Shea butter has been used as a highly effective skin moisturizer and hair dressing in Africa for centuries. It can protect the skin and hair from the damaging effects of sun, salt water, wind and heat. You can make your own hair dressing with shea butter at a fraction of the cost for similar products available from retailers. It's easy to do, and you'll love using it to smooth wavy or curly hair easily into an elegant up-do like a French twist or chignon. This formula works best when used on wet, freshly shampooed hair. Although your shea butter hair dressing will store for months, you'll want to use it all up before that much time passes. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Place the shea butter in a small, heavy-bottomed pan over low heat to begin melting it.
2. Combine the ginger mint herb tea and the olive oil in a double boiler over medium heat. Bring to a boil and turn the heat down to simmer. Cook the mixture gently for about 20 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning. This will be long enough to infuse the oil with the herb tea.
3. Strain the infused oil through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a large mixing bowl. Add the melted shea butter and the castor oil. Blend thoroughly. Stir in the peppermint oil. If you wish, also stir in the cayenne pepper, which is a great stimulant for the scalp when used in small quantities. Blend the mixture very well, and allow it to cool at room temperature for an hour or two to solidify.
4. Use a hand mixer to whip the solidified shea butter hair dressing, if you wish. This will make it creamier. Or you can use it as a solid. Store your hair dressing in a jar or other container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the container in a cool, dark location.
5. Rub about a teaspoon of the hair dressing between your palms. Use a little less for short hair or a little more for long hair. If it's solid, just rub your palms together gently. The heat from your hands will melt the hair dressing. Apply it to your hair and scalp, and style as usual.
Tags: hair dressing, hair dressing, shea butter, your hair, butter hair, butter hair dressing
