Want to find the best hair butter for natural hair growth? Here’s your guide to mango butter vs shea butter, and 3 easy DIY recipes.
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You know about shea butter, but have you heard of mango butter for hair?
There are several hair butters than can help with dry and damaged hair, but which one should you use?
For those of us who deal with issues like a dry scalp, and hair that just doesn’t seem to stay moisturized, we want an easy and natural fix.
If you’re looking for a simple way to add shine and get softer, fast-growing hair, this post will guide you through choosing the right hair butter for you.
We’ll cover the pros and cons of mango and shea butters, and how to decide which one to use.
The 3 recipes included here are simple to make and easy to add to your hair care routine.
Whether you’re dealing with a flaky scalp, hair breakage, or want a boost in hair growth, keep reading. Here’s your guide to shea butter and mango butter, and how to use them!
Mango Butter vs Shea Butter: What’s the Difference?
Shea butter is derived from the nuts of the shea tree, which is native to West Africa. The nuts are harvested and then crushed to extract the raw butter, which is then processed to get the final product.
This natural butter has been used for centuries in African communities for its moisturizing and healing properties, making it a staple in natural hair and skin care routines.
Mango butter comes from the seeds of the mango fruit and has a ton of benefits for the hair and skin.
It’s similar to shea butter in that it is rich in fatty acids that nourish and hydrate the hair follicles. It helps to promote healthy growth and prevent dryness.
Mango butter is known for it’s soothing properties because of its anti-inflammatory effects. This makes it a great choice for those with sensitive scalps or scalp conditions.
Remember to always do a patch test when trying a new ingredient, especially if you are allergy prone or have sensitive skin. If you experience itching, burning or other signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
Mango Butter Benefits for Hair
- Seals the hair strand and locks in moisture
- Makes hair feel softer
- Protects hair from damage caused by environmental stressors
- Contains a high level of antioxidants that protect the hair from free radicals that can damage the hair follicles
- Anti-inflammatory properties help calm scalp irritation and soothe sensitive scalps
- Moisturizes the hair, preventing brittleness and breakage
- Has a very light scent
- Soft texture that spreads more easily than shea butter
Mango Butter Downsides
- Can feel too greasy
- Could clog pores, depending on your skin
- May not feel as intensely moisturizing as shea butter
Shea Butter Benefits for Hair
- Makes hair shiny
- Has anti-inflammatory properties to help heal dandruff and scalp irritation
- Contains fatty acids, and vitamin A and E to nourish the hair
- Prevents hair breakage
- Protects hair from environmental damage such as UV rays and pollution
- Seals moisture into the hair, reducing dry hair and brittleness
- Makes hair feel softer, and helps improve texture of the hair
Shea Butter Downsides
- Heavy texture that could weigh hair down
- Could clog pores, depending on your skin
- Has a stronger scent than mango butter
- Harder to spread, because it is solid at room temperature
Personally, my scalp does not agree with shea butter (even though it’s great to use on the rest of my skin!), so I use it only on the lengths and ends of my hair. It’s non-comedogenic so most people won’t have a problem with it. Experiment, and see how your hair and scalp feel when you use either mango or shea butter.
Mango Butter vs Shea Butter: How Do You Choose?
Both shea butter and mango butter are amazing for hair and I really don’t think you can go wrong with either!
Consider your hair type and it’s specific needs so you can make the right choice for you:
- If your hair is prone to extreme dryness and lacks moisture, shea butter’s intense hydration properties may be exactly what you need to revive your locks.
- If your hair is already somewhat moisturized and you’re looking for a lighter product that won’t weigh it down as much, mango butter might be the better choice.
If you have fine or thin hair that gets weighed down easily, you’ll want to use a small amount of whichever butter you choose.
Create a lighter consistency by mixing it with carrier oils, or by whipping it so that it’s fluffy and light. If you find it’s still too heavy, you may want to skip using butters altogether.
