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How do I Choose the Best Shea Butter Conditioner?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Shea butter conditioner is a type of conditioner that includes the powerful moisturizing ingredient shea butter. It is derived from the seeds of the shea tree, and is a popular ingredient in cosmetics, lotions, and conditioner products because it absorbs quickly and helps the skin to retain moisture. It is simple to choose the best shea butter conditioner; just consider whether you want a conditioner for use in the shower, or a leave-in conditioner for treatment and styling all day.

Shea butter conditioner for use in the shower is typically more deeply hydrating, because it is rinsed out before getting out of the shower. It is a great choice for people with very dry, brittle hair, because it restores moisture to the hair, which makes it stronger and less frizzy. In addition, though it is not often recommended to apply conditioner to the scalp, shea butter conditioner can help relieve a dry, itchy scalp as well, and may prevent flaking.

The fruit of shea trees is the source of shea butter.
The fruit of shea trees is the source of shea butter.

People with oily hair will want to avoid apply a conditioner containing shea butter to the scalp, as it could make hair more greasy. In fact, people with especially greasy hair may want to avoid shea butter conditioner altogether, and choose a lighter conditioner. Consider other hair issues when choosing the best conditioner as well; for instance, if hair is dyed, choose a conditioner that is safe for color-treated hair. If the hair is flat or lacking in volume, choose a volumizing conditioner. People with curly hair often use shea butter conditioner because it allows curls to dry looking soft and smooth, not frizzy.

Shea butter conditioner can help relieve a dry, itchy scalp.
Shea butter conditioner can help relieve a dry, itchy scalp.

Shea butter leave-in conditioner can be great for people who develop frizzy hair throughout the day, especially in humid climates. The shea butter prevents hair from becoming frizzy, as well as conditioning the hair with extra moisture, which can improve the condition of the hair over time. Some shea butter conditioners are scented as well, which may be a consideration for people who want a specific scent, or who are sensitive to fragrance.

Shea butter conditioner is safe to use on color treated hair.
Shea butter conditioner is safe to use on color treated hair.

In addition, shea butter conditioner may be made with all natural or organic materials, for those who are concerned about those particular issues. Choosing the best conditioner is a matter of considering one's hair type as well as personal preference. It may take a few days before it is possible to see if the conditioner is making a difference to the hair or not; if it isn't, simply try a different one.

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    • The fruit of shea trees is the source of shea butter.
      By: Elenathewise
      The fruit of shea trees is the source of shea butter.
    • Shea butter conditioner can help relieve a dry, itchy scalp.
      By: Lars Zahner
      Shea butter conditioner can help relieve a dry, itchy scalp.
    • Shea butter conditioner is safe to use on color treated hair.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Shea butter conditioner is safe to use on color treated hair.