So remember how in the last post I said that I'd give my mix another chance? Well I did, and my scalp had bumps popping like popcoRN, not to mention, it itches!! I will NOT be revisiting! JBCO alone is just going to have to do.
Look at my poor hairline.
Im not saying not to use sublimated sulfur, I'm just saying be cautious about the amount you use when, infusing with oil.
I've between putting cortisone on it and it's improving a little bit. I have patches all over my head so I'm going to avoid cleansing my scalp for the next week. I'll update you guys sometime next week.
A year ago I received a lovely package from my Secret Santa on my home forum, BHP. In it, was some Sublimed Sulfur! Now this was the as Jay-Z would call it, Holy Grail, of hair growth. I have heard so many great things about it, and now could participate in a challenge the person who sent me, was conducting! How cool is that?
Well...it turned out to be a bust, not because it didn't work, but simply I let any semblance of a hair regimen go down the toiled in 2012. Hair was an all the way mess. So this year I'm picking it back up.
Hair in the bald spots were growing an er'thang. I had infused the sulfur, and I mean all 4 ounces of it into a bottle of Olive Oil...I was told that I shouldn't have because it could be over powering. I didn't find that out until recently. I added that infused olive oil into some JBCO for super growing..as I liked to think of it. Turns out, she was right, an I ended up with little itchy scalp bumps.
I'm seeing great results, but I was oiling my scalp almost everyday. I think I'll scale back to every other day or three times a week. If that doesn't work I'll discontinue..
I'll upload pictures of the bald spots later. (lol)
I'm sure you all have seen the commercials on TV. If not Bosley is this hair restoration company that helps restore people who suffer from forms of alopecia, or balding. I have always wondered about the cost of the procedure, and how exactly it worked, but now I'm too frustrated with them to find out. Lol.
I scheduled an appointment with them, and forgot to go. They called and I set up another appointment. I had intentions for a vacation to New York for close to two weeks, so to be polite I call back and try to cancel the appointment. They ask if I would like to reschedule, I reply no being that I was not sure what date I would be back, especially with school coming up (Yes y'all, I's in college now. I'm going to be educated! Lol.) so I simply said that I would call back myself when I felt I was able to.
Why are these people calling me once a week talking about rescheduling. I almost cursed somebody out today, but I had to remind myself they are just doing their job. I may schedule eventually, but I feel like they are pressuring me, Bosley, why do you have to be so pushy?!
Just something random I have going on with me. Oh, and the Yarn Braids are out. I feel bald headed, but it feels nice to be able to wash my hair.
Will be back with some stuff. I really want to try to be consistent with you all. Bear with me!
I know I do not post as often as I once use to, but I rarely experiment with my hair these days. I did buy something new though, which is pretty much what I named in the title (Lol) ORS's Fertilizing Temple Balm.
I have always been curious about this product being that I have Traction Alopecia, and it meant for the regrowth of hair...so they say; but the price never sat too well with me, because I am a cheapskate (Lol).
I work near a Flea Market that happens to open on the weekends, and they have a discount bss within. I have seen it being sold there, but resisted the urge to buy it the first two times, despite it's $2 dollar price. Probably out of fear of it not working, but ironically I bought myself a 8oz bottle of JBCO there too. So now I don't have to buy it online, lucky me!
Last weekend I finally broke down and bought it. I am only on Day #2, so I cannot say it's done anything. It's suppose to be part of a step system, along with their other products.
Steps being:
Exfoliate using their Scalp Scrub. Beneath says "This exfoliating scalp treatment provides the ideal environment for hair to thrive
Clease using their Uplifting Shampoo. Beneath says "The herbal rich shampoo invigorates the scalp gently lifts flakes and removes excess oils.
Condition using their Hair Mayonnaise. Beneath says " An intense conditioning treatment of Whole Egg Protein and Olive Oil that moisturizes and strengthens damaged/over-processed hair from within the hair shaft.
THEEENNN Stimulate using their Fertilizing Temple Balm. Beneath says " For, relaxed, blow-dried, or pressed hair. Apply a small amount of Fertilizing Temple Balm in the morining and night to affected areas.
Strengthen & Moisturize using their Carrot Oil or Olive Oil hairdress. Beneath Says "Carrot Oil is a vitamin-rich creme with beta-carotene to strengthen weak and damaged hair. Olive Oil replenishes moisture to extra dry or thirsty hair.
What do I fee like this is? A gimmick to force you to buy things from their haircare line. (Lol) You use products you already have to do all those "steps". Again, I just bought the Temple Balm to kill my own curiosity and to see if it actually works.
