You bought the butter. It smells divine. The texture? Perfect. But your hair still feels dry. Frizzy. Maybe even greasy. The issue isn’t the product. It’s how you’re using it. Hair butter isn’t a magic wand. It’s a tool. And like any good tool, it works best when you understand its function.
Let’s break it down.
What a hair butter actually does
Hair butters are occlusives. That means they seal in moisture. They don’t hydrate your hair by themselves. If you apply butter to dry, brittle strands, you’re sealing in nothing just dryness.
Most natural butters like shea, mango, or cocoa form a protective barrier around the hair shaft. That barrier helps:
- retain moisture
- reduce breakage
- soften the hair
- minimize frizz
- protect from harsh weather and styling damage
But they must be used strategically.
Step-by-step: How to use a hair butter the right way
1. Always start with damp hair
Water is the first ingredient in any moisture routine. If your hair is dry when applying butter, the product will just sit on top. After washing or misting your hair, gently squeeze out excess water. Hair should be damp not soaking wet. Now you’ve got moisture. Time to seal it in. Use our Aloe Hydrating Moisturizer to introduce moisture into your hair.
2. Take a small amount of butter (a little goes far)
Scoop a pea-sized amount if you’re working in sections. Warm it between your palms until it melts into an oil. This makes it easier to spread and reduces clumping or greasiness. Apply from mid-shaft to ends, focusing on drier areas. Use fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly. If your hair is fine or low-porosity, use less. If it’s thick, kinky, or high-porosity, you can be more generous. Use our Chebe and Amla Hair Butter.
3. Seal it in with protective styling (if needed)
Want extra retention? Twist, braid, or tuck your hair after applying butter. This keeps moisture locked in for days and reduces exposure to sun, dust, and dryness.
Bonus: your styles will be more defined, shinier, and longer-lasting.
What not to do
- Don’t apply on dry hair thinking it will moisturize. It won’t.
- Don’t overload. Heavy application clogs pores, weighs down strands, and causes buildup.
- Don’t skip clarifying. Butters build up over time. Cleanse with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo biweekly or monthly.
How often should you use hair butter?
2–3 times a week is enough for most. If your hair is in a protective style, once a week might do. Observe your hair. If it feels soft, elastic, and hydrated, you’re doing it right. If it’s greasy, limp, or dry underneath, reassess your technique.
Choose the right butter for your hair type
Fine or low-porosity hair? Go for lightweight blends or oils
Thick, kinky, or high-porosity hair? Chebe and Amla Hair Butter, your hair will drink it up.
Ayanna Handmade hair butters are designed with African hair in mind. They’re rich, but balanced. No fillers. No synthetics.
The Ayanna Handmade difference
Our hair butters are crafted to restore not just style. Made with nutrient-dense butters and oils like shea, every jar is a powerhouse of strength and softness. We don’t just sell product. We teach you how to use it for real results.
ready to glow up your hair routine?
Browse our range of handcrafted butters here
Need help choosing one? Reach us directly on WhatsApp
Moisture isn’t a mystery. You just need the right method and the right butter.
