In a 2012 study, castor oil was found to contain significant levels of ricinoleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid, which possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects, among other benefits.
In another study, it was found to have properties that encourage healthy hair growth and stave off hair loss when administered to the scalp.
People have used Jamaican black castor oil on their hair for centuries to make it grow faster and healthier. Using Jamaican black castor oil on your hair has several advantages, but if applied incorrectly, it might cause damage.
We examined research articles and talked to dermatologists and hair care experts to learn how to use Jamaican black castor oil on hair.
We’ll cover the technique and the science behind it in the following parts.
Table of Contents
What does Science say of Jamaican Black Castor Oil’s Benefits on Hair?
A 2017 study revealed that among all carrier oils, Jamaican black castor oil carried the greatest concentration of omega-6 fatty acids. Another 2016 study demonstrated that greater levels of omega-6 fatty acids can increase the growth factor of human dermal papilla cells. This is intimately related to the hair growth cycle in humans.
According to a 2012 study, Jamaican black castor oil is an excellent treatment for hair loss. It was primarily a result of its antioxidant and antifungal capabilities.
In a 2003 study, it was revealed that Jamaican black castor oil improves the natural gloss and healthy sheen of hair.
Due to its high concentration of ricinoleic acid, Jamaican black Castor oil has been found to be quite beneficial in treating scalp inflammation.
How to Apply Jamaican Black Castor Oil to Hair in 6 Steps: As per Science
There are numerous essential vitamins and minerals in Jamaican black castor oil that help promote hair growth and health.
However, according to experts, applying Jamaican black castor oil to the hair’s surface will have no effect and would just result in an oily scalp. To maximize the benefits of oiling your hair, you must know how to do it properly.
In the sections that follow, we will discuss the approach and related research in detail.
Step 1: Prepare your Hair
We’ll start by detangling and removing any knots in the hair with a wide-toothed comb. When Jamaican black castor oil is administered, this minimizes the likelihood of hair breaking. This also ensures that the oil is administered and dispersed evenly throughout the scalp and hair.
Straighten your hair from top to bottom by dividing it into two portions (or four sections if it is thick or wavy) and straightening each section from roots to ends.
Step 2: Prepare the Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Because of the process through which Jamaican black castor oil is made, its molecules are much larger than hair follicles on the scalp. As a result, Jamaican black castor oil cannot penetrate the hair follicle and have the intended effect at room temperature.
This problem can be solved by warming the Jamaican black castor oil, which breaks up the oil molecules and allows the oil to penetrate the scalp and hair more easily. The medicinal qualities of Jamaican black castor oil are enhanced by heating it. This is very helpful for damaged or colored hair. Few people realize that heated Jamaican black castor oil treatments seal the cuticle of the hair, helping it to retain moisture.
Note: It is best to see a physician or dermatologist before contemplating a hot oil treatment, as they are not suitable for everyone.
In a microwave-safe dish, heat 3 to 4 teaspoons of Jamaican black castor oil (a glass bowl is recommended). Then conduct a patch test on your hand to confirm that the Jamaican black castor oil is not too hot and that you will not have an allergic reaction.
Step 3: Apply the Jamaican Black Castor Oil
We’ll start by applying Jamaican black castor oil to the scalp, then the crown, and eventually the rest of the hair. Massage Jamaican black castor oil into your scalp in a circular motion with your fingertips to encourage hair development. Massage the entire scalp with your fingertips before applying oil to your hair.
Only use a small amount of Jamaican black castor oil. If there is an abundance of oil, you have to wash your hair more regularly, negating the benefits of oiling. Shampooing your hair too frequently strips away its natural oils and nutrients, leaving it damaged, lifeless, and dry.
So, use only the amount that is required.
Step 4: Get Rid of Knots
The wide-toothed comb will be used once again to untangle any knots that may have formed during the oil application. This reduces the possibility of your hair breaking when you wash it, and it also allows oil to reach neglected areas of your head.
You should be cautious when combing your hair after a massage because the massage has loosened the cortex and roots of your hair, making them more vulnerable to injury.
Step 5: Cover your Head
We must wear a shower hat or a cotton T-shirt over our heads for the next 15 to 20 minutes. This will give you the sensation of steaming and will open the pores on your scalp and cuticles. The Jamaican black castor oil will penetrate your scalp and hair follicles more effectively if you do this.
Because towels are abrasive, you should not wrap your head in them because the friction could cause hair damage.
Step 6: Wash Off the Jamaican Black Castor Oil
The oiling procedure is followed by a mild shampoo and lukewarm water rinsing of the hair. Washing with lukewarm water will aid in the opening of pores and the removal of excess oil and filth.
To close the freshly opened pores and preserve moisture, we must now wash our hair with cold water.
To know more, check the detailed article on How to Wash Off Castor Oil from Hair Easily
How to Choose the Best Jamaican Black Castor Oil?
All of the studies and research discussed thus far indicate that Jamaican black castor oil may be beneficial for hair health. However, if the Jamaican black castor oil is of poor quality, you will not be able to enjoy any of these benefits. Consider the following when searching for the best Jamaican black castor oil for hair:
- Make sure the Jamaican black castor oil is made to be used for cosmetic use. It is often written on the back of the container.
- Always make sure that the Jamaican black castor oil bottle is dark and made of glass. By blocking light, the dark color of the container keeps the Jamaican black castor oil from going bad.
- Jamaican Black Castor oil should always be 100% pure, unrefined organic oil. “Virgin” is the label for Jamaican black castor oil that has not been refined.
- Use a well-known brand if you can.
How to Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil to Promote Hair Growth, Increase Density, and Prevent Hair Loss
Due to the high concentration of ricinoleic acid, a potent omega-9 fatty acid, Jamaican black castor oil restores hair growth naturally in thinning areas.
