Shea butter benefits the entire head, from the follicle to the tip of a hair. According to Treasured Locks, a haircare website for African Americans, it protects hair against environmental damage, repairs hair that has been burned or dried out due to chemical treatments or heating irons, and relieves scalp irritation that comes as a result of both.
Chemical-Free Product
Most shampoos, conditioners and styling products are chemically based. A 2009 Newsweek article called "The Science of Shampoo" outlined the detergents, lathering agents and acids found in most shampoos. In addition to water, shampoos contain a sulfate to clean dirt and oils, an alcohol like cocamide to create lather, and an acid to balance the pH level, in addition to the moisturizers, preservatives and other specialized ingredients. Shea butter treatments are pure. Ah Shayh, a natural skin care website, writes that pure shea butter has no fillers or artificial additives. This provides the scalp with the highest concentration of nutrients, including vitamins A and E and fatty acids that provide benefits to the scalp and hair.
Dry Scalp Relief
Dry scalp can be caused by any number of conditions--lack of moisture in the air, allergic reaction or fungal infection, among others. Shea butter provides immediate assistance to the scalp. According to the American Shea Butter Institute, shea butter's properties are the same as those produced by the skin's sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands of the scalp secrete oils, or sebum, which keeps it moisturized.
Eczema Relief
According to EczemaNet, which is affiliated with the American Academy of Dermatology, eczema causes swelling, irritation and itchiness of the skin or scalp. The ASBI writes that shea butter is high in vitamin A, which helps the skin and scalp fight the effects of eczema. Vitamin A is a natural antioxidant, which when applied to the skin can reduce inflammation, swelling and itchiness.
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