Is Mango Butter the Best Kept Secret for Aging Hair?

The secret is out—mango butter works wonders on ageing hair. Mango butter is a key ingredient found in hair care products like moisturizing shampoos, deep conditioners, and masks. The natural butter’s moisturizing properties and nutrient-rich composition make it a strong solution for dry, ageing hair. Read on to discover the advantages of mango butter and why it may be the best-kept secret for ageing hair.

What is Mango Butter?

Mango butter, derived from mango kernels, has a creamy, light texture that is easily absorbed by hair strands. The natural fat found in mango seeds is referred to as butter. Mango is considered India’s “King of the Fruits” and is used across Asia for traditional medicine. It has been championed for centuries in Asian medicine for its rejuvenating and hydrating properties.  The butter is high in fatty acids and antioxidants which seal, moisturize and protect the hair.

Benefits of Mango Butter for Aging Hair

1. Nutrient-Packed

The extraction of butter from the mango seed preserves a majority of the source’s nutrients. The process involves a cold-pressing and steam-refinement technique that protects its beneficial elements. As mentioned above, mango butter is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids. The combination of these nutrients works to strengthen, moisturize, heal, and protect your strands.

Firstly, mango butter contains high levels of Vitamin A, C, and E. Vitamin A aids in the skin’s sebum production, which moisturizes the scalp. It also protects the skin from UV damage. Additionally, vitamin C plays an essential role in the body’s production of collagen, an essential protein in the hair structure.

Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties that shield strands from environmental damage. Vitamin E prevents moisture loss from skin and hair by balancing oil production.

Mango butter contains high concentrations of fatty acids like oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid. Oleic acid, commonly known as omega-9, maintains the softness and elasticity of the hair. It also stimulates hair growth and fights dandruff. Stearic acid is known to cleanse excess buildup from the scalp and protect hair from damage.

Also, mango butter contains palmitic acid which soothes the scalp and softens your hair. Lastly, it contains linoleic acid, or omega-6, which increase your hair’s moisture retention and promotes hair growth.

2. Locks in Moisture

Mango butter’s vitamin E and fatty acids provide moisturizing benefits for ageing hair. The lightness of mango butter allows for it to be easily absorbed by your strands. Many commercial hair products contain fillers and additives to bulk up the products.

However, pure mango butter is incredibly rich by itself and provides long-lasting moisture. The smooth texture of mango butter helps smooth the hair cuticle, lessening frizz and sealing moisture.

The butter can especially be helpful for those who struggle with dry scalp or skin conditions. As you age, your body’s sebum production slows, making your skin prone to dryness. Dry skin will benefit from the nourishing, moisturizing nutrients of mango butter. Similarly, those with sensitive skin will love using pure butter that is free of chemical additives and fragrances.

3. Natural Heat Protectant

Mango butter is a common ingredient found in all-natural sunscreens. The natural butter contains mangiferin, an antioxidant to protect the skin against sun rays. It is also rich in vitamin A, which is known to protect the skin from sun damage. UV can permanently damage the hair cuticle, leaving strands discoloured and brittle. Using mango butter on the scalp serves as a protective layer against UV rays.

Keep in mind, if your scalp does get burnt, mango butter will have a cooling effect on your burn. It also helps speed up the healing process.

4. Prevents Split Ends

Maturing hair can become weak and plagued with split ends. If your hair has become thin and weak, it may be time to strengthen your follicles with mango butter. Its fatty acids work to repair compromised ends.

The vast nutrients present in mango butter strengthen individual hair strands, improving their smoothness and elasticity. Split ends are often a result of dryness. Mango butter will introduce moisture and help your hair withstand harsh environmental conditions.

5. Boosts Scalp Health

As previously stated, mango butter has vitamins and minerals that calm a dry and itchy scalp. Mango butter balances the scalp’s natural oil, providing nourishment to flaky scalps. This serves as a preventative treatment for dandruff and other skin conditions. Also, the fatty acids in the butter provide the scalp with essential nutrients to grow stronger hair follicles.

6. Prolongs Color

If you are one to dye or highlight your hair, mango butter will help you hold on to your colour for longer. You know what this means—fewer salon visits! The butter’s protective qualities will add a barrier to your strands that prevent your colour from fading. Not only does mango butter prolong colour, but it will add a natural, glossy shine too.

How to Use Mango Butter

Mango butter can be used for a pre-shower mask to give your locks a moisturizing pick-me-up. Follow these steps to create a hydrating, soothing butter mask:

1. First, melt around 2 tablespoons of mango butter on the stove. You can add essential oils, like coconut oil or again oil, with the butter.
2. After the butter has melted, transfer the mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool.
3. Once the formula has cooled, apply it thoroughly from your ends to your roots.
4. Let the mango butter soak for 20-30 minutes, allowing your strands to absorb every nutrient. You can cover your hair with a plastic cap to maximize absorption.
5. Lastly, rinse and wash your hair as normal. Your locks are sure to thank you afterwards.

Or to make your life easier, invest in a restorative butter mask with mango butter like the one from Better Not Younger.

Concluding Note

It’s safe to say that mango butter is a secret weapon in fighting ageing hair problems. The abundance of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids in the butter, makes it an obvious solution for dryness and breakage. Give it a go, your strands won’t be disappointed.