As I resorted back to weaves to conceal my hair loss, I would drench my scalp in JBCO before having my hair braided for a sew-in. Disclaimer: It's not for the faint of heart. I don't even think the word "thick" is an adequate way to describe it. It's heavy (almost tar-like) and leaves your hair somewhat greasy. But desperate times called for desperate measures. Within weeks I began to notice my edges gradually growing back, and after every weave install, the "new growth" I saw was insane.
After two years of transitioning, I had finally gotten rid of my relaxed hair. But my mom and I couldn't stay away from our kitchen beautician ways, and in celebration of my now perfectly transitioned hair, I wanted to go lighter. So we dyed it during one of my breaks at home—two times in one week, to be exact. My finally healthy, curly hair had gone limp in certain parts, and once again I felt like I was at square one.
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Since I couldn't wear it in its natural state anymore, I began trying different styles (like perm-rod sets, braid-outs, and the occasional silk-out) and testing new ways to integrate JBCO into those routines. After several greasy fails, I finally landed on my now go-to way to use it: as a pre-shampoo treatment. I apply a generous amount of the oil throughout my wet hair, massaging it into the scalp and the letting it sit for 30 minutes in a plastic hair cap. Although it serves as a pre-'poo, my hair absorbs the moisture of the JBCO more effectively when wet. I then shampoo my hair and condition as normal.
This once-a-week routine has served my hair well. In typical Blake fashion, I can never keep it one way for long, but the years of hair abuse have led me to a deep appreciation and love of my hair no matter what state it's in. Right now? I type this wearing a U-part wig with heavily saturated cornrows underneath. At least now I know they're protected.
Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil, $15 for an 8-oz. bottle, amazon.com
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