In Review: Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque

When I first started doing research on how to grow my hair long and healthy, I learned about the importance of deep conditioning.  At the time, I wasn't even sure if I was going natural or not but I knew that I could add deep treatments to my hair routine right away.  For my first time, I simply mixed a cheap conditioner with some extra virgin olive oil that I had in my kitchen cupboard.  It was very basic but effective.  Now, over six years later, I'm still doing deep treatments on my hair to help maintain my tresses.  It is an essential part of my natural haircare routine.

I have played with a lot of different ingredients and conditioner combinations over the years.  Recently, I decided to start experimenting with store bought deep conditioners.  My first one was the African Black Soap Purification Masque by Shea Moisture.  You can watch a demonstration and my first impression review on the product in my Youtube video.  I chose that product for my itchy scalp woes and it did help some with that issue.  This time I wanted to try Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque.  This one has always gotten rave reviews so I know I'm late to
the game.

The Rundown

The Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque is recommended for dry, damaged hair.  It says that it helps to, "heal, grow and strengthen" the hair.  Some key ingredients are sea kelp, argan oil, and shea butter.  You can definitely feel and smell the shea butter in this product.  Here is the complete ingredients list:

This product has a thick, creamy consistency

Deionized Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter, Certified Organic), Argan Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Emulsifying Wax, Sea Kelp Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B-5), Essential Oil Blend, Avocado Oil, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract (Honeysuckle), Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract (Japanese Honeysuckle), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Hyssopus Officinalis Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract (Sage), Equisetum Arvense Extract, Soybean Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil (Carrot)

You can see from the list that this product is all natural.  It is also free of sulfates, parabens and mineral oil.  In the directions it says that you can add olive oil for even more nutrients and a moisture boost.  I picked this product up at my local Target store for about $10 (USD).  I have also seen the line at Walmart, Sally's Beauty Supply and Walgreens drugstores for 
similar pricing.  

My Experience

Recently I reached for this product before and after applying direct heat to straighten my hair.  Normally, I would use my Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor for a light protein boost before and after heat use.  I believe that this product definitely worked in a similar way.  My curls appear to be just as a healthy now as they did before I straightened my hair.  The shea butter in this product tends to stay on the hair after rinsing so I used it a couple days before flat ironing.  Then, I cleansed my hair with a clarifying shampoo followed by a moisturizing deep treatment just before straightening.  This way my straight hair felt lightweight without any heavy buildup.  

My curls after using the Deep Treatment Masque

I wore my hair straight for about ten days and clarified again to remove the silicone from my heat protectants and oils.  Then I used the deep treatment masque again to bring my curls back.  This worked like a charm in that regard.  

I always, always, always use my Tresemme Naturals Conditioner (the aloe one) for a quick pop of mositure after using a strengthening treatment such as this.  It gives my hair the softness and manageability I need to detangle and style my hair afterwards.  

Overall, I would say that this product is definitely a keeper.  I do look forward to using it in the same way the next time I decide to use heat or when my curls need a protein 
pick-me-up.