Now about the Balm itself:
It is said to have "12 Herbal Extracts and Vitamins that Exfoliate & Stimulate Scalp While Revitalizing Hair". On the packaging it also states:
"Fertilizing Temple Balm is an intensive herbal scalp formula that revitalizes and encourages healthy hair and scalp. Poor circulation, adverse scalp conditions, illness, hormonal imbalances, clogged hair follicles, and many other factorscan inhibit the hair's ability to thrive. Fertilizing Temple Balm delivers essential oils and vitamins to enhance the scalp condition for healthier looking hair".
"
Phytic Acid Colmples helps to exfoliate clogged pores leaving the scalp clean and supple.
Sulfur-rich amino acids from horsetail, nettle and garlic "fertilize" the hair by delievering nutrients to the hair and scalp.
Cayenne, a known stimulate, is infused into this balm to stimulate the hair and scalp.
Essential vitamins and minerals of B, E, & Zinc help protect and strengthen newly emerging hair."
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Oleth 10, PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Mineral Oil (Parafinum Liquidum), Proplyine Glycol, Glycerine, Isopropyl Palmitate, Oleyl Alcohol, Kola Nut Oil (Cola Nitida), Phenyl Trimethicone, Lanolin, Aloe Vera Extract (Aloe Barbedensis) and Ascorbyl Methyl, Silanol Pectinate and Phytic Acid, Dimethiconol Panthenol, Zinc Acetylmethionate, Linoleic and Linolenic Acids and Tocopherol Acids (Vitamin E), Paprika Extract (Capsicum), Garlic Extract (Allium Sativum), HoreseTail Extract (Equisetum Arvense), Nettle Extract (Urtica dioica), Menthol, Diazolidinyl Urea and Propylene Glycol and Methyl Paraben and Propyl Paraben, Ammonium Monoxynol-4 Sulfate and SodiumStyrene Acrylates/Di Vinyl Benzene Copolymer, Fragrance (Parfum), Citronellol, Coumarin, Eugenol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde, Hydroxycitronellal, D'Limonene, Linalool, Caramel Color.
*Kola Nut Oil is an oil that is composed of caffeine, starches, and sugars. I'm assuming it has to do with stimulation. Similar to that of the tea that is used in the Hairdrenalinepotion.
It kind of killed me to type the word stimulate over and over again, but I just wanted to give you all the info that the put on their packaging.
Now as far s the Directions go... Before using this product the want you to conduct at patch test to for an allergic reaction before use. For that you are to apply a dime size amount to a small area of the scalp, and wait 24 hours. If itching, scalp pimples, or redness develops, DO NOT USE. If there is no reaction, you may proceed with application.
If Patch Test is favorable.
Apply a dime size amount of Fertilizing Temple Balm to thinking area(s) of scalp. Take precaution to apply only to thinning area(s). Do not use in nape area. Massage into area(s) of scalp to insure full penetration. Apply twice a day, morning and night. Shampoo weekly with Uplifting Shampoo to allow proper penetration of Fertilizing Temple Balm. Results usually occur within 8-12 weeks. After achieving desired results, you may continue to use Fertilizing Temple Balm twice a week to enhance further results. Discontinue use of Temple Balm 4 days before or 7 days after all chemical services.
Here's what it looks like.
It smells and has the consistency of any other grease or hairdress.
This stuff has some strict rules! (Lol) I'm going to stick it out the eight weeks and see if any growth comes from it. Here is what I'm working with!
The left side is a little worse than the right. This is after I just applied the Temple Balm.
From only two days of use what I can say is I feel a sort of throbbing/pulsating, not particularly a bad feeling, I hope it's a good sign though, and not one of my dust hair falling out (Lol).
I'll try my best to stay consistent, and use this product twice a week, for eight weeks, and see what comes of it. If nothing I will always have my beloved JBCO.
I'll be posting an update in 4 weeks! So stay tuned!
As well all know, the month of February is coming to an end, and I have one more feature for you guys! While on your HHJ, you meet a lot of great people, be it in the streets, Forums, blogs (like mine ;) lol) anywhere really, and she is definitely one of them! I have grown to adore her, and her curls...and maybe envy every once in a while lol.
Anyway, Stephanie was kind enough to let me ask her a few questions, and share a piece of her NHJ with me. She is a woman of the Military, so for all those ladies who are stationed out somewhere, or are part of another branch, and are contemplating starting your HHJ or NHJ. This is for you!!
So let's meet her!
Hey there! If you don't mind, could you please introduce yourself, and tell us where you're repping?
