Jamaican black castor oil is one of the newest and hottest hair trends of 2019. If you’re looking for thicker and more beautiful hair, then Jamaican black castor oil (JBCO Oil) is right down your alley!
If you’re not sure what Jamaican black castor oil is, this article is the perfect starting point. We’ll teach you all about Jamaican black castor oil – what it is, how it works, how you can use it, and where to buy it.
RELATED: How Often Should You Cut Your Hair?
What Is Jamaican Black Castor Oil?
As the name suggests, Jamaican black castor oil is just another type of castor oil. Like the standard, pale yellow castor oil, Jamaican black castor oil is extracted from the castor plant. What makes them different is specific to the extraction process.
While standard castor oil is the result of using a cold press, Jamaican black castor oil is the result of a more traditional process. To make JBCO, the seeds of the castor plant are roasted. These seeds are then pulverised and mashed together, and finally, boiled over a wood fire until you get a thick, viscous oil.
The result is a thick, black oil with a distinctly aromatic and roasted scent. Jamaican black castor oil has a denser concentration of nutrients and is often considered to be a more pure form of castor oil. Whereas regular castor oil is acidic, Jamaican black castor oil is more alkaline.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil Benefits: What Does Castor Oil Help With?
Jamaican black castor oil is packed full of nutrients that are good for your hair, skin, and body. Vitamin E, ricinoleic acid, and other fatty acids all help make JBCO work. The following are a few of its applications:
Hair Conditioner
The most common reason people seek out Jamaican black castor oil and its benefits is to help with hair growth. The fatty acids improve the overall health of each hair follicle. This helps ensure consistent hair growth and can even help you achieve thicker hair.
These benefits actually apply to any hair on your body, meaning that you can also apply JBCO to your eyebrows and eyelashes for a fuller, more balanced look.
Moisturiser
Aside from using Jamaican black castor oil for hair growth, people also use JBCO for their skin. The Vitamin E helps your skin cells stay young and vibrant while keeping your skin soft and smooth. It can also help heal any scratches and reduce skin darkening from sun damage and scarring.

Anti-Inflammatory Salve
Jamaican black castor oil is very rich in ricinoleic acid, a long fatty acid that’s perfect for bringing down swelling, itching, and other forms of skin irritation. This is what allows JBCO to help with inflammation, including muscle and joint pains.
Laxative
The ricinoleic acid in Jamaican black castor oil can also be used as a laxative. It works alongside the other fatty acids in JBCO as well as with your own digestive acids to break down any blockage that may be causing indigestion.
How To Apply And How Often Should I Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil?
Jamaican black castor oil comes in a variety of products, listed below. However, regardless of form, JBCO is quite thick and viscous, so a little bit of it goes a long way. For best results, use it only once a day or once every other day.
Oil.
In its pure oil form, JBCO is extremely versatile. To use as a hair conditioner, moisturiser, or anti-inflammatory salve, put a pea-sized amount in your hand, rub it up, and apply it to the targeted area. As a laxative, simply swallow a teaspoonful followed by a glass of water.
Shampoo And Conditioner
To use Jamaican black castor oil as a shampoo or conditioner, you can apply the oil directly to your hair. A small amount can also be mixed into whatever hair products you’re already using. Just make sure that it’s mixed well and that you apply the product evenly throughout your hair.
If you are unsure of how much to add or whether it will mix well with your current products, you can try products that already contain Jamaican black castor oil. Most of these can be used just like any other shampoo or conditioner.
Hair Mask
Just like shampoo and conditioner, you can buy hair masks that already have Jamaican black castor oil incorporated into the formula. Alternatively, you can mix; one part Jamaican black castor oil, one part extra virgin olive oil, and one part lemon to make your own.
To use the hair mask, simply apply the mixture to your hair. Make sure to cover all of your hair and massage the mixture into your scalp. Then, you can leave it on for half an hour or even overnight. This can be done before and/or after a shower.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Reviews
There are tons of Jamaican Black Castor Oil products on the market, but not all of them live up to the hallmark of quality that JBCO is known for. The following products have been tried and tested by us, and have past our lofty expectations!
Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil
If you’re looking for just plain Jamaican black castor oil, Tropic Isle is one of the most popular and reliable brands out there. This is 100% genuine Jamaican black castor oil, and an 8oz bottle only comes at a standard retail price of $13.99 (or $AUD20.40).
Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil
If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option, then Sunny Isle is perfect for you. An 8oz bottle is only $11.99 (or $AUD 17.50). Additionally, if you’re looking for a smaller bottle just so you can try it out first, a 2oz bottle is also available for just $8.99 (or $AUD13.10).
OKAY Black Jamaican Castor Oil Coconut Curls Shampoo
For a shampoo option that you can directly use on your hair without having to worry about mixing it into your regular shampoo, this shampoo by OKAY is only $9.99 (or $AUD14.60) and it comes with the added benefit of argan oil.
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
Another great shampoo option is this one from Shea Moisture. Their Strengthen & Restore Shampoo is only $AUD24.95. They add peppermint and shea butter to ensure the best effect on your scalp.
Why Should I Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil?
Jamaican black castor oil is an organic and traditional home remedy that’s been used in the Caribbean for generations. The best thing about JCBO is how easily it slides into your hair care and skin care routines—just add some oil into your products and see the results for yourself!
JBCO is unintrusive and unimposing. If you’re looking for an easy and natural solution for thicker, longer, and more beautiful hair, then you can’t go wrong with Jamaican Black Castor Oil.
RELATED: Hot hair tips from a pro stylist