Jamaican black castor oil before and after hair growth

I was 11 when I started relaxing my hair. My family had just moved to Houston, and knowing that the humidity levels would be outrageous, my mom thought relaxing my hair would make it easier to style. Like most black girls, I hated perm days. I sat there patiently, lying to the beautician when she'd ask if my scalp was burning, because I wanted my hair to be straight as possible. Not long after, the irritation and my lack of maintenance knowledge caused my hair to start falling out.

My mom and I wanted to stop, but after several hairstylists told her it'd get better, the cycle continued. Looking back on it, this led to years of some probably not-so-great hair experiments. I'd take a break to wear sew-ins, let my hair grow back, then get a haircut I hated and once again become reliant on weaves until my hair grew back. In college, I once even decided I was well equipped enough to start doing perms myself (inside my dorm room, might I add). Of course, that, too, went terribly wrong. My edges began coming out in clumps in the shower, and it became clear to me that I could no longer continue abusing my hair. It was time to go natural.

Being at Howard University—a historically black school—I was already surrounded by beautiful black women who were no strangers to embracing their natural hair. I began looking to them for advice on how to not only properly transition but also grow my hair back. The one suggestion that kept popping up? Jamaican Black Castor Oil—a product that's been a staple in black households for centuries thanks to its moisturizing and healing properties that help stimulate hair growth. It comes in a variety of brands, but everyone swore by Tropic Isle Living.

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As I resorted back to weaves to conceal my hair loss, I would drench my scalp in JBCO before having my hair braided for a sew-in. Disclaimer: It's not for the faint of heart. I don't even think the word "thick" is an adequate way to describe it. It's heavy (almost tar-like) and leaves your hair somewhat greasy. But desperate times called for desperate measures. Within weeks I began to notice my edges gradually growing back, and after every weave install, the "new growth" I saw was insane.

After two years of transitioning, I had finally gotten rid of my relaxed hair. But my mom and I couldn't stay away from our kitchen beautician ways, and in celebration of my now perfectly transitioned hair, I wanted to go lighter. So we dyed it during one of my breaks at home—two times in one week, to be exact. My finally healthy, curly hair had gone limp in certain parts, and once again I felt like I was at square one.

Since I couldn't wear it in its natural state anymore, I began trying different styles (like perm-rod sets, braid-outs, and the occasional silk-out) and testing new ways to integrate JBCO into those routines. After several greasy fails, I finally landed on my now go-to way to use it: as a pre-shampoo treatment. I apply a generous amount of the oil throughout my wet hair, massaging it into the scalp and the letting it sit for 30 minutes in a plastic hair cap. Although it serves as a pre-'poo, my hair absorbs the moisture of the JBCO more effectively when wet. I then shampoo my hair and condition as normal.

This once-a-week routine has served my hair well. In typical Blake fashion, I can never keep it one way for long, but the years of hair abuse have led me to a deep appreciation and love of my hair no matter what state it's in. Right now? I type this wearing a U-part wig with heavily saturated cornrows underneath. At least now I know they're protected.

Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil, $15 for an 8-oz. bottle, amazon.com

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Jamaican black castor oil has soared in popularity in recent years. Nowadays, companies like SheaMoisture and Eco Style Gel have entire product lines devoted to Jamaican black castor oil (JBCO). But nothing is quite as potent as the original oil itself – brown, syrupy, and magical. There’s a reason why natural-haired women sing JBCO’s praises like they’re at church.

Jamaican black castor oil has a ton of different benefits – it treats dandruff, moisturizes hair, promotes hair growth, treats acne, and even relieves muscle pain. These properties set it apart from other nourishing oils, like coconut or argan.

This special oil may be a new discovery for some of us, but in fact, it’s been used traditionally in Jamaica for many years. Unlike plain castor oil, JBCO involves a roasting process, which gives it its characteristic dark color and burnt smell.

To learn more about the miracle of JBCO, we caught up with Delroy Reid, the founder of Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

Reid was inspired to start Sunny Isle by his Jamaican relatives. During a visit to the island, Reid noticed his aunt using black castor oil. He had a sudden flashback to growing up in Jamaica, where he often watched his mother and grandmother apply JBCO to their hair and acne. It made their hair grow thick and long, and it kept their skin clear.

Right then, Reid had a lightbulb moment. He decided to start exporting the oil from Jamaica to the United States. Since then, Sunny Isle has become the go-to brand for many JBCO die-hards.

