Hair Alternatives For Shea Butter

Many women rely on shea butter to coat and condition dry, brittle hair while calming frizz and split ends. The creamy semisolid product, which comes from the seeds of the African shea tree, makes an ideal hair conditioner. But if you have an allergy to the product, or find it too expensive or hard to find, several conditioning alternatives exist. Some women prefer to use natural butters and oils as rinse-out conditioners or hot-oil treatments, while others work a small amount into their hair as a leave-in styling product.

Olive Oil

The classic oil for homemade hot-oil treatments, olive oil penetrates deeply. Some women dislike the strong scent, but adding essential oils to the olive oil may mitigate this drawback. Lavender and chamomile are classic hair-treatment essential oils. In her book "Herbs for Health and Healing," author Kathi Keville notes that sandalwood and rosemary essential oils work especially well for split ends. Add one to three drops in each hot oil treatment.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba often pairs with or substitutes for shea butter in conditioning shampoos and conditioners. Look for it in commercial products, or add about 1 tsp to shampoos and conditioners. The oil is a heavy, waxy liquid, with a little going a long way. If using alone as a conditioner, make sure to use less than you would a commercial product.

Coconut Oil

Like shea butter, coconut oil is a semi-solid substance. It makes an extremely effective conditioner for dry and damaged hair and skin, according to natural beauty author Dina Falconi. Scoop a small amount out and work into hair after a shampoo, then rinse thoroughly. Alternatively, work the coconut oil into your hair and leave it in. Many women prize the oil for its tropical scent as well as its beneficial properties.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil lies behind may of the beautiful, lustrous manes of the women in India, according to Falconi. Look for cold-pressed sesame oil. Sesame oil contains many of the same advantages and drawbacks of olive oil. Its heavy scent bothers some people and delights others. Add essential oils for additional therapy or to make the scent more palatable.

Castor Oil

Keville prefers castor oil for hot oil treatments. She suggests combining equal parts castor oil and aloe vera gel with rosemary and sandalwood essential oils. Freshly grated ginger, or ginger essential oil, boosts circulation and overall scalp help. Strain grated ginger before applying the warmed castor oil to your hair.