The Jamaican black castor oil contains Omega 3 and 6 macromolecules that improve blood circulation, particularly in the scalp, resulting in rapid hair growth that can be noticed in just a few days.
If you use Jamaican black castor oil as a moisturizer on your hair’s length, you may be wasting its benefits. Hair development can be boosted by applying castor oil directly to the hair roots and scalp, which contains the active component ricinoleic acid. So, to Promote Hair Growth, Increase Density, and Prevent Hair Loss, you should apply it directly to the roots.
- Microwave 2 to 3 tablespoons Jamaican black castor oil.
- With your fingers, gently massage the Jamaican black castor oil into the scalp in a circular manner.
- Leave it covered with a shower hat or t-shirt for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse it gently with lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo.
- Rewash with cold water to seal the pores.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil vs Regular Castor Oil
There is a major variation in the method of extraction between Jamaican Black Castor Oil and regular Castor Oil.
Cold-pressing the same beans results in standard castor oil, which is obtained by pressing the raw beans through a press without roasting or heating them up.
Black castor oil is made by roasting and grinding castor beans into a thick paste, then boiling it in hot water. Oil rises to the top of the water because of the difference in densities, and is then skimmed off into individual bottles. Jamaican Black Castor Oil is the outcome of this process.
What gives Jamaican Black Castor Oil its reputation and its deep black rich lovely color is the roasting process and the accompanying dark ash.
Because of the ash content from roasting the beans, Jamaican Black Castor oil is more effective than clear pharmaceutical castor oil. As a result, it makes sense that oil with a higher ash content would be more effective.
How to use Jamaican Black Castor oil as a conditioner?
Jamaican Black Castor oil is a natural humectant and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a hair conditioner. When used as a hair conditioner, Jamaican Black Castor oil leaves your hair smooth, soft, and free of knots.
- Warm the Jamaican black castor oil and massage it into your hair and scalp.
- Continue to massage your head and hair with your fingertips until they are completely covered.
- For 15 to 20 minutes, wrap your hair in a shower hat or t-shirt.
- Wash your hair with ordinary water to keep some of the Jamaican black castor oil on it.
Risks of using Jamaican Black Castor Oil for Hair
The poison ricin is naturally present in castor beans. Ricin can be released if you eat and swallow castor beans. A byproduct of the production of castor oil, ricin, is also found in the waste. The good news is that Castor oil is free of ricin.
However, castor oil, according to Toxnet Toxicology Data Network, may cause mild eye and skin irritation.
While small oral doses of castor oil are deemed safe, a study from 2010 found that greater quantities can result in:
- abdominal cramping
- nausea
- diarrhea
- vomiting
Caution
Jamaican Black Castor Oil should be avoided by pregnant women.
Even if you do not consume Jamaican black castors, their oil may cause you to become ill. A patch test should be performed before putting Jamaican black castor oil on hair for the first time.
If Jamaican black castor oil produces skin redness or irritation, discontinue use and try another oil.
FAQ
When should we apply Jamaican black castor oil on hair? Wet or dry hair?
Jamaican Black Castor oil should only be used on dry hair. Before you begin, make sure you have at least one hour of free time. This is because the molecules of Jamaican black castor oil are larger than the pores on your scalp and take at least an hour to penetrate.
Apply Jamaican black castor oil to dry hair because the water in the hair shaft and pores on the scalp make it difficult for the oil molecules to penetrate the hair.
Can we apply Jamaican black castor oil directly to hair?
Yes, you can apply Jamaican black castor oil directly to your scalp and hair. When applied, it is completely natural and will not affect your scalp or skin. However, Jamaican black castor oil can be blended with other potent hair oils to increase its potency.
How long should you leave Jamaican black castor oil in your hair?
Experts and studies recommend that you use Jamaican black castor oil on your hair for at least two hours before washing it. The real-time will vary depending on the desired style and hair type.
Because Jamaican black castor oil is so strong, it should not be used for more than 10 hours at a time. Long-term application of Jamaican black castor oil to the scalp may produce irritation, dryness, and clogging of the pores.
To know more, check the detailed article How Long to Leave Castor Oil in Hair? As Per Experts
Can you put Jamaican black castor oil in your hair every day? How often should you apply Jamaican black castor oil to your hair?
Only if your hair is dry should you apply Jamaican black castor oil to it on a daily basis. Experts recommend using Jamaican black castor oil on oily hair no more than once each week. The product can be used up to twice per week on normal hair.
Is too much Jamaican black castor oil bad for hair?
Yes, too much Jamaican black castor oil can be bad for your hair because it requires more frequent shampooing. Excessive hair washing, as you are surely aware, strips the hair of its natural oils and dries out the scalp and hair. This negates the benefits of using oil on your hair and may result in extra damage.
If you use too much Jamaican black castor oil on your scalp, it might clog your pores and cause hair loss.
Can you sleep with Jamaican black castor oil in your hair? Can I leave Jamaican black castor oil overnight?
With Jamaican black castor oil in your hair, you can sleep for only up to eight hours. When you wake up, immediately wash it out. Jamaican black castor oil can block hair follicles and cause irritation and inflammation if placed on the scalp for more than eight hours. If you leave Jamaican black castor oil on your hair for an extended period of time, it may gather dust and hinder new hair development.
Creative, versatile, and passionate about her craft, Rupa Das is a well-recognized name in the world of fashion and makeup! This is a woman who has been in the fashion and makeup industry for 24 years and is still one of the leading international makeup artist in the circuit! She has worked in big brands like Lakme, Green Trends, Colors and transitioned to become a Beauty (Hair & Skin) Trainer.