Do Why Know Where Your Shea Butter Comes From? We Do!
Collaborating With Kolo Nafaso Means We Work With The Best And Have Full Traceability in Every Tub
At Shedid & Parrish, we believe that the quality of our ingredients is only half the story. The other half lies in how we source them - with respect, care, and collaboration. It’s not enough for a product to be effective; it should also be ethical. That’s why our partnership with Kolo Nafaso for our Shea Butter is so important.
Who Are Kolo Nafaso?
Kolo Nafaso is a women-led shea sourcing program run by AAK, working with over 350,000 women across West Africa. Instead of relying on middlemen, Kolo Nafaso offers a direct trade model that empowers women at the source. They provide training, pre-financing, and long-term contracts giving women financial independence and security while preserving their traditional methods of shea collection and processing.
Our decision to partner with Kolo Nafaso was simple. We wanted more than fair trade; we wanted true partnership.
One story that has stayed with us is that of Aissata, a shea collector from Burkina Faso. With the income she receives through Kolo Nafaso, she’s been able to send her daughter to school and invest in better tools for harvesting. Her story is just one of thousands — and a reminder that every ingredient has a face behind it.
5 Key Facts About Shea Butter
- Origin: Shea butter comes from the nut of the African shea tree, native to the dry savannah belt across West Africa. (In our case more specifically Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast & Ghana)
- Sustainable Processing: The butter is extracted using traditional methods that require no harsh chemicals or industrial processing.
- Community-Centric: Harvesting is typically done by women, forming an essential source of income in rural communities.
- Know Your Shea: High-quality shea has a creamy, nutty aroma and a smooth, consistent texture — avoid overly white or scentless versions.
- Grading Matters: Look for unrefined, raw shea butter — this retains the highest levels of nutrients and moisturizing properties.
Shea Butter in Our Shedid & Parrish Products
At Shedid & Parrish, we use a high percentage of raw, unrefined shea butter across our range — because your curls deserve rich, nutrient-dense care. You can check the ingredient list for “Butyrospermum Parkii” - shea’s botanical name - and "Shea Butter Esthers" - denoting its liquid form, both of which are always listed high up, indicating potency.
Shea Semi-Solid is thick, creamy, with a whipped like consistency. It deeply nourishes & moisturises dry, brittle hair. It softens the hair making it more maneagable and seals in moisture. Shea Liquid is a light oily liquid. It is a more lightweight moisturiser that won’t weight the hair down, it adds gloss and shine and helps to nourish the hair from within.
We don’t just use incredible quality Shea Butter we also include a highly concentrated amount, frequently appearing as the first ingredient after water (acqua) in the ingredients list.
- Deep Restoring Conditioner – Shea Semi-Solid (2nd)
- Silky Leave in Conditioner – Shea Liquid (2nd)
- Curl Styler – Shea Liquid (3rd)
- Afro Butter – Shea Semi-Solid AND Shea Liquid (2nd & 4th)
Why Our Sourcing Choices Matter
Our planet’s resources are limited. That’s why we’re committed to giving back, not just taking. Collaborating with our supply chain partners means every time you purchase from Shedid & Parrish, you're directly supporting women like Aissata.
You’re choosing a future where beauty uplifts everyone it touches - from crop to curl.
