Castor oil's claim to fame is the fact that it is well known for its ability to promote hair growth, thicken eyebrows and thinning edges. I'm very familiar with it because it's widely used for EVERYTHING in Caribbean culture (more on this in a later post where I'll also get into the often asked topic of Haitian vs Jamaican Black Castor oil).
So why is castor oil so good?
Castor oil is a natural oil that is rich in fatty acids and other nutrients that help to moisturize, strengthen and condition the hair.
M+E carries Kreyol Essence's Haitian Black Castor Oil (HBCO) which is sustainably harvested and processed in Haiti using a traditional hand processing method that includes roasting, grinding and cooking the castor seeds. The oil is then filtered without refining which helps it retain 80 to 90% of its ricinoleic acid. This is key to its ability to heal and carry moisture to hair and skin.
Ricinoleic acid carries Omega 6 & 9 fatty acid to the scalp which accelerates blood circulation and increases hair growth. HBCO also has anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties which help heal scalp infections, regrow bald patches and lessen alopecia. Due to it's high Vitamin E content, the oil also fights oxidative stress which is a common cause of hair loss.
HBCO is also a natural humectant which makes it a great skin moisturizer, the ricinoleic acid also helps with acne and promote healthy skin.
HBCO is very thick so it's a good idea to mix it with a lighter oil such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil or avocado oil. This makes it easier to work in hair or massage on skin.
My Hot Oil Treatment: I like to mix 3 spoonfuls of HBCO to 1 spoonful of avocado oil as a hot oil hair treatment. I leave it on overnight and wash out in the morning. It leaves my hair shiny and so hydrated. My son loves to spritz a mix a HBCO and water on his locks and scalp for extra moisture & hydration and to fight dandruff.
Other products with Castor Oil are BIRCHROSE + CO - Cleansing Oil ...
and TGIN's Green Tea Super Moist Leave-In and Butter Cream Moisturizer
Photo by Lirons D'Elle
