Shea Butter Versus Cocoa Butter

[The Chambers Man]

Hey all!

I am glad to be a part of The Shaving Cadre! I am a recent Artisan (within the last 12 months) of which I have had the pleasure of working with Chris on a few cool ideas. I will also mention my good buddy Dave here as he has been a great mentor with respect to all things Wet Shaving.

I am going to switch gears here a bit a I am making a Hair Pomade and have been using Cocoa butter. I must say I started with the raw Cocoa butter which to most chocolate lovers they would like it... but.. I don't want to walk around with a chocolate bar taped to my head.

So... I started using white/filtered Cocoa butter and have achieved some pretty cool results. However... I am looking to use Shea Butter instead because of the cost. Before I dive into testing... have any of you tried this?

 

[Dave in KY]

If you saw how short my hair is, you'd understand I don't use Pomade but want t Welcome you to the Cadre Tim. Nice to have you aboard. Others with hair will chime in when they wake up ?

 

[CBLindsay]

I’m with you on the desire to avoid smelling like an Ooma loomp who just got off work. Raw Cocoa butter is a tough one to get past the scent.

I have a sensitive scalp that is always looking for a reason to break out or get gooey so aside from scent I would be most concerned with choosing a butter that is least likely to cause break outs. To that end I would think the lighter the oil the better. I personally have an aversion to cocoa butter so I would be much happier to see Shea butter used (assuming they both work the same). I know several guys here regularly apply raw shave butter after a shave but I’ve not heard any who rub on cocoa butter. I know there is a heafty price difference between cocoa and shae so if you can achieve the right texture with shae butter it makes sense to try it. I have tried making mustache wax using cocoa butter, bees wax and petroleum AND I’ve done it with both shae butter and cocoa butter. I found the cocoa butter to be too rich. Not only did I have trouble getting past the smell it made my skin too greasy. I would rub someon my ‘Stache only to end up with greasy cheeks all the way to my ears. I get the same greasy effect from Murray’s pomade.

 

[GearNoir]

Welcome Tim!

Very neat way to branch out in products by going for hair care! I don’t have much experience with pomade, it doesn’t seem to hold my hair as well or last as long as a good gel. My hair can be pretty stubborn! Now, I’ve never used specialty stuff before mind you, only cheap, readily available products from places like Target. I keep trying a pomade here and there though in hopes of finding one that suits me.

I’m sure Jim and some others may be able to aid you in your project!

 

[CVargo]

First of all Tim welcome to the cadre happy to have you here. Take a look around and let us know if you have any questions. I can't help answer your questions I use pretty readily available hair care products.

 

[LNHC]

Hey all!

I am glad to be a part of The Shaving Cadre! I am a recent Artisan (within the last 12 months) of which I have had the pleasure of working with Chris on a few cool ideas. I will also mention my good buddy Dave here as he has been a great mentor with respect to all things Wet Shaving.

I am going to switch gears here a bit a I am making a Hair Pomade and have been using Cocoa butter. I must say I started with the raw Cocoa butter which to most chocolate lovers they would like it... but.. I don't want to walk around with a chocolate bar taped to my head.

So... I started using white/filtered Cocoa butter and have achieved some pretty cool results. However... I am looking to use Shea Butter instead because of the cost. Before I dive into testing... have any of you tried this?

Welcome Tim,

You should end up with similar results as the cocoa butter especially if you're making a medium to heavy hold product.

 

[clyde72]

Welcome to TSC Tim!

 

[BarberDave]

Welcome Tim glad to have you here, although I may be a bit bias, LOL

 

[dangerousdon]

Welcome Tim to the Cadre! The pomade decisions should be interesting...keep us informed...this will be interesting to follow!