store it in a container and use it accordingly.

How to use hair butter?

Here is a complete guide on how to use hair butter.

• Apply a small amount of hair butter to clean, damp hair, focusing on the ends and any dry or damaged hair.
• Gently work it through the hair, distributing it evenly.
• For deeper conditioning, use a shower cap or warm towel to create a heat-trapping environment.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing thoroughly.

Are there any side effects of hair butter?

While this natural hair butter is generally safe, some people may experience some side effects, such as:

• Allergic reactions to certain ingredients, especially essential oils.
• Buildup or greasy residue on the hair and scalp may pop up if the product is used excessively or not rinsed properly.
• Using it if you have clogged pores on the scalp may lead to potential scalp irritation or acne in some individuals.

Thus, it is very important to do a patch test before applying this hair butter to your scalp. Also, consult your doctor before including hair butter in your hair care regimen.