Caribbean Beauty Secret: Black Castor Oil
Black castor oil was invented in the 17th century in Haiti and has been used as a natural beauty product for skin and hair care ever since. The beans are roasted, ground into powder, and boiled. After cooking the mixture, the oil rises to the surface and is removed.
Castor oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is high in vitamin E, minerals, proteins, and omega-6 and -9 beneficial fatty acids. However the star ingredient is ricinoleic acid, an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. No other oil contains anything close to the 80-90% ricinoleic acid you find in castor oil. Ricinoleic acid gives black castor oil its natural inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties, all of which support healthy skin and hair care. In fact, castor oil has traditionally been used topically for acne and other skin conditions, as well as hair loss, rashes, and more.
What Castor Oil Does for Hair:
Castor Oil is a great natural hair care product. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties make it beneficial against folliculitus, dandruff, and scalp infections and its ricinoleic acid content helps increase circulation to the scalp and improve hair growth.
Ricinoleic acid is also said to help balance scalp pH which can also help replenish the scalps natural oils and undo some of the damage of harsh chemical hair products. The antioxidants in castor oil also support the natural keratin in hair and help make hair stronger, smoother, and less frizzy.
There are hundreds of testimonials from people who used castor oil to increase their hair growth up to 3-5 times the normal rate. However this will only take effect a few months after using the oil. You can even rub a tiny amount of castor oil on your eyelids at night to help eyelash growth as well.
Like many things in life, more is not always better, and only a few drops are needed per treatment. Use castor oil 1-2 times per week for optimal results. For maximum benefit, leave the oil on for several hours or overnight. Shampoo and condition normally to remove the oil.
Hairprint Black Castor Oil is made by a women’s cooperative in Haiti that counts fair pay and reforestation as two of its many social accomplishments. It is made in the traditional way and is 100% chemical free. We believe that healing has to go beyond the bottle. As a company, we are constantly looking for vendors, farmers, makers who address the needs of their community, pay fair wages, create dignified work, and further social justice.
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