A: My name is Stephanie Ramsey and I am stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona. I've been in the military for 6 years. Natural for almost two years. I'm originally from California.
How is the natural scene there? A: I've seen a few naturals here. There's not very many women of color here. But of the ones that are here I have seen a handful of naturals and it surprised me!
Where did the idea of going natural come from, what was your inspiration? A: I was inspired to go natural in 2009 while I was on deployment. I had met a girl who had beautiful waist length hair. She told me she was 5 years natural at the time and she had done the big chop. Prior to meeting her I never considered to stop relaxing my hair.
What made you choose transitioning over doing the Big Chop? A: I ended up transitioning unintentionally. At the time I was doing research on natural hair maintenance and products and had stopped relaxing my hair but had no idea that there was a name for what i was doing.
Was there anything that proved to be a challenge while trying to manage those two textures? A: The biggest challenge for me was trying to keep moisture in my hair. My hair always seemed so dry.
What helped you get through those tough times? A: Deep conditioning and cowashing. I cowashed whenever my hair felt dry and I wanted to give it a quick rehydration.
Many of us are obsessed with trying to figure out our texture while transitioning, was that one of your concerns? If not, what was your main focus? A: I didn't care about texture that much. My biggest concern was trying to figure out why my hair was so tightly curled in the back but in the front it was a frizzy, poofy mess. lol
When did you finally Big Chop? A: In May 2010, I decided to BC. I cut off all my hair myself. It was a freeing experience! I loved my new look. I got a lot of compliments and many girls ended up BCing and going natural after they saw my hair.
Are the products and or methods any different from those you used while transitioning? A: YES! When I was transitiong I used a ton of big name, expensive products but these days I get my products from the 99 cent store and they've been working great in my hair. My favorite products are Suave (for my deep conditions), VO5 (for my cowashes), Vitamin e oil, Method of Style activator gel and Vital Care shining gel thats all I use on my hair and they work great!
Would you say there are any advantages or disadvantages to being natural?
A: No disadvantages! I had a lot of issues with my relaxed hair. I always had scabs and extremely bad dandruff. Sometimes my scalp would even bleed. :( But since I've been natural I haven't had to deal with any of those issues! Being natural is amazing! I love my kinky curls!
Are there any tips or tricks you have learned on your Natural Hair Journey that you would like to share with contemplating beginning one?
A: Don't be afraid to try new products or styles & dont feel like you have to spend a ton of money to find a quality product.
Is there any way we can we catch you? A: I'm on Facebook... I've shared pictures of my hair throughout my journey and product reviews on there.
I know I was suppose to do an update last Saturday, but I was out of town. Due to my own laziness, I did not use the potion as much as I should have, last week. I believe it was only 3 times, when I usually use it 4-5 times a week.
I my growth is at a standstill, the measurements are the same. 10 on the right, 11 on the left. My camera is still on the fritz, and my phone is acting weird, so I have to figure out another way to upload pictures.
I will continue to follow my regimen, and hopefully the growth will continue, because I see that this is something you have to be persistent with.
Hopefully I will have better results to report this Saturday.
I'm here to give you guys an update. I have been trying really hard to stay on my Potion regimen. Which I must say can be a bit tedious, especially because I use GHE (Green House Effect). Which leads me to have to cowash in the morning. So that means no Low Manipulation Styling, which I suppose is a good thing, being that Protective Styles help retain length.
(Green House Effect is a natural heating effect caused by using a plastic cap/saran wrap/ or even a plastic bag, and covering that with a bonnet or a scarf. It helps oils penetrate better, and also with moisture.)
Here is the picture comparison.
I want to stay consistent with using the same shirt, but it is in the dirty clothes (lol).
Since pictures can make your hair seem longer/shorter depending on the angle, I make sure to measure.
This week the left measured
10 1/2 inches
the right
11 inches
That's right ladies and gentleman, an inch! Which is unbelievable! So if I get an inch again next week, we will know for sure that this stuff is the truth!
It has also been helping a great deal with my bald areas.(Sorry if it is a bit blurry)
I just had to share! I will be posting next weeks results next Saturday, so look out for that post!
I am a bit late with this one, but I decided that I am going to document my growth weekly, it is a bit hard since my camera decided to break, but I am going to try to make it work for you all!
I will be using my iPhone in the mean time, but I am having a bit of a hard time getting the right angles, to see the length properly. Hopefully I figure it out.
I will be posting updates every Saturday, until I reach my goal of APL.
Here is last weeks progress
Week 1= June 4th- June 11th.
