This interesting BBC Clip informs about the prodution of Shea Butter and the situation of women in west Africa:

http://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-36372534/making-shea-butter-for-little-reward-in-ghana

Shea butter is be benefical for your pet. For example it protects (dog) paws in the winter against salt. We have also successfully used Sheabutter in the summer holiday, after a strenuous hike over the top of the peaks and stones or after a beach day at and in the sea. Our dog, who usually does not like to be touched at his paws, enjoyed it visibly. He seems to have liked the Shea butter. He always licked our hands with enthusiasm after the cream.

A canditioner out of  shea butter provides the hair with important care substances, which penetrate deep into the hair and regenerate and strengthen it. The treatment prevents hair breakage and gives the hair suppleness and shine.

There are now many recipes with shea butter for hair care.

I myself prefer ingredients that are actually available in every kitchen and which have a good effect.

For a hair treatment before the hair wash I take:

2 tablespoons of shea butter
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 egg
1 teaspoon of honey

The amount is good for medium to long hair. For short hair, shea butter can also be used pure.

Eggs are nutritious for scalp and hair. The yolk contains above all healthy fatty acids and lecithin, which have a particularly moisturizing effect. There is a lot of protein in the egg white which improves the elasticity of the hair and makes it appear shiny.

For centuries, olive o

Consistency of Shea Butter depends strongly on temperature. In sommer on warm days it can become very soft and even liquid. In winter days it will be quite hard, if you have it in your hand bag. You can use  a spoon or similar to get little pieces out of the jar. These will become soft again in your hands. If temperature in your appartment is to low, you can store the shea butter on a rediator. Shea Butter is used to higher temperatures out of its "homeland" Africa and will not be damaged by moderate heat.