We got the scoop from Reid on how to use JBCO, what’s really in it, and how it stands out from other oils.

What can JBCO do for wavy, curly and kinky hair types?

Jamaican Black Castor Oil works for all hair types. It will moisturize, thicken, strengthen and rapidly increase hair growth. It increases blood flow to the scalp, supplying valuable nutrients to hair follicles. Jamaican Black Castor Oil will also prevent hair breakage, dandruff, eczema and dry, itchy scalp. Jamaican Black Castor Oil has crossed over into other ethnic groups, and is now being used widely for some of the same purposes, as well as new found uses including eyelash and eyebrow hair growth and as massage oil. This versatile oil carries many varied uses.

Is there a specific hair type that will benefit the most?

Jamaican Black Castor Oil works for all hair types and textures. A healthy scalp means healthy hair. It works for all hair types because the oil works on the hair roots/follicles and not the hair itself.

OK, so what is different about JBCO versus other castor oils?

Over the last ten years, it is an established precedent that Jamaican Black Castor oil is more effective than the clear pharmacy castor oil because of the ash content due to roasting of the beans. Therefore, it stands to reason that the more ash content, the more effective the oil. This is not a myth, it is evidence based on scientific facts. 

Other than hair growth, are there any issues JBCO can solve for women with textured hair?

JBCO will solve the following: Dry brittle hair, hair breakages, dandruff, dry itchy scalp, eczema, thinning hair, alopecia, bald spots, and will rapidly increase hair growth including eyebrows and eyelashes.

So what's in it? Is it organic? Sulfate-free? Anything we should know?

The scientific name for the castor bean is Ricinus Communis. It is organic and sulfate-free. There is nothing in it that will harm your hair. Although JBCO can be used as a laxative, we do not encourage that because we are not doctors. Therefore, it should only be used externally.

Got it. And where did this product come from originally? What is its story?

Castor oil has been used medicinally for over 4,000 years for all kinds of ailments. The castor bean is native to Eastern Africa and made its way to Jamaica via the slave trade. Today, the castor oil is manufactured the old fashioned way in Jamaica. Authentic Jamaican Black Castor Oil is dark brown in color and accompanied with the traditional burnt smell.

If the words “burnt smell” make you wrinkle your nose, don’t fret – JBCO comes in many different scents, most of which are pretty yummy. Once you get your hands on some, here’s how to use it properly.

How to Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil On Curly Hair

 JBCO helps promote hair growth; it also keeps your hair soft, moisturized, and strong. JBCO is also a natural antibacterial and antifungal, so it’s great for those who have flaky or itchy scalp conditions.

But, as you’ll notice, JBCO is a heavy, sticky oil – it’s not an oil that you apply all over your hair every day.

Instead, apply a small amount to your roots and scalp at night before bed. Massage it in, then head to sleep. Don’t worry about your scarf or pillow – the oil absorbs easily into the scalp, so it won’t make a mess. You can repeat this anywhere from 3 times a week to daily.

How to Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil for Hot Oil Treatments

 Once a week, use JBCO as a hot oil treatment. Apply a generous amount of oil from your roots to your tips. Massage it into your scalp and hair. Then cover your hair with a plastic cap, and sit under the dryer for 15 to 30 minutes. Then rinse with cool water. You can also use our full tutorial on JBCO hot oil treatments.

How to Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil For Eyelash, Eyebrow, or Beard Growth

JBCO is not just for the hair on your scalp! It works on facial hair, too. It can help fill in bare patches on your eyebrows as well as grow your lashes longer than ever. For those with beards, JBCO can help your beard grow thicker and fuller.

Apply JBCO to a clean, freshly-washed face.

For eyelashes or eyebrows, dip a mascara wand or cotton swab into JBCO, then use a clean tissue or towel to wipe away the excess. Apply a thin layer across your lashes and/or eyebrows. Repeat daily.

It’s best to apply JBCO at night before you go to sleep. That way, it has plenty of time to work its magic before you rinse it off in the morning. Use lukewarm water to remove all traces of the oil from your skin.

For beards, simply apply 6-8 drops of JBCO into your facial hair daily and massage well.

What’s your favorite brand of JBCO? What do you use it for?

How long does Jamaican black castor oil take to grow hair?

Does Jamaican black castor oil make your hair grow faster?

How long does it take for Jamaican castor oil to work on hair?

What happens if you use Jamaican black castor oil everyday?