Cold-pressed castor oil is made from the castor bean. The oil can be taken internally, as a laxative and used externally to soften the skin and combat hair loss. Castor oil is very thick and tacky and often needs to be mixed with other oils, such as almond oil or shea butter. A pomade of castor oil and shea butter moisturizes the hair and scalp and helps contribute to hair growth. Cold-pressed castor oil and pure shea butter are both available at health food stores. You can also find shea butter as some beauty supply stores.
Making the Pomade
Step 1
Fill the outer pot of the double boiler with up to the fill line. Bring the water to boil and turn the heat down to medium.
Step 2
Put the interior pot into the double boiler and add the four ounces of shea butter to the interior pot. Stir the butter with a wooden spoon until it melts fully.
Step 3
Let the oil simmer at 175 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove the oil from heat.
Step 4
Add the sweet almond oil, castor oil and vitamin e to the melted shea butter. Stir until all the oils have blended.
Step 5
Add the drops of rosemary and mint essential oils. Blend the oil mixture with a stick blender until it looks like a meringue.
Step 6
Transfer the oil to an air-tight plastic container and let it cool. Store in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
Using the Pomade
Step 1
Part your hair into sections and apply the oil to your scalp. Work the oil to the ends of your hair.
Step 2
Massage your scalp for 20 minutes and leave the oil in your hair.
Step 3
Style your hair as usual.
Tips and Warnings
- If your hair is thin or oily, apply the pomade, massage it into your scalp for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Things You'll Need
- Small double boiler
- 4 oz unrefined shea butter
- Candy thermometer
- ¼ cup sweet almond oil
- 1/8 cup cold-pressed castor oil
- 1 vitamin E capsule
- Wooden spoon
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
- Stick blender
- Air-tight plastic container
References
- "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy";Valerie Ann Worwood;1991
- "Thank God I'm Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair";Chris-Tia E. Donaldson;2008
- Home Remedies Web: Castor Oil Health Benefits
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