In recent years, the Jamaican Black Castor Oil is sweeping the hair care industry. The product has become a must-have for men and women who are serious about caring for their locks.
However, using the Jamaican Black Castor Oil has been practiced for ages in this Caribbean Island, which explains the name. To give you an idea of how they make it, read on:
- First, they harvest the castor bean (Ricinus communis). The plant is native to Ethiopia and other parts of east Africa. However, over the years, it has thrived in tropical islands like Jamaica.
- The second part of the process is to wash the castor bean thoroughly. You want to get rid of all the impurities and contaminants that might be present on the seeds.
- After washing, they dry the beans naturally under the heat of the sun.
- When sufficiently dried, they will then roast the castor beans until they achieve a darker, burnt color.
- They then ground the roasted castor beans using either a mortar and pestle or a traditional grinding machine used by the natives.
- They continue the process until the beans turn into a dark paste.
- They boil a pot of water and then add the paste.
- The roasted beans are boiled until the oil rises to the top.
- They will then extract the oil using a dipper and then transfer it to another container.
- They wait for the oil to settle before they transfer it to a bottle.
As you can see, no preservatives and synthetic ingredients are added when making the Jamaican Black Castor Oil. However, commercial varieties contain some natural ingredients, particularly fragrances, to make the product smell good when applied on the hair.
Why is the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Becoming Popular?
The short answer is that it works. Jamaicans have been using it on their hair, not only to make it lush and thick but also to treat other skincare ailments.
For one, the product is proven to be an effective panacea to dandruff and flaking scalp. It also helps combat split ends, as well as make your hair regain its luster and shine. It has been known as a miracle product, and the answer lies in the way it is processed.
When the castor beans are roasted, it elevates the pH level of the castor oil. It means the product is more alkaline. How does it benefit you? The alkalinity helps open your hair cuticles for more clarifying benefits compared to the traditional castor oil.
The ash produced when roasting the castor beans enhances the effectiveness of the castor oil.
How to Apply Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Applying the product on your hair is very easy. You drop a small amount on your palm and then massage your scalp and roots, using your fingertips. You can do this daily without expecting any adverse side effects. You can also apply it before bedtime and leave it on your scalp overnight.
For hot oil treatment, make sure you do not overdo it. Limit the treatment once a week. You apply the product on your hair and dry your locks for 15-30 minutes. After that, you wash it thoroughly using your favorite shampoo and conditioner.