November 17, 2021 l by Tara E.
What is Cupuacu Butter?
Are you using cupuacu butter for natural hair care? If not, it is possible that you should be. Cupuacu butter contains a high amount of fatty acids and phytosterols. Phytosterols are plant cholesterol-like chemicals that help to promote hair growth.
Cupuacu butter pronounced (koo-poo-wahsoo) is an amazing butter product of the cupuacu fruit tree (Theobroma grandiflorum). This tree is native to the Amazon rainforest. It is a cousin to the same tree which produces cocoa ( and cocoa butter and chocolate!). Thus, this butter makes for a yummy candy. Most importantly, it delivers fantastic hair and skin results.
Characteristics of Cupuacu Butter
What can you expect of cupuacu butter?
- Sweet smell
- Soft and creamy texture
- Yellowish, light amber color
- Light-weight
- Melts upon contact with the skin/hair
As usual, opting for Unrefined Cupuacu butter which hasn’t been subject to any chemical processes is recommended over the refined option.
Here are four reasons to us cupuacu butter on natural hair.
Benefits of Using Cupuacu Butter On Natural Hair
There are dozens of reasons to use cupuacu butter on natural hair. We have chosen three reasons to highlight.
Cupuacu Butter Hydrates Hair
Moisture is all about water, water, and more water. Yet, we can hardly walk around all day with wet hair. Sealing moisture in your hair is necessary for healthy hair. Cupuacu promotes high water absorption and sustains hydration levels. This action allows it to transform dry, brittle hair into soft, moisturized tresses. You can use it as a component of your LOC/LCO regimen.
Helps Stop Natural Hair Breakage
Next, cupuacu butter protects the structure of our hair. Cupuacu contains polyphenols that can act as antioxidants. Free radicals access our strands through exposure to UV rays, excessive heat styling, chemicals in dyes and relaxers, and even keratin treatments. Free radicals cause hair loss, split-ends, faded hair color, and cuticle damage. Antioxidants play a fundamental role in eliminating free radicals.
Improves Hair Elasticity
Cupuacu butter enhances hair elasticity. Hair can lose its elasticity through rough handling, poor product choices, and excessive heat. Hair chemicals can degrade hair flexibility. Inelastic hair is usually dry and brittle and leads to breakage. The fatty acids and collagen available in cupuacu butter restore your hair elasticity.
How to Use Cupuacu Butter for Natural Hair
Let’s dive into how to use cupuacu butter for natural hair. Remember, this is a moisture product. It will not create hold. It works best as a daily moisturizer.
Getting Started
First, you melt the butter in a double-boiler. After melting, refrigerate it for a few hours. Next, whip the butter. You can add conditioning oils like:
- Sweet almond oil
- Jojoba oil
- Coconut oil
Conditioning oils help to soften the butter. Third, you can add essential oils to the mix. Essential oils provide fragrance and results. Your essential oils might include:
- Grapeseed oil
- Lemongrass
- Lavender or;
- Sweet orange
Cupuacu butter has a shelf-life of upwards of two years. Always perform a patch test. You want to ensure that you are not allergic to this hair butter.
Cupuacu Butter Vs. Shea Butter: Which One is Best?
Shea butter is a favorite in the natural hair community. Unfortunately, many naturalistas dislike the smell of shea butter. Others are allergic to it. Cupuacu butter has a fantastic, sweet smell. Many naturals would argue that it is the better moisturizer. Its hydrophilic effects play a major role in this benefit. Its lightweight properties make it attractive to naturals hoping to not weigh their curls down.
Which hair butter is better? That decision is yours to make. Do not be afraid to give it a try. If you like the results, consider combining both for use. There are no mandates that you must use one or the other. Natural hair mavens recommend a 70/30 blend.
In closing, consider using cupuacu butter. Its hydrophilic qualities improve hair flexibility and reduce breakage. If hair fall is a problem, cupuacu may be the answer.