As naturals, many of us have tried our hand at whipping up some of our own hair products, namely a whipped hair and skin butter. Not only are they are easy to make, but for the curly on a budget who does not have easy access to some of the well known all-natural brands out there, this is a great alternative. Are you thinking of making your own hair and skin butter? Here’s an easy guide to get you started.
Step 1. Choose your key ingredients
Begin with some butter of your choice, like shea, cocoa or mango, and your favorite natural hair oil. Do some research to make sure you are getting the purest kind out there, and be especially weary of commercial oils that are laden with things your hair doesn’t need–like silicone and mineral oil. Also keep in mind what you want to use your butter for.
Remember: oil and water do not mix. In order for liquids and oils to mix, emulsifiers must be used. Adding any water-based ingredient to your mix will drastically shorten its shelf life so it might be better to stick with the butters and oils.
Step 2. Use the right proportions
First, plan out what proportions of oil to butter you want to use. Keep in mind that less liquid oil will make a firmer thicker butter and more oil will keep it fluffy and light. When creating your own DIY hair butter, mixing in heavy oils may leave your strands weighed down and oily. Likewise, if you are trying to create a body butter, using light oils may not be heavy enough to keep your skin moisturized–especially in a colder climate.
Step 3. Be gentle when using heat
When heating your butters and oils, never place them directly into the pan as it may cause them to boil and burn. Instead, place about a cup and a half of water in a small pan and place a glass bowl over it then place your ingredients in the glass bowl. This is called a double boiler and is a much gentler way of heating up your oils and melting your butter.
After the butter has melted, turn off your burner and remove the bowl from on top of the pan. Stir the mixture to ensure that all of the oils and butters are thoroughly combined and allow it to cool for a while. Don’t wait too long, however, since you do not want it to begin to harden before you start to whip it. Now is the time to add your essential and fragrance oils. Remember, you only need a few drops as these are concentrated oils.
Once your ingredients are melted, mix until it’s nice and fluffy. It is much easier and faster to use a stand or electric hand mixer but if you don’t have one then a whisk will work just as well and tone your arms nicely. In order to make your butter nice and fluffy you will have to leave the mixer on or whisk continuously until it is no longer in the liquid form. If for some reason you stop the mixer or stop hand whisking for too long it could harden and not create the whipped mousse-like consistency that you want. Once your butter is whipped transfer it to a clean container with an air tight lid and store it in a cool dry place.
