How To Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil For Hair Growth

Give proper nourishment to your locks by following the right ways to apply this effective oil.

Reviewed by Madison Dufour, Barber & Cosmetologist Madison Dufour Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by , BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Experience: 7 years
Edited by , MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by , Integrated MA Medha Deb Integrated MA Experience: 5 years
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Castor oil has been a part of hair care regimen for centuries, and using Jamaican black castor oil for hair growth can give you visible results. This organic oil is rich in beneficial compounds like antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins. In addition, it may help reduce hair loss, frizz and improve hair texture to keep it soft and manageable.

This ingredient can be a great addition to your hair care regimen and promote healthy hair growth. Read on to know more about this oil and how to use it for hair growth.

protip_icon Know Your Ingredient: Jamaican Black Castor Oil

What Is It?
It is a richer variant of castor oil obtained by cold-pressing Jamaican castor beans or Ricinus Communis seeds.

What Are Its Benefits?
The ricinoleic acid, antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids present in the oil nourish and moisturize the hair.

Who Can Use It?
It can be used by anyone not allergic to castor oil.

How Often?
It can be used daily, weekly, or occasionally to treat unmanageable hair.

Caution
It may cause hair matting and allergic reactions, resulting in swelling and rashes

What Is Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Jamaican black castor oil in a glass bottle
Image: Shutterstock

Jamaican black castor oil (JBCO) is obtained from the Ricinus communis plant seeds or Jamaican castor beans. The seeds are roasted and cold-pressed to obtain the black castor oil, which is rich in ricinoleic acid. This nourishing oil has been used in Jamaica since ancient times for hair growth and treating dandruff, itchy scalp, muscle pain, and acne (1).

protip_icon Did You Know?
The history of JBCO has roots in rural Jamaica. Ex-slaves produced the oil from castor seeds brought to the Caribbean from Africa during the slave trade between 1740 and 1810.

Let’s explore why JBCO is good for your hair in the next section.

How Jamaican Black Castor Oil Aids Hair Growth

Woman applying Jamaican black castor oil for hair
Image: Shutterstock

Jamaican black castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. It provides nutrients to the hair follicles and improves their vitality. This oil also helps moisturize rough, dry, damaged, and brittle hair.

Although there are no scientific studies to support it, this herbal solution for improving hair health passed down from generations certainly has some truth (1). Why else would it be so trusted?

If you have come across JBCO for the first time and don’t know how to use it, we can help. Scroll down to find out the various ways of using Jamaican black castor oil.

How To Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil For Hair Growth

1. Oil Massage

Woman doing oil massage for her hair
Image: Shutterstock
  1. Gently massage the oil onto your hair roots with your fingertips.
  2. Apply it to your hair strands.
  3. Leave it on overnight. Shampoo your hair the next day.
  4. Do this twice a week.

Danielle, a blogger, documented her journey following a 90-day castor oil challenge and transitioning from relaxed to natural hair while also trying different homemade hair treatments. She noticed some hair growth, writing, “Since it is growing so fast I really need a trim! I am trying to wait until the end of the castor oil challenge to do it. I am guessing that I’ve grown about an inch (i).”

2. Hot Oil Treatment

Woman with shower cap
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 20 drops of JBCO
  • Warm towel
  • Shower cap

Directions

  1. Warm the JBCO.
  2. Use your fingertips to massage the warm oil onto your scalp and hair.
  3. Apply steam for 10 minutes. You can also wrap a warm towel around your head.
  4. Wear the shower cap and wait for 20 minutes.
  5. Shampoo your hair thoroughly.

Note: The oil should be warm to the touch, but not steaming or painful on your hand. If it is too hot, it will burn the cuticle instead of hydrating it.

3. Mix With Other Oils

JBCO, like regular castor oil, is quite thick, sticky, and vicious. You can dilute it with other hair and essential oils to prevent any stickiness.

You Will Need

  • 10 drops of JBCO
  • 2 drops of lavender essential or peppermint oils
  • 6 drops of almond oil

Directions

  1. Mix the JBCO with the lavender essential/peppermint oil and almond oil.
  2. Massage this oil blend onto your scalp and hair.
  3. Wait for 30 minutes before washing.

4. Add To Hair Masks

Woman applying hair mask
Image: Shutterstock

Another way to incorporate JBCO to your hair care routine is by adding it to your hair masks.

