Finding the right treatment that offers deep nourishment is key to maintaining healthy, hydrated hair.
Irrespective of whether your hair is natural, curly, coily, or chemically treated, moisture is the key to softness, elasticity, and length retention.
One great way to restore moisture, strengthen strands, and reduce breakage is with this DIY Shea Butter & Aloe Vera Hair Mask.
Shea butter and aloe vera are two powerhouse ingredients that are ideal for an ultimate hydration boost. This ultra-nourishing treatment:-
- Deeply moisturizes and softens dry and damaged strands.
- Repairs damage and prevents split ends.
- Boosts hair elasticity, reducing breakage.
- It soothes the scalp and supports healthy hair growth.
Why Shea Butter and Aloe Vera?
Shea butter is derived from the nuts of the shea tree, which is native to Africa and packed with vitamins A and E, fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory properties.
It deeply nourishes, softens, and protects hair while sealing in moisture. It’s one of the most popular butters in curly hair care.
Benefits of Shea Butter for Curly Hair
- Shea butter seals in hydration and prevents moisture loss.
- Shea butter strengthens weak, brittle hair.
- It protects hair from heat, UV rays, and environmental damage.
Aloe vera, on the other hand, is a powerhouse ingredient that hydrates hair from within, improves elasticity, and soothes the scalp.
It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that promote strong, healthy hair. It is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to the hair.
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Curly Hair
- It provides lightweight hydration without buildup.
- Aloe vera contains enzymes that soothe an itchy or flaky scalp.
- It strengthens the hair cuticle for less frizz and more shine.
Combining the two into this hydrating mask will restore moisture to dry curls and improve elasticity.
DIY Shea Butter & Aloe Vera Hair Mask Recipe
This ultra-hydrating mask is perfect for dry, brittle, or damaged hair. Use it as a deep conditioning treatment to lock in moisture and improve hair strength.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 tablespoons of raw shea butter
- 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon of coconut or sweet almond oil
- 1 tablespoon of argan, grapeseed, or avocado oil
- 5 drops each of lavender and ylang-ylang essential oil
The carrier oils provide additional moisture and nourishment, while the essential oils provide fragrance and soothing benefits.
Directions
- Gently soften the shea butter using a double boiler or over a pot of boiling water. Do not melt the butter completely.
- Measure the aloe vera, carrier, and essential oils into a bowl and blend until they are well combined.
- Add the softened shea butter to the mixture and whip using a hand mixer or fork until it has a creamy, smooth texture.
- To use, section your hair and apply the mask from roots to ends and scalp, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cover your hair with a disposable cap and leave the mask on for thirty to forty-five minutes.
- Rinse out thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
You can adjust the recipe according to your hair length. You can also experiment with the recipe.
For instance, you can add honey, agave nectar, or yogurt for high porosity hair. Don’t be shy to use a hooded or tabletop steamer for deeper penetration.
Want to perfect your DIY hair care experimentations? Use the Hair Care Lab Tracker to test different ingredient combinations and track which formulas work best!
How Often Should You Use This Hair Mask?
For overly dry or damaged hair, use weekly for best results and every few weeks for normal hair.
If you have oily hair, use it less often as a one-off replenishing treatment. This DIY shea butter and aloe vera hair mask is a simple and natural way to restore hydration, shine, and strength to dry hair.
Combining the moisturizing properties of shea butter with the nourishing benefits of aloe vera gives your hair an ultimate treat.
This recipe is buildable and customizable, allowing you to adjust it based on your hair’s needs.
Abi is a curly hair care expert and an avid researcher. She is the founder of Ade Ori Hair Care, Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty, and Healthy Natural Hair Products, premier destinations for the best information, support and resources for your natural hair care and healthy hair journey! Learn more here.