I flat iron the piece in the back to get "true" length, and also since camera's can play tricks on you, meaning in different angles your hair can look longer/shorter I will be measuring as well.
Not on all points of my head. Just in the back. I guess I should start, but I only do the back because that is the straight part.
The left side measured in at
9 1/2 in.
the right at
10 in.
So apparently my hair grows lopsided (lol), hopefully the Potion can fix that, I will also starting this Saturday start tracking the growth on my bald areas as well.
Oh, and I would like to add that the 2oz I had in the water bottle is finished, after following my Hairdrenaline/Potion Regimen.
I started on my 8oz today. So at this rate I am thinking I will have to make a new batch each month, but we will see!
I have an idea for my Regimen for my Homemade "Potion". I have only used it all of...twice (lol) but once leaving on overnight, and Tuesday night, leaving in for 3 hours or so, and cowashing it out.
I now know that my Homemade "Potion" is super thick, so it takes more than 1 cowash to get the oil and the scent off of my scalp. It smells like baked onion & garlic, not a smell you want to walk around people with!
Besides the scent, the "Potion" does tingle/itch, which I see as a good thing, but even if it does not, that does not exactly mean that it is not working. My batch just does.
I used one of my two favorite cowashing conditioners, VO5 Moisturizing Milks Strawberries & Cream, and it took 3 cowashes, and vigorous rubbing to get smell out. Only a faint amount remained, but with use of my leave in, which I like to call my Creamy Olive Aloe Mix ( Aloe Vera Gel, Olive Oil, Dilluted VO5 Moisturizing Milks Passion Fruit Smoothie), and my castor oil mix ( Home Health Castor Oil,Hollywood Beauty Tea Tree Oil, Olive Oil, Sunny Isle Rosemary JBCO) the scent was non existent.
So I think I will be using my "Potion" 3-4x a week
Overnight on Saturday's leaking into Sunday.
For a few hours on
Tuesday, Thursday, and maybe Friday's.
I hate restyling my hair though, especially since I am a lover of Low Manipulation Styling, but doing it this often will encourage me to bun more often, which is great for protecting my ends and will help with retention (gaining and keeping length).
I am also hoping that this will help speed up the growth on my bald area's so I can really start to experiment with styling!
I am sure most of you know that I am a member over on Hairlista, (which is a great hair forum, so check it out if you have not already. Also my beloved Black Hair Planet.) and the big buzz over there has been about this hair "Potion" that promises to help speed up hair growth, to as much as 3 inches in 7 weeks. Of course all cases, and hair is different, so you may not experience those exact results.
There is also a group dedicated for those who are using the potion on Hairlista, which I joined, and lurked (lol) for weeks, before deciding that I wanted to try this for myself, after seeing so many great progress pics, and updates. So she has a fan in me, I also subscribed to her page.
The creator of the "Potion", comes from a lovely woman on Youtube, who's name is Valerie, Her user is OhValeriMonCherie. She experienced growth from creating this potion and was generous enough to share how she makes it. She also sells her "potion".
Here are the how to's (it is a two part)
Here is the link on where to purchase the "Potion". http://www.hairdrenalin.com/ , once on the page, click on where it says, buy potion.
The "Potion" has ingredients that are know to help stimulate growth like
Castor Oil
Cayenne Pepper
Onion/Garlic Seed Oils
Biotin
Black Tea (to help soothe itch)
I figured that this could help put me over the edge to reaching my goal of APL, and possibly BSL by the end of the year. (For acronym definitions, check out this post ) As I just a bit past SL right now.
Using the exact ingredients she used, to make 16oz you will need
45 cut Black Tea bags
1/2 large bottle (1.75oz) of Cayenne Pepper
30 Biotin pills (blended or powder form)
2-4 drops onion seed oil
1-2 drop garlic seed oil
2:1 ratio of onion seed oil to garlic seed oil
I decided to make my own variation to the "Potion", as did not have all the ingredients on hand. I wanted to do a video, but my camera decided it did not want to read my memory card, so I also could not take pictures during either. Smh Thankfully dh was nice enough to let me take pics with his phone, so I have after pics.
I used
16oz of (Home Health) Castor Oil
15 cut (Bigelow) Black Tea Bags
1/2 large bottle of (McCormick) Cayenne Pepper
50 Biotin pills (300mcg) (Known for treating hair loss, and promoting growth)
30 MSM pills (500mcg) (A form of sulphur, that is also growth promoting, which is why I chose it to replace the Onion Seed Oil)
1/4 large bottle of Onion Powder (McCormick 2.65oz) (Also to help replace the use of Onion Seed Oil)
1/4 large bottle of Garlic Powder (McCormick 2.65oz) ( For growth, help replace the use of Garlic Seed Oil)
Like Valerie's "Potion" I infused mine in the oven ( you can use a crock pot on low, as well), and I set mine for 220 degrees, and left it in for 5 hours.
