What Is Castor Oil? Uses for Hair and Skin
Castor oil is a thick plant oil used for hair and skin. Here is what it is and where to buy it.
African Stores Editorial Team
The short answer
Castor oil is a thick, rich plant oil pressed from the seeds, or beans, of the castor plant, long used in hair and skin care. Prized for being heavy and moisturising, it is a favourite for sealing moisture into afro-textured hair, adding shine, and it is popularly used along the edges and scalp as part of hair-growth routines, as well as on the skin as a rich moisturiser. It is closely related to Jamaican black castor oil, a darker, roasted version much loved in Black hair care. Thick and versatile, castor oil is a natural care staple. In the UK it is sold by African and Caribbean beauty supply shops, health shops and chemists.
What to remember
- Castor oil is a thick, rich plant oil pressed from the seeds of the castor plant.
- It is heavy and moisturising, used to seal moisture into hair and add shine.
- It is popularly used on the edges and scalp as part of hair-growth routines, and on skin as a rich moisturiser.
- It is closely related to Jamaican black castor oil, a darker, roasted version.
- It is sold by African and Caribbean beauty supply shops, health shops and chemists in the UK.
For the African and Caribbean communities in Britain, castor oil, and especially Jamaican black castor oil, is a treasured part of natural hair and beauty culture, a staple passed down and shared through generations. It is the thick oil smoothed onto edges and lengths, the trusted sealant for dry curls, the remedy reached for to nourish hair and skin, part of a rich tradition of natural care. Using it is part of a knowledgeable culture of looking after textured hair and skin with natural oils and ingredients.
There is real heritage in it too, in the long use of castor oil, and the roasted Jamaican black castor oil in particular, across the diaspora, wisdom shared between mothers, daughters, friends and stylists. Whether used to seal moisture, nourish the scalp, or care for the skin, it reflects a whole culture of natural, resourceful self-care. That shared knowledge and care is the spirit behind castor oil.
What Castor Oil Actually Is
Castor oil is a thick, pale to golden plant oil pressed from the seeds of the castor plant, which are commonly called castor beans. It has been used for generations in hair and skin care, and it is prized above all for being especially thick, rich and moisturising, more so than many lighter oils. This heaviness is exactly why it is so valued in afro hair care: it coats and seals, helping to lock moisture into dry, textured hair and add a healthy shine. It has a distinctive thick texture, and a little goes a long way.
In natural hair and beauty routines, castor oil is a well loved staple, used on the hair, the scalp and edges, and on the skin. It is closely related to Jamaican black castor oil, which is made by roasting the beans and giving a darker oil with a slightly different character, much loved in Black hair care. Castor oil sits within the world of natural Black hair and beauty care we cover, alongside the darker Jamaican black castor oil, and it works together with steps like rice water for hair and the strengthening protein treatment.
How Castor Oil Is Used for Hair
Castor oil is used in several ways in hair care, all making use of its thick, sealing, moisturising nature. As a sealant, a little is smoothed over already-moisturised hair to lock in the moisture and add shine, which is especially helpful for dry, coily hair, often as the oil step in a moisturising routine. It is also massaged into the scalp and, very popularly, applied along the edges and hairline as part of routines aimed at supporting the look and health of the hair there, a hugely popular use, though results vary from person to person.
Castor oil is often used in small amounts because it is so thick, sometimes mixed with a lighter oil to make it easier to spread, and it features in pre-wash treatments, hot oil treatments and hair masks. It is worth noting that oils seal in moisture rather than replacing it, so castor oil works best over hair that has already been moisturised with water or a leave-in. Claims about dramatic hair growth are popular but not guaranteed, and this article is general hair information rather than medical advice. Used well, castor oil is a lovely moisturising, sealing oil for textured hair.
How Castor Oil Is Used for Skin
Beyond hair, castor oil is a well loved skin-care oil, again thanks to its rich, moisturising quality. It is used as a thick moisturiser for dry skin, smoothed on to soften and protect, and it is a common ingredient in balms and creams. Some people use it on the lips, on dry patches, and around the nails and cuticles, and it is popularly applied to eyebrows and lashes as part of grooming routines, in the same spirit as its use on hair edges. Its thickness makes it a good occlusive, sitting on the skin to help hold in moisture.
As with hair, a little castor oil goes a long way on the skin, and it is often blended with lighter oils or used in small amounts. Anyone with sensitive skin can patch test first, as with any new product, and those with a skin condition should seek professional advice. Popular claims about castor oil should be taken as general lore rather than proven fact. This article is general information rather than medical advice. Rich and versatile, castor oil is a treasured natural moisturiser for skin as well as hair.
Where to Buy Castor Oil in the UK
Buying castor oil in Britain is easy, as it is widely sold. African and Caribbean beauty supply shops stock both regular castor oil and Jamaican black castor oil, in various sizes and blends, made for hair and skin care, and the staff can help you choose and explain the difference between the two. Health shops and chemists also carry castor oil, and it is easy to find online. For hair and skin use, a good quality, pure castor oil is what to look for, and the Jamaican black version if you want the roasted type.
If you want castor oil, a beauty supply shop is a great place to find both regular and Jamaican black castor oil and the rest of a natural hair routine. You can find beauty supply shops near you to find castor oil and haircare in your area, and for advice or a professional treatment you can visit one of the African hair salons near you. Thick, rich and versatile, castor oil is a treasured staple for hair and skin.
Frequently asked questions
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is a thick, rich plant oil pressed from the seeds, or beans, of the castor plant, long used in hair and skin care. It is prized for being especially heavy and moisturising, which makes it good for sealing moisture into afro-textured hair and adding shine, and for use as a rich moisturiser on the skin. It is closely related to Jamaican black castor oil, a darker, roasted version.
What is castor oil used for on hair?
Castor oil is used to seal moisture into the hair and add shine, smoothed over already-moisturised hair, especially dry, coily hair. It is also massaged into the scalp and applied along the edges and hairline as part of popular hair routines, and used in pre-wash and hot oil treatments and masks. Because it is thick, it is used in small amounts, sometimes mixed with a lighter oil.
What is the difference between castor oil and Jamaican black castor oil?
Both come from castor beans, but they are made differently. Regular castor oil is pressed from the seeds and is pale to golden. Jamaican black castor oil is made by first roasting the beans, which gives a darker oil with a slightly smoky smell and a thicker, ashy character that many in Black hair care prefer. They are used in similar ways, and the choice comes down to preference.
Does castor oil help hair grow?
Castor oil is very popularly used in hair-growth routines, especially on the edges, and many people love it for this. However, its main proven benefit is as a thick, sealing, moisturising oil that helps hold in moisture and adds shine, and dramatic hair-growth claims are not guaranteed, as results vary from person to person. This is general hair information rather than medical advice, so treat growth claims as popular lore.
Where can I buy castor oil in the UK?
Castor oil, both regular and Jamaican black castor oil, is sold by African and Caribbean beauty supply shops in various sizes and blends, as well as by health shops and chemists and online. A good quality, pure oil is what to look for. You can find beauty supply shops near you to find castor oil and haircare, and African hair salons near you for advice. On African Stores you can find beauty supply shops and African hair salons near you across the UK.
