 I'm addicted to Shea Butter!
Not the so-called refined and blended with oils kind, but the raw stuff
smothered in a plastic bag or container found only at Black
fairs/tradeshows or on the tables of African street vendors who sell it
for $3 or $5 a pop. This combined with African Black soap and I can
almost guarantee an eczema-free winter. Shea Butter, I've found, is my
dry-skin panacea that cures even
sensitive scalp issues. Dry skin equals and equally dry scalp, which
means it itches and my scalp gets a tad tender from nighttime
scratching. So every four to six weeks my scalp has a mix and mingle
with Shea Butter.
I slather it on
the night before or the morning that I get a touch up (note, those are
scheduled on Saturdays) and Marvin can do his job without me jumping
out of the chair (unfortunately no-lye relaxers wreak the worst havoc
on my tresses so they are not true options for moi; more on that on
another post) five minutes after application. Without Shea Butter, my
scalp is seriously in danger. (note, it's too heavy for weekly or daily
use on the scalp)
Now I know not every one can take their Shea straight, no chaser
(Marvin's old assistant gags everytime she smells it). People complain
of its aroma. But more important than the smell (which never bothered
me) was that it worked. Somehow those fancier versions never delivered
for me for my scalp or on my skin. So imagine my skeptism to receive SheaMoisture a new line being distributed by Target! Thankfully, my skeptism turned into delight when I found out SheaMoisture is done in partnership with Sundial, the creators of Nubian Heritage
(the founders are refugees from war-torn Liberia and used to sell the
soap and butter recipes their mothers made on Harlem's 125th street as
vendors). The two have teamed up with Target to deliver this
SheaMoisture line to the masses at prices that range from $5.99 (bar of
Raw Shea Butter Soap) to $19.99 (African Black Soap Shea Butter Wash
and Lotion).
But does it work? I opened the simple packaging and the scent was
pleasing. I showered with it and moisturized my skin afterwards.
Perfect for the summer (sometimes raw Shea can be a bit much in the
summer time, if you know what I mean). On some days, I actually could
go without a moisturizer after using the soap—without looking ashy!
After testing it for a week, and having a co-worker test the men's
line, the answer is a resounding yes. The formula, which combines Shea
Butter with aloe vera, jojoba oil, vitamin D and vitamin A delivers
über moisture to parched skin like mine. Stock up now, as the line is
only available at select Target stoes. Thankfully, you can always
refill online at Target.com.
How do you feel about Shea Butter?
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