Our world is full of natural wonders that give plenty of benefit to our bodies including our hair. From every inch of this planet we can find plants, herbs, oils and butters that aid our health and hair in much better ways than anything man-made.
When you think of hair butters then you immediately think of Shea Butter* or even Cocoa Butter*. After all, they are the most recognizable and probably the most loved by the majority of naturals who use them but there are so many others that you might be over looking.
Natural (vegetable) butters* are extracted from plants, roots, seed and trees. They remain solid at room temperature and consist of solid or semi-solid fat oils*. This makes them amazing emollients and softeners for our skin and hair and each butter has a unique composition so their benefits are vast. They can be anti-inflammatory, soothing, moisturizing or have antioxidant properties.
As we embark on cooler temperatures, drier weather and deal with dry heat indoors from heaters; upping your moisture and moisture retention is high on the natural hair priority list. A great way to keep your ends and hair sealed is with butters but you do not have to stick with the most popular to get the best butter for your tresses. As a matter of fact, you may need to try a few of these not-so-popular butters to help with your hair porosity, texture, thickness and overall health. Your climate is also indicative of what type of butter may be best too so take notes and take heed to some great butters* for your tresses this winter.
Kokum Butter
Kokum butter comes from the Garcina Indica Tree which is grown in the western ghat region of India. Very similar to Cocoa butter*, this wonder is highly prized for its essential fatty acid content.
Kokum butter is naturally white and incredibly smooth and one of the most balanced of all botanicals. It is non-comedogenic, so it will not clog your pores and makes it great for being used directly on your scalp. It is a superior emollient and sought after for it’s regenerative properties and because it helps cells oxygenation. Nutrients become more available to the hair and this in turn promotes hair growth.
Kokum butter is perfect for inflamed skin conditions so this butter is ideal for skin and hair. This butter is actually a healing solution. It can be used as a hair conditioner or if added to oils* can be massaged into the scalp to ward of hair breakage. It will also soften the hair while combating frizz and improving the barrier for natural hydration. A healing butter that has regenerative properties and enhances hair elasticity. This butter is great for anyone.
My go to butter has always been Shea butter, but I think i might have to try one of these butters (Murumuru butter sounds like it might be worth a try)
Where would you find these different types of butter?