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Castor oil has long been revered for its properties that encourage healthy hair growth. The two types of castor oil are: (yellow) castor oil and Jamaican black castor oil (JBCO). But what is the difference between the two? It is a common question among naturals everywhere. Although they are close cousins, castor oil and JBCO, have some key differences. You’ll want to keep them in mind the next time you are shopping for hair products. See Also: Using Castor Oil for Hair Loss or Thinning Edges What is castor oil? Before we review the key differences between castor oil and Jamaican black castor oil, we must define castor oil. Castor oil is often nicknamed a “miracle oil” because it’s used for many health and beauty treatments. It’s derived from castor beans and often used as a lubricant and other uses. Made by pressing the seeds of the castor oil plant, it is comprised of 18 fatty acids. The castor bean is originally from Africa and due to the slave trade, it made it’s way to Jamaica. Key Differences: Processing Both yellow castor oil and Jamaican black castor oil are made from the castor bean, but all their differences are due to the processing method utilized. Yellow castor oil is made by pressing fresh castor beans; there is no heat involved. Thus, the term cold-pressed. With no heat, there is lower risk of degrading the oil. It is important to note that some manufacturers use chemicals in their process. Jamaican black castor oil is developed by first roasting the bean. Thus resulting in a dark color (and burnt smell) from the ash of the roasted castor beans. This is the method used in Jamaica. Color The most obvious difference between the two oils is the color. Traditional castor oil is usually a yellow color; the lighter it is, the more pure. Jamaican black castor oil, on the other hand, is a darker color due the to burnt ashes of the castor bean. PH-Level The way a castor bean is processed can result in differences in the ph and consistency of the resulting product. The ash found in JBCO results in a higher pH (alkaline) product that is believed to have more clarifying properties. In fact, alkaline pH levels can help open cuticles. Benefits Both types of castor oil, are known for being heavier oils — perfect for the cold and winter months. Packed with fatty acids, they have many benefits for the scalp and hair. For example, ricinoleic acid — one of the 18 fatty acids found in castor oil — is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is no wonder that castor oil is so often used for scalp conditions and hair growth. Both yellow castor oil and Jamaican black castor oil benefit the hair, but due to the roasting of the castor bean, there are some added benefits for using JBCO. If you enjoyed this post, read: “Why Castor Oil May Cause Itching and What to Do About It” Do you use castor oil in your hair regimen? How do you use castor oil in your hair regimen? Reader InteractionsYou've probably seen ads in the back of magazines or infomercials on television hawking a product that promises faster hair growth. Pills, serums, oils and more have been marketed at one time or another, all claiming to help people grow their hair longer than ever. Once you become savvy about hair and the fact that many supposed growth products contain nothing special, you'll find it easier to avoid scams. What Is Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO)?Jamaican black castor oil is derived from Jamaican castor beans. It is believed to support hair growth by ridding the scalp of damaging fungi and toxins. It also works to hydrate hair and skin by locking in moisture. Jamaican Black Castor Oil (or JBCO, as it's commonly known) isn't magic, though many swear by it anyway. Most companies that market JBCO don't promote false claims about the growth you can expect; instead, they usually explain what makes this product different from the regular castor oil you find in drugstores and pharmacies. It's the addition of ingredients that give JBCO its unique look, scent and beneficial properties. What Makes Jamaican Black Castor Oil Different?Plain, or pharmacy-grade, castor oil is typically colorless or a very pale yellow. JBCO, in comparison, is a rich amber to deep brown color. The color is the result of the ash content from roasted castor beans. It's this ash addition that devotees of this oil connect with its growth properties. Will JBCO Make Your Hair Grow Faster?The claims on quicker hair growth as a result of using JBCO should be taken with a grain of salt. Without scientific testing and results, you have to rely on the reports of various hair care forums and bloggers. This oil won't make your hair grow, but with regular use, it can, like many other oils, help you retain more hair growth by treating dry ends, reducing breakage, etc. In the area of regrowth, you may find more information. Women who suffer thinning areas along the hairline and nape often report that routine use of JBCO (in the form of scalp massages) resulted in regrowth in these thinning or bare spaces. CautionsAs with any product with even an indirect link to longer hair, some people go overboard in using it. If you've never used JBCO before, begin with a small amount about once or twice a week. You can either massage it into thinning areas or seal your ends with it. Some women suffer allergic reactions, so it's best to ease into using this product. Characteristics of JBCOJBCO is extremely thick, so isn't a good product for overall softening, as it's just too heavy for most women. If you have fine hair, only apply it to your ends as a sealant. Jamaican Black Castor Oil also has a unique fragrance that some people love, others tolerate, and other women simply hate. It's not overwhelming, but definitely "smoky." Smell is a deal-breaker for some people, so if you know you don't do well with distinct scents, this may not be the product for you. Looking to purchase some JBCO to see what all the hype is about, or to replace a bottle you already own? Try Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil ($13) or look into what's available at local beauty supply stores. What castor oil is best for hair growth?Black castor oil is known to be particularly rich in all of the necessary vitamins and minerals to promote hair growth, including omega fatty acids and vitamin E.
Does it matter what castor oil I use for hair growth?Both of our hair experts recommend cold-pressed castor oil. “Cold-pressed castor oil can be used on the hair shaft. However, black castor oil should be applied only to the scalp,” explains Dr. Hill.
What's the difference between Jamaican black castor oil and castor?JBCO has a higher pH level as compared to regular castor oil because of its alkalinity. This higher pH is due to the ash. JBCO is known to have clarifying property which is attributed to its alkaline nature.
Does Jamaican black castor oil grow hair faster?The tl;dr: no. "Castor oil will not grow hair," says Perry Romanowski, a cosmetic chemist and the author of Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry. "There is no evidence for it and no scientific theory supporting that it would work. So yes, it's a total myth."
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Is jamaican black castor oil or regular castor oil better for hair growth
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