100% Natural Homemade Shea Butter Lotion for Hair and Skin

So, um Shea Butter is amazing. Not sure, if you knew that, but it is.   You can use it in soooo many things. It's probably the best all natural ingredient that you can find. It's like the best thing since sliced bread. Yep, I would put it right up there with water. Yes. It's amazing like water is amazing. Yep.That's it. So, because Shea Butter is SO AWESOME! Sorry, I got excited there. I wanted my first recipe to be the most useful for you, and this product is what I use the most. I use it for my skin and my hair. As you read in my earlier post I went natural about 6 months ago. When I first went natural I was aware that people were making their own hair care products, but I was more afraid to do that more than anything. I didn't really want to experiment on my fresh hair, if you know what I mean. So, for a while I pretty much bought all of my hair care products. But, I noticed that my hair was always dry, or crunchy lol. No matter what or how much I put in my hair would suck it up like a dry dessert getting rain. Before you knew it,  I would be reaching for another handful of whatever it was. So, I decided to make my first batch of Shea butter. I was fed up with what "the man" was offering, and wanted to cure my own problem. Now, to be clear my hair is still dry on occasion, but not every 15 minutes like before.

Now, did I mention I use this on my skin too? Yep. I don't buy lotion, or skin butters anymore. And, boy what a difference! My skin is so soft. It's like a supple baby's bottom. I have also noticed that the stretch marks on my hips are slowly disappearing. No joke. And, I owe it all to the best God-given all natural ingredient you can find.  Read on for my method on making this magical concoction. You will not regret it.

100% Natural Homemade Shea Butter Lotion for Hair and Skin 

Step 1. Collect your tools.

You will need a blender, a spoon, and a rubber spatula.

One plastic container

One bowl

I used to use a bowl and a spoon and would hand mix this recipe.  Now, I use this. Much easier. :)

I always have an extra smaller container ready in case I make too much. 

Step 2: Collect your ingredients

Shea Butter!! I buy a 5lbs at a time. You may need less especially if this is your first time. 

1. Shea Butter--You can find this online which is your best option. You can also find it in the beauty supply store, but it might not be 100% or fair trade! Here is where I purchase mine: http://www.agbangakarite.com/  The rest of the ingredients include: Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil,  Castor Oil, Essential Oil (optional) These ingredients can be found in your local grocery store. You will have the most luck at an organic food store, or health store. These are the basic ESSENTIAL ingredients. This is how I started off. After you do own research you will find out that all of the oils can be exchanged for other oils that are just as fabulous! 

I also add in: April Kernel Oil, Peach Kernel Oil, Cherry Kernel Oil, Mango Butter, Avocado Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, and Blueberry Oil.

Step 3: Leave your Shea Butter out for awhile, so it can soften. It should take about half a day to a couple of hours depending on the temp. Some people melt theirs. I do not. I find that heating the oils can remove some of the awesome properties it has to offer. Kind of like cooking vegetables. The rest of the ingredients should already be in liquid form. Coconut oil may also need to sit out with the Shea Butter, however, it is very easy to mix even when solid.

Step 4: In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the essential oil if you are using it. Because this is SHEA BUTTER lotion, Shea butter should be your main ingredient. I usually do about half Shea butter and then equal parts of everything else. Sometimes, I add in more Coconut Oil and Olive Oil because they are both great moisturizers and healing agents.

Half Shea Butter

Add in coconut oil

This pic is optional. This is where I add in the mango and avocado butter. :)

Add in oils. I like a lot of Olive Oil in my mix. 

Step 5:  Give it a quick stir, and then blend (or stir faster) until you have a liquid pasty consistency. The more you blend the less thick it will be. I usually stop around the time it's thick enough to still be creamy. 

Stir

Blend

Nice and creamy!

Blend in oils.

Step 7. Add in your essential oil(s). I have found that the essential oils come through more when they are added last. Not sure why. Shea Butter has a strong smell, but remember less is more with essential oils. The smell will settle in and blossom. You might not smell it the way you want right away. Be patient.

Step 8: Transfer in storing container. Make sure you have an airtight container.We want this to stay as fresh as possible. 

Step 9: Use it! You can use this right away, and then store it in a dry cool area. There are no preservatives in this mix except for the Vitamin E, so be sure to use frequently or give it away if you made too much. The shelf life is about 3 months to 6 months. You may experience natural separation and/or melting and firming of the texture, but don't worry because it's natural! :) If you see any discoloration or mold, discard...quickly! But don't freak out,  and make more,water probably got in it somehow.

I recommend using this butter on moist skin and damp hair. This mix is basically an oil mixture which means it will seal and trap moisture. Always remember that oil is a sealant more than a moisturizer. Water is your best bet for moisture, and this lotion helps seal in that moisture. Sometimes, when my skin dry from being out of the shower too long, I spritz it with a bit of water. Sometimes I mix the water with coconut water, and Aloe Vera juice mix which I love. Rose water is also a nice option. I am also playing around with coconut and almond milk as a moisture alternative.