Wednesday, September 26, 2012

How To: Deodorizing Haitian/Jamaican Black Castor Oil

There are many that want to use the popular Jamaican Black Castor Oil, or the Haitian version. However there is on common complaint among those using it- the scent. It has a very unique smokey aroma, which comes from the roasting of the castor beans. The beans are harvested, washed, and allowed to dry in the sun. They are then roasted over an open fire pit in a cast iron pot using constant turning, crushed to extract the oil, drained, and then boiled to further extract the oil.  The roasting process leaves behind a scent of smoke. This is what turns many users off.

When I got my first oil I didn't know what to expect as far as the aroma. I got it in a small container and some leaked onto my hand when I opened it. It was a dark liquid that appeared black, and it was thick like molasses. The smell however was nothing sweet and quite strong. So strong that when I opened it in the car everyone let their windows down. The container that I used when I purchased the oil was not the one I planned to use it from. I showed up to buy it not knowing it was from a large jug and I needed to bring a container so I just grabbed what was convenient in my purse, a pill bottle. When I reached home I transferred the oil into my bottle with the applicator tip. A small amount of oil remained pooled in the pill bottle, which
smelled heavily of the oil. For some reason I left the pill bottle sitting open on my bedroom dresser. 

Days later I picked up the bottle thinking why is this just sitting here. That quickly I'd forgotten what had been in the bottle, until I saw the small amount of pooled, dark colored oil. I dipped my finger into the bottle and pulled out just enough to wet my fingertip. The oil and the bottle had absolutely NO SCENT. Over the course of a few days the aroma of burnt rubber had completely dissipated. Gone, completely from the oil and bottle. This led me to discover that the scent of the oil will disappear over time if exposed to air.

To accomplish this: use a glass baking dish that is at least 9x13, or large enough so that the oil is in a thin layer. I chose glass because its a non reactive material. Pour your oil into the dish and place it where it can't waste or be tipped over. Allow it to sit in the open exposed to the air in your home for a few days, 2-3, depending on the strength of the aroma, stirring occasionally. When the scent has dissipated to your satisfaction, place the oil back into a capped or lidded container. Hopefully this process will make it easier to use this wonderful oil. You may also add an essential oil to the castor oil. Lavender, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang, Peppermint, Sweet Orange, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus and Lemon/ Lemongrass are all essential oils that I've seen used with success. Please add essential oils in the appropriate ratio and allow time for the scent to develope, it may take a few hours.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Castor Oil Challenge-End of Week 2

This is for end of week two of the castor oil challenge. This week I applied castor oil to my affected area( just above my right ear and near my hairline) daily, and to my entire scalp three times. I massaged my scalp a total of fifteen minutes every night, and I massaged my problem area several times for short periods during the day.
I even used a percussion massager on my scalp a few times. It was very relaxing, I don't know if it helped with growth, or thickening.

I added a third of Extra Virgin Coconut oil to my castor oil also. This is what I will be using until the end of the challenge. I have castor oil in my spritz, and my butter mix for sealing. Using the oil from my fingers after massaging my scalp gives my hair the healthiest shine ever. I only have about an ounce of castor oil mix remaining, but a little goes a long way.

My result photos are below. I see no progress but it has only been two weeks so far.



Wash and Go fail

This post is about just what the title states. I have been natural for nearly two and a half years and I've only tried a wash and go twice prior to yesterday. When I had shorter hair, my regimen consisted of washing, conditioning, moisturizing, detangling, and twisting. Now that I have length, the only way my hair dries and its not like a giant cotton ball, with a web of tangles is if I twist, flat twist, coil or braid it. I cannot leave my hair to its own devices or it will knot onto itself causing me pain(literally), and loss strands.

