Who knew this one natural product could repair your hair?
Jamaican black castor oil is making a permanent place for itself in salons all over the world. No longer known as grandma’s laxative, the word is out that black castor oil is an incredible product for thick, curly locks.
For generations, Jamaican black castor oil has been a staple in African-American households. And as more black women take center stage in music and movies, many women are asking themselves, “How can I get hair that soft and shiny?”
The secret is out. Black castor oil benefits men and women of all hair types. From adding shine to breathing new life into dull, damaged hair, black castor oil should probably be a member of your styling arsenal, too.
What Is Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO)?
There are two types of castor oil you’ll find in your drugstore:
- Yellow castor oil, made from cold pressing castor beans
- Black castor oil, made by roasting castor beans and extracting the oil with heat
Normally we suggest using only cold-pressed oils, like coconut oil and most essential oils. However, organic Jamaican black castor oil is the more effective option in this case. We’ll explain just why that is in a minute.
Unlike yellow castor oil, black castor oil is a dark amber color. The ash of the roasted castor beans gives JBCO a smoky scent. It’s a thick, syrupy oil best used sparingly.
JBCO has been used for over 4,000 years as a moisturizer and laxative. It came to the U.S. from Jamaica, and to Jamaica from East Africa due to the slave trade. Because of its history, JBCO is associated with African hair types, but it may be useful for all hair.
4 Black Castor Oil Benefits for Hair
Black castor oil benefits range from treating acne to stimulating the bowels. But did you know that Jamaican black castor oil benefits your hair, too?
It’s a traditional hair supplement you may want to adopt and pass down to your loved ones. Let’s check out all the benefits black castor oil has to offer your hair!
Supports Hair Growth
While there haven’t been enough scientific studies to conclusively say that black castor oil induces hair growth, aspects of JBCO indicate the oil can support healthy growth.
For starters, JBCO is a powerful antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal substance. As we learned when examining African Black Soap, the ashes in these products absorb dirt and gently exfoliate your scalp.
By eliminating harmful bacteria and fungus in the hair follicle, your hair is more likely to grow faster and stronger. And this isn’t just important for your scalp. Men can use JBCO on their beards for stronger, healthier beard hair.
We’ll take a moment to remind you DIYers that you can always add oils that potentially increase hair growth to your black castor oil mix. For example, peppermint oil and caffeine are thought to promote hair growth, as well. And they have scientific evidence to support them!
Softens & Moisturizes Hair
JBCO may be most loved for its ability to soften and moisturize dry, damaged hair.
Black castor oil delivers intense conditioning using monounsaturated fats (MUFAs). MUFAs include a rich blend of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids that nourish your scalp and soften your hair.
This added moisture protects your hair from damage and breakage caused by dryness. It’s so effective, in fact, that doctors use it to detangle “depression knots.” A depression knot, also called a bird’s nest, happens when hair becomes so matted that it essentially dreads itself.
While your hair probably isn’t clinically damaged, the fact that medical staff approve of this product for the worst cases is a positive sign. Use a little black castor oil on your split ends and beach-day tangles to straighten them out.
Treats Dandruff
In addition to its impressive moisturizing capabilities, black castor oil goes a little further to calm dry scalp.
Dandruff has been linked to a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis. This inflammatory condition reduces blood flow to the scalp and causes red, itchy patches of skin that eventually flake off.
JBCO is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Application of black castor oil may hydrate dry skin, stimulate blood flow to the scalp, and reduce inflammation.
Protects & Enhances Curls
Black castor oil may be a fan-favorite amongst African hair types, curly hair types, and bearded men for one major reason: it adds shine and bounce to curls big and small.
Black castor oil leaves a shiny, protective coating around the hair shaft, adding to its conditioning quality. This coating adds elasticity and prevents damage and breakage, especially if your hair is dry or sun-baked.
The Best Hair Products with Black Castor Oil Benefits
Black castor oil is a rather potent oil. It’s dark in color and the scent doesn’t agree with everyone. It’s smoky at best and pungent at worst. Fortunately, you can get the benefits of black castor oil with daily shampoo or weekly deep conditioning.
Kate Blanc Cosmetics 100% Organic Black Castor Oil
USDA Organic, Cruelty-free, Paraben-free
Are you into science? If so, we know you won’t believe the benefits of black castor oil until you see it first hand.
Isolate Jamaican black castor oil with this organic blend of pure oil and see if it works for you. This starter kit comes with a mascara wand and a dropper so you can see if black castor oil benefits your lashes and brows as well as your hair.
This is also a great option if you’re a DIYer. Simply add a drop or two of black castor oil into your homemade shampoo for a little added hydration.
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo
Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, Sulfate-free, Sustainably sourced
Having dry or damaged hair is sometimes a necessary evil. Maybe you regularly straighten or curl your locks, or lean on color to enhance your look (or hide greys).
No problem – Shea Moisture designed this shampoo specifically to restore dry, damaged hair. This product uses the protective nature of black castor oil with the moisturizing power of luscious, whipped shea butter to strengthen and nourish hair.
Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil Protein Conditioner
Cruelty-free
Promote healthy hair growth and hair shaft strength with this traditionally made mayonnaise treatment. Use this product as a daily conditioner or a weekly hair mask for deep restoration. This treatment acts as a moisturizing sealant for a bright shine.