I discovered Jamaican Black Castor Oil in 2010.
Back then I wanted to embark on a ‘hair journey‘ as I was having lots of issues with my hair, ranging from itchy flaky scalp to tons of breakage. It wasn’t retaining its length due to split ends and breakage along the shaft of the hair.
Needless to say, I was not happy.
YouTube took me down a rabbit hole of women with natural and relaxed hair showing their regimens and the various methods they used to grow healthy hair and prevent breakage.
Enter Jamaican Black Castor Oil or JBCO as it is also known. I was fascinated with the results that the women were obtaining after using JBCO religiously. The most popular brand at the time was Tropic Isle Living. I immediately ordered my first bottle of Jamaican Black Castor Oil.
One big chop and two years later, my hair was thriving and grazing my waist after years of it breaking and falling off.
Since then, I have been in love with this oil.
Prior to this, my knowledge and use of castor oil were mainly for internal use…particularly as a child growing up, it was mandatory to be given a dose before going back to school after vacation. My grandparents even had a castor bean tree growing in the yard.
My grandmother, the queen of herbs, mixtures and tinctures used it in the many blends of oils and herbs she created.
Castor oil, also called Palma Christi (palm of Christ), is made from the seed of the Ricinus Communis or castor bean plant, native to Africa and Asia and it is now grown throughout tropical areas.
It is used in the production of soaps, as an industrial lubricant, in the manufacture of plastics, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics and as a laxative. It is rich in fatty acids, mainly ricinolein which has been shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Castor oil has been used for centuries for its healing properties and can be found in the tombs of ancient Egyptians. It is believed that even Cleopatra used it to brighten the whites of her eyes.
In India, Africa and Middle Eastern countries, it is used to make kohl or kajal for medicinal properties that soothe, protect and cleanse the eyes.
How Does Jamaican Black Castor Oil Differ from Regular Castor Oil?
Regular castor oil is cold pressed, filtered and refined whereas Black castor oil is roasted or ‘parched’ as we say in the Caribbean. It is then slowly heated in a pot on a wood fire where according to the Tropic Isle website:
The contents are continuously stirred, and as the oil rises to the
surface it is skimmed off. The skimmed off oil is later subjected to
further phases of skimming to ensure that it’s devoid of any speck of
water. To ensure that the oil is of the highest quality a simple ritual
such as stirring in one direction and not looking away when the oil is
rising to the surface may be observed. When the process is completed,
all that is left is the ultra pure, light to dark brown, “Jamaican Black
Castor Oil.”
Here is a video showing how the oil is prepared the traditional way in Jamaica.
This method reminds me of how we make coconut oil here in Trinidad and Tobago.
The process retains ash in the oil which contributes to the distinct smokey aroma, and dark colour. In addition, it changes the alkalinity of the oil making it more alkaline than regular refined castor oil. It is believed that the ash content Jamaican Black Castor oil helps to remove dandruff, purify the scalp, and unclog follicles. It also contains potassium and magnesium. Magnesium may improve the appearance and texture of the hair while potassium may promote growth and strengthen the hair.
Imparts good qualities in soap making.
I have used both regular refined castor oil and Jamaican Black Castor Oil in my soap recipes and I have found that they both impart good qualities in the soap – mainly contributing to the lather, creating large beautiful bubbles as well added stability. Use it at about 2% to 5% in the soap as too much castor oil, (being a humectant, it draws moisture from the air) causes the soap bar to be soft and sticky. Some have claimed that it contributes to the exfoliating quality of the bar, but I have not found this to be a significant amount.
It Keeps Hair Moisturized and Conditioned
Jamaican Black Castor Oil is a wonderful humectant. It works well to seal and lock in moisture in the hair.
I have actually visibly observed tiny beads of moisture form on my hair strands on the days when I’ve used the oil in my hair. This is a benefit, especially for those who need additional moisture.
One of the factors that lead to hair breakage is dry hair. Dry hair becomes brittle and tends to split and break. Breaking hair means no length retention and therefore shorter hair.
When mixed with a lighter carrier oil such as coconut or sweet almond oil, JBCO lends to great ‘slip’ allowing a comb or brush to glide through the hair for easier detangling and less vigorous manipulation which contributes to healthier hair and better growth.
Anecdotal reports suggest that significant thickness is achieved when Jamaican Black Castor oil is used religiously on the hair for at least a six-week period.
The antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of the oil protect the scalp from dandruff and help to treat the itchiness that accompanies this condition. As it keeps the scalp moisturized, it prevents flaking and it may even treat alopecia.
The ricinoleic acid in the oil is rich in vitamin E. This has been shown to dilate blood vessels thereby increasing circulation to the scalp when applied topically. This increased blood flow can promote better delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the scalp and therefore contribute to better hair growth. Vitamin E also contributes to the shine and elasticity of the hair.
How To Use JBCO on Hair
As a Scalp Treatment
Using a squeeze bottle such as this one helps to get the oil directly onto the scalp. Part the hair into small sections and apply the neat oil on the scalp.
Using the fingertips, gently massage the oil into the scalp for about five minutes. Put on a shower cap and leave it on overnight or for at least an hour, while you do your chores or other activities.
Shampoo and condition the hair as usual with warm water then do a cold water rinse at the end to seal the cuticle of the hair. Note: You may need to shampoo more than once to remove the oil.
As a Hair Mask
Used with your favourite carrier oil such as coconut, olive or almond oil in a 1:1 ratio, apply it to the length of the hair, cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes then shampoo and condition as usual.
In Hairdressing Oil or Pomade
Mix a tablespoon or two of JBCO into your favourite hair oil or pomade to add additional benefits and vitamin E as well as provide humectant/moisturization properties. Experiment with the quantities to find a balance that works for your hair type.
To Prevent Split Ends
On damp hair, apply a small amount of oil to the ends of the hair with the fingertips, in the direction of the growth. A little goes a long way to prevent the appearance of greasy hair. This seals in moisture and prevents breakage and split ends.
Always perform a patch test before using Jamaican Black Castor Oil to determine if you are allergic to it. Place a dab of the oil behind the ear or on the inside of the arm. Observe it for 3 to 5 days to see if there is any reaction to it.
It Keeps Skin Moisturized Throughout the Day
I will be the first to admit that I have dry ashy-looking feet! After trying many lotions and oils over the years, nothing keeps my dry feet as soft, supple and moisturized as Jamaican Black Castor Oil. My simple formula for a 16 oz batch is:
- 8 oz Jamaican Black Castor Oil
- 6 oz Coconut Oil
- 2 oz Olive Oil
I add all ingredients to a squeeze bottle and shake to mix the oils.
I apply this to damp skin after showering and go about my day. No more ashy skin and my skin feels nourished and baby soft all day!!!
Also, if you are looking for another do-it-yourself option to keep your skin soft and supple, see my post on Easy DIY Shea and Cocoa Butter Lotion Bars.
The Oil Cleansing Method
Mix the black castor oil and olive oil in a 1:1 ratio (1 tablespoon each or the amount required). Using the fingertips, apply the oil mixture to the face and massage gently in upward strokes for about 1 minute. This loosens dirt and impurities in the skin. The antibacterial properties of the JBCO also help to rid the skin of harmful bacteria.
Next, using a warm washcloth (or washrag as we call it here), gently wipe the oil from the skin. This method has a similar effect to using cold cream.
If you want to remove any remaining residue, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat dry and moisturize as usual.
There are many other uses for JBCO but these are some of the ways I have found it to be a valuable product in skincare, haircare and DIY products.
How do you use Jamaican Black Castor Oil in your beauty regimen? Feel free to let me know in the comments.
