What is black castor oil used for

Jamaican Black Castor Oil or JBCO as it affectionately called in the hair community is a ‘tried and true’ staple for most hair types. Whether relaxed or natural, most people can agree that the one ultimate benefit of this multi-purpose oil is Hair Growth.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil is made by first hand-picking wild organic castor beans and then allowing them to dry so that the seeds will pop out of the pods. After the seeds are gathered, they are roasted then pounded into mulch. The mulch is later emptied into a large pot. The pot and its contents are then laid on a slow burning wood fire.

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.”

Jamaican Black Castor Oil works for all hair types and has amazing benefits. 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.

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.

In short, JBCO is a holy grail in the hair community and synonymous with healthy hair growth. It is no wonder that it is the main ingredient in our Scalp and Hair Treatment which is a lightweight, scientifically-proven formula to help grow your hair.

Ah, the eternal struggle between wanting long hair and wanting healthy hair wages on. In my quest to achieve mermaid-length hair minus yards of split-ends, I have looked into probably every product that claims to help hair growth. Biotin? Done it. Scalp massages? Why not. Avoid heat? Haha, sure.

If you’ve ever struggled with restoring your edges, excessive shedding, or thinness, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about the alleged miracle hair growth properties of castor oil. A quick search on YouTube yields dozens of positive testimonials that show brows restored to Cara Delevingne's status and edges even Alicia Keys would envy. But is there any scientific evidence to back castor oil’s growth stimulation claim?

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Nikki Hill, board-certified dermatologist and hair restoration expert
• Bridgette Hill, certified trichologist (that's a hair doctor, if you didn't know) and colorist

What is castor oil and what are its benefits?

Castor oil, also known as Ricinus communis, is nutrient-rich vegetable oil from castor beans. Although it originates in tropical east Africa, it is widely used in India and the West Indies for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Castor oil is usually clear or pale yellow unless derived through roasting or boiling, known as black castor oil.

Down to a molecular level, castor oil is a long-chained fatty acid. “Fatty acids provide essential proteins and nutrients to hair follicles and prevent hair follicle inflammation,” says Bridgette Hill.

Aside from being anti-inflammatory, castor oil has a few other noteworthy properties. “Some benefits of using castor oil include increased gloss or shine of the hair, increased hair shaft flexibility by coating the hair shaft, [and] providing antimicrobial properties,” says Dr. Hill.

Does castor oil stimulate hair growth?

“No studies exist showing castor oil can increase hair growth >1cm/month, which is the FDA standard of hair growth," says Dr. Hill. "However, I have patients tell me different all the time. Additionally, 90% of castor oil is made up of the fatty acid ricinoleic acid. [It] is known to stimulate the Prostaglandin E2 receptor, leading to blood vessel dilation. When applied to the scalp, increased blood vessel dilation increases the flow of oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood to the powerhouse of your follicle, the dermal papilla, or the root of the hair."

Bridgette Hill agrees that castor oil indirectly promotes hair growth. "Because of the nutrients in castor oil, it protects the hair follicle from outside cellular and tissue invaders that destroy the health and vitality of the hair follicle."

Is castor oil safe to use on the eyelashes and eyebrows?

The short answer: yes to the eyebrows, but be cautious with the eyelashes. “If there isn't an allergy to castor oil after patch testing, it is safe to use on the eyebrows,” says Dr. Hill. “There is no safety data about castor oil and eye health, so I would be cautious and speak with an ophthalmologist about applying castor oil in close proximity to the eye.”

How should castor oil be applied to your hair and scalp?

Although castor oil is widely used, it is not meant for everyone. Therefore, the importance of a patch test comes into play again before applying it to your scalp. “Apply a small amount behind the ear or the inner upper arm for a week,” says Dr. Hill.

Once you determine that castor oil is compatible with your scalp, Bridgette Hill has a few suggestions for each hair type:

Fine to medium straight hair: Castor oil can be used as a deep treatment to protect the very ends of your hair fiber, the last 2-3 inches of hair. Use it as a pre-shampoo treatment to help keep the tangles away. Be sure not to overuse—shampoo out and style as desired.

Medium to thick straight/wavy hair: Apply throughout the entire head for an intense pre-shampoo treatment. Add heat or steam for deeper penetration into the hair cuticle.

Wavy to loose curls: I suggest mixing drops of castor oil into conditioners during these hot and humid summer months.

Curly to tightly coiled: I suggest using castor oil as needed throughout your regimen, [as a] pre-shampoo, added treatment, or as a weekly moisturizer. It is essential to perform a proper monthly detox shampoo when using heavy oils like castor oil.

What is the best type of castor oil to use?

Both of our hair experts recommend cold-pressed castor oil.

“Cold-pressed castor oil can be used on the hair shaft. However, black castor oil should be applied only to the scalp,” explains Dr. Hill. “If black castor oil is applied to the hair, a cuticle-sealing technique should be used afterward. Both forms will provide sufficient components of ricinoleic acid.”

When should you avoid castor oil?

It is best to avoid using castor oil on your hair if you're suffering from dandruff. Both of our experts say it can make the condition worse.

Castor Oil Picks

Now Foods Castor OilCredit: Courtesy

Dr. Nikki Hill recommends that people invest in "cold-pressed, heat-free, lighter-colored" castor oils. This is one of her favorites.

Briogeo B. Well Organic + Cold-Pressed 100% Castor OilCredit: Courtesy

Trichologist Bridgette Hill loves cold-pressed oils since the extraction process preserves its full nutrients without adding impurities. Her number one choice is this organic, fair-trade oil from Briogeo.

Bomba Curls Dominican Forbidden OilCredit: Courtesy

Bomba Curls was born from founder Lulu Cordero's efforts to improve her traction-based alopecia with Dominican beauty secrets. Coffee seed oil stimulates the scalp's blood circulation, black cumin seed oil provides antihistamines to treat hair loss, and castor oil provides nutrient-rich moisture.

Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Now 32% Off

This oil gets its name from its syrupy color, which results from the ash residue when the Jamaican castor beans are roasted. This ash is what many users attribute to helping with hair growth (although this information is not scientifically vetted).

Kreyol Essence Haitian Black Castor OilCredit: Courtesy

Castor oil is notorious for having a strong, heady scent that some people find unpleasant. Cocoa essential oil gives this oil an intoxicating chocolate scent while also promoting scalp circulation.

Bondi Boost Lash + Brow SerumCredit: Courtesy

Speed up your lash growth with this formula made of natural ingredients, including Jamaican black castor oil. The addition of JBC strengthens brittle, weak hair and encourages growth..

Sky Organics Castor Oil USDA Organic Cold-PressedCredit: Courtesy

Did you know that pesticides can creep their way into your hair oils? Be sure to purchase an organic castor oil to avoid them, especially if you plan to use it around the sensitive eye area.

PHILIP KINGSLEY Elasticizer, Deep Conditioning Treatment Credit: Courtesy

Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslett, and Georgia May Jagger are all fans of this deep-conditioning pre-poo product. It uses castor oil and hydrolyzed elastin to moisturize and restore manageability.

Bumble and bumble Invisible Oil Hot Oil ConcentrateCredit: Courtesy

It only takes two minutes to reap the benefits of this castor oil infused treatment. However, users claim that leaving it on for 30 minutes under a shower cap gives them the silkiest tresses.

SheaMoisture Strengthen, Grow & Restore Shampoo and ConditionerCredit: Courtesy

Curly and coily hair types love that this pair gives their hair great slip.

What does Black castor oil Good For?

When should I use black castor oil on my hair?

Can black castor oil grow hair?

Where do you apply black castor oil?