You Will Need

  • 2 tablespoons of JBCO
  • Yogurt

Directions

  1. Mix the JBCO with yogurt to form a smooth paste.
  2. Apply this paste to your hair for a dandruff-free scalp and soft and shiny hair.
  3. Wait for 30 minutes before washing your hair.
  4. Do this at least once a week.

Note: You can also add JBCO to the mashed avocado hair mask to revive dry, damaged hair.

You must be sure about the quality of the black castor oil to help the hair grow thicker. Here’s a list of the top 10 Jamaican black oils that are worth your investment.

Now the question is, what can Jamaican black castor oil do for your hair type, especially if you have curly or kinky hair. Let’s find out in the following section.

What JBCO Does For Wavy, Curly, And Kinky Hair Types

If you have wavy, curly, or kinky hair, it is probably more prone to breakage, damage, and tangles due to frequent use of relaxers and heat styling tools.

JBCO is extremely helpful in detangling the knots, strengthening the roots, and adding moisture to the hair. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this oil keeps your hair healthy and prevents excessive hair shedding.

protip_icon Trivia
Manufacturers recommend storing Jamaican black castor oil at room temperature as extreme temperatures can make it rancid. It can last for a year if stored properly.

Before we come to a close, have a look at the benefits of using Jamaican black castor oil. Scroll down.

Benefits Of Jamaican Black Castor Oil

  • Helps increase the blood circulation to the scalp. This, in turn, improves nutrient supply to the hair follicles.
  • Deeply moisturizes the hair (1).
  • Makes the hair soft and smooth (1).
  • Helps reduce dandruff (1).

Infographic: Top 4 Ways To Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil For Hair Growth

Enriched with a plethora of hair benefits, Jamaican black castor oil is considered a natural elixir for hair growth. From tackling hair loss, and taming curly hair to imparting softness and luster to the tresses, this rich oil will cater to all your hair woes. Check out the infographic below to find the best ways to use Jamaican black castor oil for hair growth.

top 4 ways to use jamaican black castor oil for hair growth (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Many people swear by using Jamaican black castor oil for hair growth. It is loaded with bioactive compounds, vitamins, and minerals that boost your hair’s health. Jamaican black castor oil is an excellent solution for tackling dry, damaged hair and thickening brittle strands. It is particularly beneficial for those with kinky or curly hair as it effectively detangles stubborn knots. Though more research is needed to fully understand its benefits, anecdotal evidence suggests that you can apply moderate amounts of it to your hair safely. If you experience any adverse effects, stop using it immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you use Jamaican black castor oil everyday?

Jamaican black castor oil is safe for everyday use. It is recommended to be applied daily if your hair is unmanageable, frizzy, and dry. However, if your hair is not severely damaged, you may use it 2-3 times a week to avoid buildup.

Can Jamaican castor oil cause baldness?

No. There is no scientific evidence suggesting that Jamaican castor oil can cause baldness or hair loss.

What are the side effects of Jamaican black castor oil?

Jamaican black castor oil could lead to health-related side effects like dizziness, nausea, low blood pressure, abdominal cramps, etc. See a doctor if you experience such symptoms after using the oil.

What is the difference between castor oil and Jamaican black castor oil?

The most obvious difference between your regular castor oil and the Jamaican black variant is the color. While castor oil is light yellow, Jamaican black could be dark brown or blackish. Castor oil is made by cold-pressing castor beans. Jamaican black is made by roasting the beans, grinding them into a thick paste, and then boiling in water where the oil is skimmed out as it rises to the surface. Castor oil is better in reducing frizz while Jamaican black opens up the hair cuticles for better absorption.

Key Takeaways

  • Jamaican black castor oil is obtained from Jamaican castor beans or the Ricinus communis plant.
  • Ricinoleic acid, fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants present in the oil provide nutrients to the hair follicles and improve hair health.
  • You can use it for oil massage or mix with other oils and prepare a hair mask to strengthen the roots and add more shine to the hair.
jamaican black castor oil for hair growth

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to use Jamaican black castor oil to double your hair growth and prevent breakage. Check out this video and get tips and tricks to achieve long, healthy hair!

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Hair Care Products Used by Women of African Descent: Review of Ingredients
    https://cdn.mdedge.com/files/s3fs-public/DouglasCT105004183.PDF
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