Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The difference between Jamaican black castor oil and regular castor oil is the method in which it is processed. Both are great for skin and hair health. Pure natural castor oil is a pale yellow/light golden color and is cold pressed. There is no heat involved in cold pressing, the castor beans are just squeezed at high pressure to extract oil from the seeds. The advantage of cold pressing is that you do not harm any of the beneficial nutrients. Be aware that some companies will also use a solvent chemical such as hexane to separate the oil making production quicker and cheaper. So if you go that route, research and make sure that the castor oil you choose is reputable 100% pure and 100% cold pressed without use of chemicals. Jamaican black castor oil gets its distinct smokey roasted smell and darker color by the process in which it is made. Traditionally it is made by 1) allowing the seeds to dry out in the sun 2) roasting them 3) grinding them into a paste 4) adding the paste to boiling water 5 skimming the oil that rises to the top It can vary in color from a lighter brown hue to a very dark brown. Sometimes you may see particles settle at the bottom of the bottle, which is just ash from roasting the castor beans. This is a very thick heavy oil. Personally I prefer to dilute it. The first way I use it is by combining equal parts extra virgin olive oil with Jamaican black castor oil and a few drops of rosemary essential oil. Great to help promote hair growth and grow back thinning hair. I apply this to my scalp every night or at least every other night before bed, especially focusing on my thinning edges. Second I make a whipped hair butter by 1) using the double boiler method I melt equal parts (1/3 cup each) Shea butter, cocoa butter and coconut oil 2) when it has cooled a bit I add in my JBCO, EVOO, and rosemary mixture (1/3 cup) (you can add other essential oils if you choose as well) 3) put bowl in the fridge or freezer just until it starts to solidify but not completely solid 4) whip up into your desired consistency This is a great butter for your hair but can also double as a body butter. Lastly I put straight Jamaican black castor oil with a drop of lavender and rosemary essential oil into an empty mascara type container and I apply that to my eyebrows every night before bed. The jamaican black castor oil is also great to use as a pre poo treatment or even hot oil treatment. The key to seeing results for hair growth, growing back thinning hair and thickening hair is consistency! You have to keep up with it, making it a routine. You cant just give up after a few days or a week and expect results. I have seen results in growing back my thinning edges as well as making my hair thicker, even my eyebrows which were prior quite sparse. It also has made my hair very soft and shiny.