Hair butter is a styling product that’s formulated with creamy butters (like shea, mango or cocoa) and natural oils (like castor, jojoba and coconut). This rich blend offers definition and protection, and seals in moisture to your natural locks, which is why it’s often used as the last step in a haircare routine.
What Are the Benefits of Using Hair Butter?
Hair butter has many benefits that cater to natural hair. You’ll find that…
- It helps with definition. “Hair butter can help define curls and keep them moisturized, which is very important during dry winter months,” says Wilson. The rich formula also brings your curl pattern to life. Aside from the curly gals, both founders of DreamGirls note that hair butter is also great for protective styles (aka twists, braids, etc.) to smooth and define the style.
- It maintains moisture. “Hair butters have a rich and hydrating blend of ingredients that deeply nourish and moisturize your hair, which reduces dryness and frizz, and prevents breakage,” says Sims. Once applied to your natural hair, it’ll add and lock in moisture, so you prevent dry, frizzy strands for the rest of the week.
- It reduces dryness. Moisture is key for all hair types, but especially for naturalistas. Hair butter reduces dryness, split ends and overall damage. “Hair butters can also help to improve scalp health, especially those with a dry scalp,” adds the founders.
- It protects your hair. Most formulas contain anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. As a result, hair butter can help improve your overall scalp health by reducing irritation, inflammation and dandruff.
Can All Hair Types Use Hair Butter?
According to the experts, the styling product works best if your hair is often dry, frizzy, coarse or brittle. It’s also beneficial for high porosity or high density hair. A coily gal is a great example of someone who would benefit from using hair butter. As Sims explains: “4c hair has tight coils and tends to be the driest [of the hair types]. Hair butters can give coily hair the extra moisture it needs for styling and daily maintenance.”
When it comes to people with fine hair, oily scalps or low porosity hair, these groups should refrain from using hair butter. It can weigh down strands and increase product build up to your scalp. If you fall into these hair categories, a hair cream might be more suitable for you. They tend to be more water-based, so your strands still receive moisture without leaving you with greasy, limp strands.
How Often Should You Use Hair Butter?
No one knows your hair better than you do. Start with a small amount (about a dime or quarter-sized scoop) and run it through each section of your hair. It’s suggested to apply it on damp hair after a wash. There’s also the option to apply it directly on dry hair, but be cautious about how much you’re applying. “Hair butter should be used as needed, but we don’t recommend using it daily, as it can weigh down your hair and cause product build up over time,” explains Thompson.
Are There Other Ways to Use Hair Butter?
The most popular way to use hair butter is at the end of a haircare routine, but you can also use hair butter as a pre-shampoo mask, a leave-in conditioner or even a hair mask. Hair butter can be kept on your hair or washed away to maintain moisture whenever you need it.
Is Hair Butter Better Than Hair Oil?
Both haircare products serve their purpose and one might be better for certain hair types than the other. It’s up to you which one you prefer to use on your natural hair. “Butters and oils are two separate things that can be used for different results. Butters are heavier than oils and provide more moisture,” explains Sims. “You can always add oil to your butters when applying treatments. You can also use oil to pull out your twist outs and natural styles.”
Bottom Line
Whether you have super dry hair or coily locks, hair butter can be a great addition to your haircare routine as it can bring back moisture and define your natural hair. While you can go the DIY route (like this mango butter mix which works just as great on your hair and body), we have a few favorites straight from the beauty aisles to get you started:
