I make my Whipped shea butter for my family and myself once every year.
Yes, you read right.
My Shea Butter lasts for a whole year!
Read below for a simple and easy recipe
What are the ingredients I use?
Basics:
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- Raw African shea butter
- Oil (virgin Coconut oil, black castor oil, extra virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil | optional: grapeseed oil, Apricot oil, Ylang Ylang, Neem oil *
- Scented or fragrance oils : grapefruit essential oil, orange essential oil, Vanilla essential oil, Mango essential Oil,
- Water
- Aloe vera juice
- Electric egg beater
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What is Shea butter?
It is the fatty inside part of a shea nut. It is removed from the shea nut and then packed and sold for mostly external use.
The unrefined Shea butter is typically a yellow, ivory beige color – which can sometimes be slightly green, while refined shea butter removes the “nutty” scent and is white in color.
Products
1. Raw unrefined African Shea Butter
I personally use the yellow shea butter and get it from my local beauty supply store or a Joe’s Market. I don’t purchase any boxes where the yellow color has turned white.
There are numerous online debates whether or not the “white” part is the shea butter beginning to decay. I cannot at this time provide scientific proof that it’s a definite sign that the shea butter has begun to age and expire.
As a general rule, examine the shea butter. Avoid the ones that visibly have a grainy texture and avoid the ones that have started to whiten at the bottom.
If you use the white version, just make sure you have the unrefined shea butter.
Unrefined shea butter generally lasts for about 24 months from the date of the packaging information date. While fresh shea butter has a strong nutty smell, expired shea butter has a rancid smell; you’ll know, it’s unbearable.
If you suspect your shea butter has gone bad – don’t risk it, throw it out!
2. Oils
Since my decision to keep my hair with it’s natural texture, I’ve steadily increased my oil collection. One of my staple, near every week use is Haitian black castor oil. One scented brand I highly recommend is the Kreyol essence Chocolate scented Haitian black castor oil.
For this shea butter recipe you’ll need to get the following staple:
- virgin Coconut oil
- black castor oil
- extra virgin olive oil
- jojoba oil
- vitamin E oil
Optional: grapeseed oil, Apricot oil, Ylang Ylang, Neem oil *
** Neem oil has a strong unpleasant smell but once mixed into your batch you won’t even smell it!
3. Fragrant Oils
As previously stated, shea butter has a strong nutty smell. This smell can be a turn off for some and reason why some may avoid using raw shea butter. I include fragrant oils, safe for topical use – meaning suitable for skin and hair to counteract this smell to combat the “nutty” smell. Remember these oils will be mixed into the batch and since you’re making your own product, you can control how much of the scented oils you include.
All oils can be purchased online and some at your local Whole Foods, Trader Joes and other markets.
4. Water
Depending on your preference, you can use your regular tap water. Or you can use distilled water
5. Aloe Vera Juice
I use the Lily of the desert, preservative free whole leaf aloe vera juice, as seen in the image above.
How do you make it?
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- Carve out your shea butter from the container *
- Add it to a large container. I typically use a large broth pot
- Next, I add a full container of 32oz coconut oil
- Add some of your water
- Start slowly using your electric egg beater
- Use your judgement as you pour your water & aloe vera juice
- Once you’ve whipped the majority of your shea butter pieces, add the rest of your oils and scented oils.
- If your shea butter is still difficult to maneuver around with your whip, add more water
It can be a bit challenging to remove the shea butter from the container. I typically use a knife to carve it out. If you melt it completely, you might lose the ability to fully achieve the whipped texture.
Coconut oil solidifies in colder temperature and melts in warmer temperature.
By now, you should have a large quantity of pleasantly fragrant shea butter mix.
What is the benefit of using a whipped shea butter?
The properties of the shea butter by itself provides immense moisture to your hair & skin.
There are about four types of fatty acids :
- Stearic Acid
- Oleic Acid
- Linoleic Acid
- Palmitic Acid
Also, the oils included promote hair growth stimulating the root and hair follicle. Castor oil for example, helps fight inflammation. This mix will protect against hair loss, reduce dandruff, increase the shine of your hair and so much more.
How do I store it?
I recycle and reuse my coconut oil glass jars. I also place the extra products in recycled hair product containers. Glass containers are insulating and provide a sturdier structure.
Store your shea butter mix in a pantry, or any place away from direct heat.
How do I use it?
I use it in my hair and sometimes as a body butter (especially for cold days).
It’s my go-to hair styler. I have 4b – 4c type hair. If you have a looser hair pattern, this product might not be best for your hair strands. Even with the added water and liquids, it remains a thick butter – use with caution.
I spray my hair with water before sealing the moisture with the shea butter.
Don’t apply the shea butter directly to your scalp!
Don’t over use, as it can easily cause product build on your hair strands which can overtime stunt the growth and health of your hair.
Don’t forget the LOC method; (Liquid, oil, cream) – It’s the most efficient method to retain moisture, shine & overall health of your natural hair.
Disclaimer:
What works for me
may not work for you!
Please check with your primary doctor, your allergist or your immunologist if you have a nut allergy before attempting this product.
Check all the ingredients, especially the referenced oils. Many people have reported an adverse effect from using coconut oil. Even if you had never had a problem in the past, be aware due to a number of factors, new allergies can emerge!
If you feel you’re starting to have an allergic reaction, stop & consult with your physician.
Stay healthy & stay informed!