I don't know why I felt as though Wednesday would be different. I wanted to refresh my hair and add moisture so I co washed and left a little V05 Shea Cashmere conditioner in my hair.  I then added oils( castor,African Pride Olive Miracle), and Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream. It looked nice and moisturizer. I didn't have much definition, but it looked fine. Then I allowed it to dry. I ended up with a dry frizzy mess, sitting and thinking what did I do wrong?
I don't plan to try the wash and go again anytime soon however, next time I plan to complete every step in my regimen, and add a curling cream, or styler, and shingle using my Denman brush. I get nice curl definition using this method when I prepare my hair for twists. But I'll skip the twist step and let it dry lose.  I am going to give it at least three tries before I rule out wearing wash and go styles. I love my curl pattern, but I can't take the tangled web it weaves when allowed to dry lose. Any advice readers? Chime in please, and save me some pain and strands.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Castor Oil Challenge- September 2012


I am so glad that September has finally arrived because this month kicks off our Castor oil challenge. I decided to start the challenge because I have a problem area on the right side of my head, located just above the ear, about half inch wide and two inches long. The hair is very fine, and looks as if I'm going bald.  I can hide this spot with hair but I am aware that its there and I want to test the effectiveness of the Haitian Black Castor Oil I obtained from a local market. Beginning September 1, 2012 and ending November 6, 2012 I'm starting a 60 day Castor oil challenge. The guidelines f the challenge are as follows:

1. Post pictures and/or measurement of your current length, thickness, and or area to be treated.
2. Use Castor oil at least three times weekly on scalp(entirely or focused area).
3. Disclose other ways you use Castor oil in your regimen i.e. sealant,butter mixes, spritz, DC, hot oil treatments, added to finished products.
4. All Castor oil mixes must be a minimum of 50%(half) Castor oil. No added Biotin, MSM, Cayenne pepper, Paprika. Cannot be a grease claiming to contain Castor oil.
5. Disclose type of Castor oil used, i.e. Regular(medical/refined/cosmetic), Jamaican/ Haitian Black Castor Oil, a blend of different Castor oils.
6. Post picture/ length check weekly, state number of times Castor oil was applied that week, and how applied.
7. Post any negative effects, or changes such as a different Castor oil, different regimen, etc. anything that can effect hair grow.

I am using Haitian Black Castor Oil. I will be applying it daily to my problem area pictured below. I will also be applying a mix of Olde Jamaica Castor Oil blend and Haitian Castor oil with Lavender essential oil to my entire scalp three times a week, along with a daily scalp massage. I have regular Castor oil in my Butter mix that I use for sealing, and my moisture/ re wetting spritz.



Right Side


Right Side


Castor Oils- Olde Jamaica(yellow)
Haitian Black Castor Oil

 
 
 
NOTE: Black Castor Oil has a very distinct smell. No one describes it the same. It has a smoky aroma, similar to wood chips, or a fire log.  

 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Results- Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils

My most recent review was for Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils. I did a full review of  the product line and posted it on this blog and my YouTube channel. The last step and product in the line is the Curl La La: Defining Curl Custard. After applying the custard, I twisted my hair in three strand twists and it remained that way for about three or four days. I did add moisture to my hair, using a simple oil and water spritz, which is a part of my routine. Now this is where it turns, I had to undo my twists, and when I untwisted my hair it was very, very soft. My hair felt like cotton, but it was also very tangled like balls of cotton. I had to detangle with my life saving concoction of water, oil, and conditioner to retwist for the night. My roots were like tied knots as if there had been a crew of knot fairies working overtime.  Because I have many dense textures, having to detangle is not only a hassle but it can lead to breakage and damage to my strands, which should be avoided in any healthy hair regimen.

Now, for the good part. There are curlies that need softening. They need products that not only work but make or keeps the hair soft. This is a perfect product for them. However I have not given up on the product.  I am going to use it in my regimen as my twisting cream, proceeded by the LOC method. Because this product offers medium hold and good definition, I definitely want to see how it works with the LOC method. I am also going to reuse the entire line and add my butter mix (O) and the Beautiful Textures Moisture Butter (C) in between the Aunt Jackie's Knot On My Watch (L), and the Aunt Jackie's Curl la la(S). I hope I will see more satisfactory results.