Castor Oil Challenge: 5 Other Natural Hair Uses

We all know that castor oil has been raved as the must have oil to help grow your tresses, but what else is it good for?  It is week 11 in my winter castor oil challenge. Although I haven’t been following it religiously, I’d say I’m doing a pretty good job, so decided to share a couple of the things I’ve learned along the way. In a couple weeks, I’ll update with photos, and I’ll actually measure my growth to see the difference.  But for now, I’ll just stick to the different ways I’ve used castor oil since doing this challenge, and therefore, the different uses I’ve found for castor oil.

1. Castor oil makes a great simple gel.

Now, don’t expect it to tame all of your fly always and curly Qs, but I find because it is such a thick oil, it helps to control your hair. I use it when I’m tying my hair up, or back in one, for a more polished look. It’s a much healthier alternative than the commercial gels which are laden with alcohol which only dries out your hair. Even while I was playing around online, I found a recipe for a DIY flax seed gel, which includes castor oil as one of the ingredients, so I know I’m not that crazy suggesting using it as a gel.

2. Goodbye dry scalp!

No one likes dry scalp.  It itches, is uncomfortable, and looks bad.  I use to have constant dry scalp…I’m talking wash it today, flakes tomorrow, kind of scalp.  Since I’ve done this challenge, I haven’t had that problem. I even find that I can stretch out my wash days, as my hair appears to be cleaner when I massage a little bit of the castor oil directly on my scalp.  Castor oil has anti fungal and anti bacterial properties, which make it great for combating most scalp infections.

3. Castor oil is a great sealant.

Whether you’re using it as a part of the LOC method, to seal in moisture (apply some water first), as one of the oils in your spray bottle, or to seal ends, I find Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) to be a strong sealant.  When I did twist outs, it was a great way to seal the ends of my braids or twists.  The thick JBCO coating hid my split ends very well, which lead to a more defined looking twist out with greater shine.

4. Hot oil treatment and/or Pre-poo.
I’m as bad as the next Naturalista. I don’t do my hot oil treatments anywhere near as often as I know I should be. But since trying it with JBCO, I think I just may do it a little more often as I found it left my hair very soft and shiny. I usually opt to add in a lighter carrier oil (i.e. coconut oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil) so it doesn’t feel too heavy.  If you’re not a fan of hot oil treatments, or just prefer pre poos with a little less effort, simply add some castor oil to slightly damp hair before bed (or at least 30 minutes prior to washing your hair), cover with a shower cap/plastic cap, then wash as normal.  You will definitely notice the difference.

5. Add it to your conditioner.

One of the best ways to spice up your average conditioner, is to use it as a base and add your own oils to it.  If you have a conditioner that you like, but feel it is missing that certain something, add some castor oil to it to take it to the next level by taking advantage of JBCO’s moisturizing properties.  I always say, you don’t have to invest big money on your shampoo or conditioner, save that money for your natural oils.