Trying Jamaican Black Castor Oil for the first time was quite an experiment. Originally I created a hot oil concoction mixed with peppermint and coconut oil that I used while inverting my head and massaging my scalp. While I thought this was the miraculous route to longer, thicker hair, this method left me with an itchy, sore, and irritated scalp. To add ugh to ouch, the Jamaican Black Castor Oil had an unpleasant smell that my husband described as “chocolate.” I felt it was more like burnt-who-knows-what type of aroma, but hey, tomayto-tomahto.
Because there are so many natural benefits of castor oil – from antibacterial and antifungal properties to being rich in vitamin E and protein, I didn’t want to completely kick it out of my hair regimen. My solution: dilution.
I created a leave-in conditioner and detangling spray that I could use on a daily, both to moisturize my hair as well as stimulate my scalp’s circulation for growing strands. I added rose water and my favorite leave-in conditioner to the spray in order to give the castor oil a more pleasing smell. Here are the three ways I use this amazing conditioning spray:
DAILY MOISTURIZER
My hair tends to become drier throughout the day. I use the conditioning spray once in the morning, again at midday, and lastly at night. Doing so helps add shine and moisture needed for a healthy set of curls. It also prevents me from a terrible habit of tearing through my curls when they become as dry as a tumbleweed. When my hair is wet, I pretty much stay out of it.
DETANGLER
Detangling a curly-do requires ample amount of oil and water. Plump with both, my D.I.Y. castor oil leave-in spray has natural lubricant from the olive and coconut oils that help loosen any knots, making detangling an easier task. I saturate my hair with the mixture and use my fingers to work out the tangles. (I’ve gotten rid of combs a long time ago.”> After detangling, I style for protection.
NIGHTLY MASSAGE
Growing my hair is a priority so I use this spray at night during a routine scalp massage. Ricinoleic acid inherent in castor oil is great for increasing circulation to the scalp, prompting follicles to sprout.
Make your own
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- (1″> 16oz Spray Bottle
- ½ cup of distilled water
- ½ cup of rosewater
- 1 tbsp. of castor oil
- 1 tsp. of 100% virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. of 100% organic unrefined virgin coconut oil (melted”>
- ¼ cup of your favorite leave-in conditioner
First thing’s first. In a medium-size mixing bowl, add coconut, olive, and peppermint oil to your favorite leave-in conditioner. Stir until oils are uniform and smooth. Remove the spray bottle top and set aside.
Using a funnel, pour the oils into the spray bottle. Add rosewater and distilled water. If you prefer the subtle scent of rose more than an exhilarating peppermint fragrance, feel free to add 20 drops of pure rose oil to one cup of distilled water instead of rosewater. Replace the spray bottle top and tightly close. Shake vigorously.
Does castor oil really make your hair grow? After using my detangling leave-in conditioning spray for several months now, I would say “YES,” all-caps intended. With proper use, castor oil keeps your hair free from knots and tangles, while making sure it’s moisturized. This combined with its natural ability to help circulate blood flow in your scalp is a formula for healthy hair and growth.
Enjoy!