Meaning ❉ Shea Butter Application refers to the intentional and precise layering of unrefined shea butter onto textured hair, specifically coils, curls, and waves common in Black and mixed-race hair types. This practice is foundational for moisture retention and protective sealing, moving beyond simple conditioning to a methodical step within a comprehensive hair care regimen. Understanding its proper deployment involves discerning hair porosity and density, allowing for a tailored approach that prevents product buildup while maximizing hydration. As a component of systematized hair care, its consistent use helps establish predictable outcomes for length retention and strand resilience, acting as a gentle barrier against environmental stressors. The practical implementation involves warming a small amount, distributing it evenly from mid-shaft to ends, and sealing in water-based humectants, a method passed through generations for maintaining hair vitality. This measured application supports the hair’s inherent structure, contributing to its sustained well-being and growth.