Dryness has to be the biggest problem for women with curly and frizzy hair. Unlike straight hair, a tight curl pattern makes it difficult for sebum (an oily substance produced by the glands of your skin) to penetrate the shaft. No one wants damaged strands, which is why making up for that lack of moisture is so important. Hair oils are just the answer. They have the power to repair the driest locks. Each has its specific bonus points, but Jamaican black castor oil has become a favorite for natural hair because of its extra-strength power to nourish and protect.

The oil comes from the nuts of castor oil plants, just like regular castor oil. However, this variety is made by roasting the nuts or seeds of the plant, grinding them manually, then boiling them in water and extracting the oil. What do you get? A dark and viscous oil with added ash from the roasted beans, ready to bring your hair and skin to life. This method of oil processing is traditionally found in Jamaica, hence the name.

The main difference between the two lies in their production processes. Clear castor oil is simply cold-pressed, while its Jamaican counterpart is more complicated to make because it is done by hand.

The Caribbean burning method produces ash that is not filtered from the black Jamaican castor oil. That gives it its deep amber color. Ordinary castor oil is light yellow. The ash in JBCO not only gives it a darker color, but is also responsible for the oil's slightly higher pH level, resulting in better cleansing (exfoliating) and penetrating properties. JBCO is also slightly warmer than regular castor oil and therefore more pleasant to apply to dry hair and scalp. It's just a different quality that gives it an edge over regular castor oil.