In our daily lives, many of us look for natural products that really make a difference, and shea oil (or shea butter ) is one of those multi-talented ingredients that is always a good idea to have on hand.
- 1. What is Shea Oil and what is it used for?
- 2. Preparation before use: previous advice according to the application area
- 3. How to use Shea Oil on your skin?
- 4. How to use Shea Oil on your hair?
- 5. 5. Additional tips and recommendations
- 6. Contraindications and precautions
- 7. Final conclusion
- 8. Frequently Asked Questions
- 9. FAQ based on common questions
In this guide, we'll walk you through every step: from what shea butter is to how to use it correctly on your skin and hair , with specific tips, precautions, and tricks to help you make the most of its properties. We'll do so in a practical and accessible way, with the goal of making you feel confident integrating it into your routine.
What is Shea Oil and what is it used for?
The term “ shea oil ” is often used colloquially when we are actually talking about shea butter or fat ( Butyrospermum parkii ), which comes from the nut of the shea tree. Botanically, it is known as Vitellaria paradoxa .
This natural product stands out for its richness in fatty acids (oleic, stearic, linoleic, among others) and antioxidant compounds, which gives it moisturizing , nourishing , regenerating and protective capacities against external aggressions.

Benefits for the skin
- Deeply hydrates and forms a protective barrier against water loss, ideal for dry, cracked or damaged skin .
- Soothes irritations , redness or sensitivities thanks to its anti-inflammatory action.
- It promotes skin elasticity , helping to prevent and improve stretch marks and marks .
- It works as a regenerator : it helps small wounds or rough areas soften over time.
- On dry lips , cuticles or heels it behaves like an intensive nourishing balm .
Benefits for hair
- Nourishes the hair fiber , providing shine and softness to dry or damaged hair .
- Helps seal hair cuticles , reducing frizz and loss of moisture .
- Strengthens split ends , improves hair elasticity and can complement more intensive repair treatments.
- On curly or textured hair , it can help define curls and maintain hydration between washes .
Preparation before use: previous advice according to the application area
For shea butter to work better, it's a good idea to prepare your skin or hair. A few simple steps will increase its effectiveness.
How to prepare the skin?
- Pre-cleanse : Make sure there's no makeup, sunscreen, or impurities left. Clean skin allows for better absorption.
- Gentle exfoliation (optional): removes dead skin cells and allows the shea butter to penetrate rough areas better.
- Heat the product : Butter is usually solid. Take a small amount, rub it between your hands, or heat it in a double boiler.
- Apply to slightly damp skin : right after showering is a great time to seal in moisture.
How to prepare your hair?
- Wash beforehand with a mild shampoo , preferably without sulfates or aggressive salts.
- Partial drying : Remove excess water with a towel, leaving some residual moisture.
- Distribute small amounts: melt a little shea and mix it with a light oil ( jojoba , argan ).
- Section your hair : Apply from the middle to the ends first, and only if your scalp tolerates it, towards the roots.
How to use Shea Oil on your skin?
Visible benefits on the skin
With constant use you will notice:
- Greater softness and elasticity
- Fewer dry or rough areas
- Improving the appearance of fine marks
- Protection against aggression (wind, extreme cold)
Shea butter can act as an ally to prevent cracks in elbows , heels and damaged hands .
Application on the face
- Use a moderate amount (small ball); no need to saturate.
- Apply at night to clean skin . Many people use it as a nighttime moisturizer , even around the eyes (with caution).
- Blend with gentle tapping motions; allow to absorb into skin.
- In specific areas such as lips or nose , a pinch is enough.
Application on the body
- For the entire body , chop some shea butter and apply it with upward massage movements to promote absorption.
- In localized areas ( elbows , knees , heels ): apply a more generous layer, massage and let it act.
- You can enhance it by mixing it with your usual cream : add a few drops of melted shea to your daily cream.
How to use Shea Oil on your hair?
Let's see how to apply it safely and effectively so your hair can take advantage of its benefits.
Benefits for hair
- Greater softness and shine
- Frizz reduction
- Protection against external aggressions (sun, heat, dyes)
- Repair split ends and strengthen hair
Application on hair
- As a pre-shampoo mask : Apply warm shea butter all over your hair or drier areas, cover with a warm cap or towel, leave on for 1–2 hours (or overnight if tolerated), then wash thoroughly.
- As a tip sealer : After washing and on damp hair, apply a pinch to the ends to lock in moisture.
- For curly hair : mix with water in a homemade spray and apply to the mid-lengths and ends to define curls .
- Avoid applying to roots if you tend to have an oily scalp.
5. Additional tips and recommendations
Common mistakes when using Shea Oil
- Over- applying: A thick layer can feel heavy and take a long time to absorb.
- Do not heat or dilute the shortening: if it is too solid, it may be difficult to use.
- Don't patch test : Although it's natural, there may be reactions if you're allergic to latex .
- Use it on skin with active acne without testing first: although it is not comedogenic for everyone, there are sensitive skin types that may react.
- Mix with aggressive products: avoid combining it with strong acids or very exfoliating products that cancel out its nourishing effect.
Keep a record if this is your first time using it. You can use it for a few days and see how your skin or hair responds.
Contraindications and precautions
- Latex allergy : Shea butter contains natural traces of latex. Do a patch test before use if you are allergic.
- For oily skin or skin with severe acne , its use may not be the most appropriate in some areas.
- Avoid applying to deep open wounds without consulting a professional.
- During pregnancy or breastfeeding , it is preferable to consult if you plan to use it on sensitive or intimate areas.
- Storage : Store in a cool , dry place away from direct light to prevent oxidation.
- If you buy a natural shea butter cream , check the INCI label : it should contain few ingredients and avoid silicones, artificial fragrances or petroleum derivatives.
Final conclusion
Shea butter is an impressive natural ally— a natural shea butter with many properties—that, when used properly, can transform your skin and hair . In this guide, we've provided a clear path: from what it is and what it's used for , to how to use it step by step and what precautions to take.
We encourage you to try it, always with patience and observation. If you do a patch test , start with small areas and gradually increase your use, you'll see that it can become a staple in your skincare routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between shea oil and shea butter?
Although they are sometimes used synonymously, the correct term is shea butter, as it has a solid texture at room temperature. "Shea oil" refers to the same substance in melted or liquid form, often blended with other oils.
Can I use shea butter if I have oily or acne-prone skin?
Yes, but with caution. Although shea butter is non-comedogenic for most people, if you have active acne or very oily skin, we recommend patch testing a small area before applying it to your entire face.
How many times a week can you use shea butter on your hair?
It depends on your hair type. For very dry or curly hair, you can use it once or twice a week as a nourishing mask. For normal hair, once every 10 days is enough to maintain shine and hydration.
What ingredients should a quality natural shea butter cream have?
A good natural shea butter should have a clean INCI: ideally only Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (the scientific name for shea butter) or, at most, combined with plant oils like jojoba, coconut, or argan. Avoid those with many additives, artificial fragrances, or silicones.
What are the contraindications of shea butter?
The main contraindication for shea butter is for people with latex allergies, as it may contain natural traces. It's also recommended to avoid using it on open wounds and consult your doctor before using it on sensitive areas if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.