DIY Hair Growth Butter Recipes
Once you’ve decided between mango butter vs shea butter, it’s time to create your hair treatment.
When creating your DIY hair butters, be sure to use unrefined/raw butters, so you can get the maximum benefits.
You can still use refined butters, however they will have fewer nutrients than the raw kinds. The refining process removes nutrients, so you may not get the same benefits.
After the recipes, we’ll go over 3 different ways you can use your hair butters.
How to Make Mango and Shea Hair Growth Butter
It’s very easy!
- In a double boiler, heat your butters over medium heat just until soft enough to mix
- Mix them together thoroughly, while adding in your other ingredients
- Transfer to a heat safe glass jar
- Allow it to cool before using
To Make Whipped Hair Butter
If you prefer a light, more airy texture:
- In a double boiler, melt your butters
- Transfer to a heat safe jar
- Let it cool until it’s no longer liquid, but still soft (put it in the fridge to speed up the process)
- Use a hand mixer to whip the mixture until fluffy, adding in any essential oils
- Transfer to an air-tight container
NOTE: If you don’t want to choose mango butter vs shea butter, you can mix them both together! The below recipes will list both butters, but you can leave one of them out if you prefer.
Recipe 1
- 1/2 cup mango butter
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons argan oil
- 1 tablespoon castor oil
Recipe 1
- 1/2 cup mango butter
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
Recipe 1
- 1/2 cup mango butter
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 2 tablespoons cocoa butter
- 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
Boost Hair Growth With Essential Oils
To promote hair growth and reduce scalp flakes you can add in 15-25 drops of essential oils to the above recipes. Peppermint oil, spearmint oil, tea tree oil and turmeric oil, and rosemary oil are some of the best oils for hair growth.
How to Use Mango Butter and Shea Butter for Hair Growth
Choose the method that works best for your hair type and hair routine. Make sure that when using mango butter and/or shea butter on your hair, that you regularly use a clarifying shampoo. Clarify at least 1-2 times per month to prevent buildup.
Method 1: Daily Hair Moisturizer
If you have coarse or high porosity hair that isn’t weighed down easily, applying hair butters on a regular basis can help soften your hair. This is a great step to do a few days a week in your night time hair routine, so it can sink into your hair overnight.
- Lightly spray your hair with water (we’re adding moisture so we can lock it in!)
- Warm a small amount of your hair butter between your hands
- Apply it to any areas that are dry or damaged, especially the ends
- Put your hair in a protective hairstyle for sleeping
Method 2: Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Need a DIY mask for super dry hair? Using your hair butter as a pre-poo mask is the perfect way to get super soft and moisturized hair. For damaged hair, use it once per week.
- Evenly apply the mixture to detangled, sectioned hair from root to tip
- Massage the scalp for 2-3 minutes
- Cover with a plastic cap
- Leave on for 30-60 minutes
- Optional: apply heat with a hooded dryer, blow dryer, or deep conditioning heat cap
Method 3: Natural Hair Sealant
Using your hair butter as a leave-in product after washing helps to lock in the moisture. Use it as a final step in your wash day routine to seal in the H2O!
- On damp hair, apply a small amount of hair butter to your ends (and mid-lengths if needed)
- Style as usual
You May Also Like: 15 Ways to Make Rice Water Smell Good! (Grow Your Hair Without the Stink)
Mango Butter vs Shea Butter FAQ’s
Those who have very fine, or low porosity hair may find that it’s too heavy for their hair. It can make some people’s hair feel very greasy and weighed down. If that’s the case, try using light carrier oils as a deep hair treatment instead.
Yes! They both have amazing properties for the hair and skin, and in combination can give great results. It’s personal preference whether you want to use them separately or together.
Keep your hair butters in a glass jar with a lid, in a cool, dark place. It should keep for up to a year if stored properly.
Mango butter vs shea butter, which one’s the winner for you? They’re both fantastic remedies for super dry hair – try them out and see which one your hair likes!
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