If you are a regular reader of Naturally Curly, you have likely heard of root-stimulating Jamaican Black Castor Oil, but did you know that there are other healing island-originated oils that can nourish and heal your skin and keep your hair and scalp healthy? This article explores just a few, along with perpetual favorite JBCO, and some environmentally-focused, community building businesses who are bringing them to you.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil and Haitian Black Castor Oil
Known for its almost mythical ability to regrow lost edges, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, or JBCO, is an oil that should be on every bathroom shelf. Besides its hair growth properties, it can also help to treat acne, clear up skin infections, smooth away scars, and help fight the signs of aging.
You can purchase this liquid gold in our Shop, from great brands such as:
- Jamaican Mango and Lime
- Sunny Isle
- Shea Moisture
- Tropic Isle Living
- OKAY Pure Naturals
- Taliah Waajid
If you want to switch things up, try Haitian Black Castor Oil from Kreyol Essence. Kreyol Essence was founded by Yve-Car Momperousse in Philadelphia, PA. Its mission is to help create jobs for the people of Haiti, a crucial need after the devastating earthquake that occurred in 2010. Besides the economic impact, the planting of castor oil beans is also helping to reduce deforestation and soil erosion, and lessen gas emissions, all contributing to a cleaner environment in Haiti.
Tamanu Oil
Tamanu oil has a rich, thick, luxurious consistency and a chocolatey scent that makes it the perfect oil for a relaxing scalp massage. Besides its ability to moisturize and heal a dry scalp, it also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help clear up stubborn scalp psoriasis and other scalp ailments.
A Tamunu oil brand to try is BeKekoa. It is produced in small batches by indigenous farmers of the Fiji Islands. Brandie Kekoa, owner of Bekekoa, feels that it is important to give back to the communities where the raw materials for products are grown. The tamanu oil created is of the highest quality, and will hydrate even the driest curls.
Monoi Oil
Did you know monoi oil is created by soaking Tahitian gardenias, or tiare in oil? In this sense, it differs from other nut and seed-based oils, as it is an extraction. Monoi oil can help sooth and protect the skin from sun damage, and provide intense moisture to hair strands. You will often find Monoi in products, such as Carol’s Daughter Monoi 3-Piece Starter Kit.
Dilo Oil
Dilo oil comes from the Calophyllum inophyllum tree which grows on the Islands of Fiji. There, it is used to treat skin and scalp problems such as ulcers, abrasions, burns, psoriasis, ringworm, and even hair loss. It contains anti-inflammatory calophyllic acids which help to encourage skin healing and regeneration.
Pure Fiji, a company that creates skin and hair products with South Pacific ingredients, has been one of the pioneers of introducing this rare oil to the Western world. It credits the local communities it works with in providing the materials and resources for its products. In turn, it gives back in the form of jobs and education. It has provided books and supplies to local schools, and contributed to the building of new schools in rural communities. Dilo oil is available on the Pure Fiji website, and in the Pure Fiji Amazon Store.
What is your favorite oil from the islands? Let us know in the comments. For ten reasons why your hair loves oils, click here.
