How to Make Oil & Shea Butter for the Hair & Scalp At Home

How to Make Oil & Shea Butter for the Hair & Scalp At Home
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Shea butter is a thick, fatty oil compound extracted from African Shea tree nuts. According to The American Shea Butter Institute, this formulation contains vitamin A and works as a moisturizing agent that promotes healing. Shea Butter is said to help skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis by hydrating and sealing the affected area. Adding jojoba oil and Vitamin E oil to whipped Shea Butter at home will create a treatment that moisturizes the scalp and adds fullness to hair.

Step 1

Set a large pot filled with water on the stove. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the temperature. Add a second smaller pot to the water. This is a double boiler system. A small pot sits on top of hot water in a larger pot. No water enters the smaller pot and the hot water in the large pot heats the small one.

Step 2

Add the Shea Butter to the small pot. Heat the butter until it reaches a temperature of 175 degrees. Dip a candy thermometer in the Shea butter to determine the temperature. Heat the butter at 175 degrees for 20 minutes.

Step 3

Remove the small pot from the stove and transfer the melted butter to a large metal or glass mixing bowl.

Step 4

Pour the jojoba oil and vitamin E oil into the butter. Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 5

Set the bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes. Check frequently. The goal is to cool the liquid quickly, not freeze it. If the butter develops a thin coating on the top before the 10 minutes is up, remove it.

Step 6

Mix the compound again for five minutes. Repeat placing the bowl in the freezer and remix it a number of times until the butter firms to a creamy consistency. According to the website Aromaweb, whipped Shea butter looks like frosting or whipped cream.

Step 7

Scoop the whipped product out of the bowl and store it in a glass container. Place the container in a cool dry location until ready to add to hair and scalp.

Things You'll Need

  • 8 oz. Shea butter
  • 1 tbs. jojoba
  • 1/2 tsp. vitamin E oil

References

Article reviewed by Bill C. Last updated on: Aug 4, 2010

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