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Is your hair feeling dull, dry, and lifeless? Maybe you’re considering new products to help and wondering, “Is Shea Moisture good for all hair types?”
Is Shea Moisture Good for Your Hair?
Shea Moisture’s wide range of products is better suited to some hair types than others. Its hair care line has traditionally been targeted at ethnic hair types.
However, it works excellently to restore and moisture all curl patterns, hair textures, and porosities — regardless of your skin color. Those who’ll see the most improvement tend to be people with curly, dry, or frizzy hair.
On the other hand, people with thin, straight hair probably won’t benefit much. Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into all things Shea Moisture, including:
- An overview of the brand
- Benefits and downsides to using Shea Moisture
- The best Shea Moisture products
Keep reading to discover if this brand might be right for you.
What Is Shea Moisture?
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Shea Moisture’s origins trace back to Sierra Leone, where nineteen-year-old widow Sofi Tucker sold her homemade shea butter soaps on the streets. She shared her recipes with her grandson, who founded Shea Moisture — and the rest is history.
Nowadays, the company sells all kinds of products that harness the healing power of natural ingredients. These include organic and cruelty-free bath, body, and skincare lines.
However, Shea Moisture is most famous for its hair care products. It has steadily gained popularity among women of color, who use the products to care for their unique curl patterns.
Shea Moisture products are also quite affordable, making them an excellent option for anyone wanting to try new things without breaking the bank.
Benefits of Shea Moisture Products
Shea Moisture’s rise to popularity undoubtedly has much to do with the effectiveness of its line. But what benefits can you expect? Let’s take a look.
Intense Moisturizing
The number one reason people turn to Shea Moisture is for intense moisturizing. Dry hair is often dull and lifeless, and sometimes regular conditioners aren’t enough to bring it back to life.
Shea Moisture’s products offer deep hydration for the scalp and hair, which is essential for keeping ethnic hair (and curly hair in general) looking its best.
Reduced Frizz
Along with moisturizing the hair, Shea Moisture’s hair line works excellently to tame frizz. Whether you’re dealing with just a bit of frizz or some seriously unruly flyaways, the right treatment can help keep everything in place.
Natural Ingredient List
Shea Moisture’s products boast an impressive natural ingredient list. Of course, raw organic shea butter is featured in every single one. But the company also pairs shea butter with ingredients like argan oil, neem oil, manuka honey, and coconut to deliver outstanding results.
Visible Change
When you start using a new product, you hope to see changes quickly — not after several applications. Most people report that they see visible results in their hair after just one or two uses.
This is especially true when it comes to moisturizing conditioners and masks. So if you need to get your hair up to par and you’re on a schedule, know that Shea Moisture works quickly.
Downsides to Shea Moisture Products
No product is without some downsides. Here are a couple to keep in mind before stocking up on Shea Moisture products.
Shea Butter Is Not for Everyone
It’s no surprise given the company’s name that shea butter is the primary ingredient in their products. However, shea butter is better suited to some hair types than others.
For example, on thin, straight hair types, it can cause hair to feel heavy or waxy. Additionally, shea butter has a strong aroma that some people find overpowering.
No Returns
Another downside to Shea Butter is that there’s no option for returns or refunds if you don’t like the products. While not highly unusual, it’s something to keep in mind before dropping a ton of money. It may be best to start with just one or two products.
The Best Shea Moisture Products
Curious to see if Shea Moisture can rejuvenate your curls? Spoiler alert–they probably can! However, navigating the brand’s wide range of products can be a bit overwhelming. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of Shea Butter’s most-loved products.
Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
The Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a cult classic. This leave-in cream takes advantage of silk protein and various oils and butters to tame curls while creating definition.
If you want to give your thick, curly hair some oomph, you can’t go wrong with this product. Reviewers can’t say enough good things about it.
Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
Looking to target your scalp and hair cuticle specifically? The Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque will do the job. It’s made with soothing ingredients like argan oil and sea kelp. Alongside the requisite dose of shea butter, this powerful trio smooths the hair cuticle and moisturizes your locks.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-in Conditioner
If you’ve gone overboard with coloring treatments or flat-ironing (or both), you may want to give this product a try. The Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-in Conditioner is an intense deep conditioning treatment.
It includes shea butter, Jamaican black castor oil, and peppermint oils that work to detangle your hair and leave your locks feeling silky smooth.
Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
Shea Butter has plenty of excellent shampoos, and the Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo is one of the most popular. It’s made with argan oil, shea butter, and sea kelp and is formulated to cleanse without drying out the hair.
Moringa & Avocado Power Greens Reconstructor
Finally, the Moringa & Avocado Power Greens Reconstructor makes a powerful addition to your hair care routine. This revitalizing conditioner offers up some serious hydration thanks to the power of moringa oil and “power greens” (think matcha, algae, and kale).
It’s more of a regular conditioner than a mask — with its creamy, less dense texture, it helps define and soften curls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most frequently asked questions about shea moisture.
Is Shea Moisture only for Black hair?
Although the products have been most popular among Black women, Shea Moisture is not only for Black hair. Those with curly and wavy hair types, regardless of skin color, can benefit from the brand’s products.
Where can I buy Shea Moisture products?
You can purchase Shea Moisture products at several different places. They’re available in major retailers like CVS, Target, and Walgreens. They’re also available at beauty shops like Sally’s and on the Shea Moisture website.
Does Shea Moisture cause baldness?
Although some people have blamed Shea Moisture products for hair loss, there is no evidence that this is true. On the contrary, most individuals who use these products have excellent results.
Is Shea Moisture all-natural?
Yes, Shea Moisture makes its products with naturally-derived ingredients. They do not include any silicone, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, or petrolatum.
Is Shea Moisture Black-owned?
Unfortunately, no. Although it was Black-founded, Shea Moisture is no longer a Black-owned business. Unilever purchased the company in 2017.
So, Is Shea Moisture Good for All Hair Types?
Many people can benefit from Shea Moisture products, but individuals with thick, curly hair will see the most improvement. If your tresses need some intense hydration, we recommend giving their line a try. Happy styling!