The Castor Oil Challenge and Review

A few years ago, I came across what i learnt was the castor oil challenge. Castor oil has been hailed by many as having numerous benefits for hair, nails and also the skin. Some of these are the benefits of castor oil for hair growth and thickness, castor oil for natural hair, castor oil for hair regrowth and even castor oil for hair darkening. Then I came across an amazing thought, just when I didn’t know what to do with my hair anymore - The Castor Oil challenge.

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Here is my experience with castor oil after I enrolled to the Castor Oil challenge.

•  I washed my hair and took a photo of the wet hair.

• I applied castor oil onto the scalp, massaging for about 5 minutes.

• I mixed some castor oil with my usual hair care products; aloe vera gel, olive oil, and vitamin E oil and a little water. These I put in a spray bottle, to use every morning as I comb my hair.

• I wash my hair every Saturday and repeat the massage with castor oil.

•   I massage castor oil into my hair after every two days, at night and sleep with a heat cap.

•  I eat more fruits, vegetables and enough water

• After moisturising hair, I spread a little castor oil onto the edges, to seal them.

•  Here are the before and after pictures . Can you see growth and thickness? I can 

The Castor Oil Challenge Goals 

The goal of the castor hair growth challenge is to explore how you can grow hair long and thick by using castor oil consistently for 8 weeks. You are also encouraged to aim at developing an effective healthy hair regimen for your continued use.

At the end of 8 weeks, you will have known how you can consistently give your hair TLC in as little as five minutes daily. This will enable you to reap the benefits associated with castor oil and also proper hair care.

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The Castor Oil Challenge Rules

• Trim split ends at the beginning

• Apply castor oil regularly to your hair; at a minimum of three times in a week. (I also added castor oil to my daily regimen to seal the hair ends)

• Document your progress, by recording hair length. Starting at the beginning, take a photo, and take one every two to three weeks for motivation purposes

• Wash your hair regularly to fight product build up. Always use a sulphate free shampoo

• Deep condition your hair with every wash.

• Detangle hair gently while still in conditioner, to avoid unnecessarily cutting hair.

• Moisturize your hair after washing, and keep moisturising regularly to sustain the moisture levels.

• Keep your hair in styles that do not require daily manipulation

• Protect your hair at night by using satin or silk scarf or pillow cases.

 The Castor Oil Challenge FAQ

• ·         Can I participate in the challenge if I’m wearing a protective style?
• ·         Can I still participate if I have relaxed hair?
• ·         Can I participate if I have dreadlocks?

The answer to all the above is YES!

The challenge is open to anyone who wants to explore how castor oil can help them to grow long and healthy hair. Whether, you have natural, relaxed, locked, braided, twisted hair, you can still join the challenge. Even children can be engaged in this challenge. Just be sure to follow the rules.

• ·        Which brand of castor oil should I use?

Any brand of castor oil can be used as long as it is certified as real. Castor oil that has been extracted with minimum addition of other substances and or chemicals is the best. Ideally, it should be thick and viscous as this is what gives the holding property.

• ·       Do I have to use Jamaican Black Castor Oil?

In my experience as a researcher, I know properties of many substances are destroyed by heat and cooking, therefore I would be against using JBCO since it is roasted. However, any castor oil can be used as long as you ensure it is devoid of additives or impurities. I would recommend cold pressed oil.

• ·         Can I mix my castor oil with other oils or ingredients?

Sometimes, I do mix my castor oil with lighter oils to make the application process easier. On its own, castor oil is very heavy and viscous. In addition, it is not a moisturiser therefore you must ensure you are still moisturising your hair throughout the 8 weeks challenge.

• ·         Where can I buy castor oil?

I buy my castor oil locally. Castor oil is widely available in most supermarkets or stores. You may however, try the following brands from Amazon or eBay. I have not tried any of them but I have read a few reviews about them that seem genuine.

• ·         Can I join if I have short hair? YES
• ·         Can I join if I have long hair? YES

Anyone can participate in this challenge as long as their goal is to grow long and thick hair in the given period of 8 weeks, or more.