(In her videos she says your temperature should not exceed 225, or be any lower than 200, and you should keep it in the oven for a minimum of 5 hours, but to not exceed 5 1/2)
After it is done, you have to strain your oil, you can use Cheese Cloth, Coffee Filters, or a Knee Hi/Stocking. I used a Knee Hi.
You put whatever one of those over a cup, and pour your mixture into that cup, you can choose to let what's left strain or bottle it.
I strained mine for a extra few minutes, and I got about 10oz out of the batch.
She suggest that if you use a clear bottle, to keep it in the fridge to prevent direct light hitting the bottle, as that could ruin the potency of your "Potion". I used a regular plastic water bottle for my extra 2oz, and an old Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil bottle, which is 8oz, so I am storing mine in the fridge. If you are storing in a dark bottle, or container, your "Potion" will not have to be refrigerated.
Here's how my variation of the "Potion" came out
A lot of ladies are using the GHE effect (Green House Effect, the act of applying an oil, and placing a plastic cap/or saran wrapping your hair, and then tying a scarf around the plastic cap or saran wrap. I also put a satin bonnet on top for added effect.
GHE is suppose to help the oil penetrate the scalp better.) for use of the oil, 7 days a week. I will not be using it that often, maybe 4 times a week.
Last night was my first time using it, did GHE, and I did get a nice itch/tingling feeling, and it smells like a everything bagel (lol), which I do not mind, too much.
I will be taking progress pics in between (June 30th- July 5th), probably the latter, since I started on the 4th of June.
Here is where I'm starting from.
Ignore the pieceyness of it, I only flat ironed a small section. (For those who do not know. I am natural, and have 4a texture hair)
I took this pic for the The Six Inch Challenge over on BHP, on June 1st, so it really came in hand.
So look out for my progress, updates! Hopefully my progress will encourage you all to jump on board!
I wanted to brief you all on my on goings, but blogger had been down for a day or so. As of late I have done my very first set of Flat Twists, which I loved the results of.
I kept it simple, after conditioned hair, I oiled my scalp, I used my Super Moisturizing Homemade Coconut Leave In, sealed with coconut oil, and put my hair into 6 flat twists. I threw on my satin scarf, and untwisted in the morning.
I got the results of a twist out done the regular two strand way, but it turned out a little more stretched, and wavier. I wish I had the pics, I took a couple with my iPhone, but it refuses to send it to my email! So if I can figure it out, or if I do it again, I will take it with my regular camera.
Though I had great results with the flat twist out, I am finding a lot of Single Strand Knots, and I think it is due to my hair being in Low Manipulation styles like twists outs. With that being said, I will be doing a lot more protective styles, and will try to experiment with pin ups. My bald spots kind of make it difficult, but we shall see.
Also speaking of my bald spots, I made a new oil concoction. Not sure how it will turn out but it is a mix of
1oz of Sunny Isle Rosemary JBCO (For growth/thickness, stimulates)
1oz of Hollywood Beauty Tea Tree Oil (Helps with dandruff and stimulates growth)
2oz of EVCO (Strengthens hair, and I have also heard that this helps with stimulation)
2oz of EVOO (Helps with breakage, and adds shine)
4oz of Home Health Castor Oil (For growth/thickness, stimulates)
I was able to measure by using my applicator bottle. I will be using this oil mixture a minimum of 3 times a week, although I would love to use it everyday. I am hoping this mixture will be a winner. *Crossing Fingers*
I'm still feeling a bit lazy about my hair, but I haven't been neglecting it completely, I mean after all, my goal is to reach APL by June. I am sooo not sure how I will accomplish it, and I am thinking about investing in some other stimulating oils. I have been eyeing this oil called Gro-aut Oil, it suppose to be chock full of these stimulating herbal &Ayurvedic (traditional oils native of India) oils.
Of course they do not share exactly what's in it so you cannot replicate their oil, but they have an ingredient list, and they say a few of those listed are in this oil.
They have "normal" oils listed like
Coconut- Helps with hair growth
Olive- Conditions/moisturizes hair and helps with elasticity
Lavender- Promotes hair growth, good for those with hair loss/Alopecia
Jojoba- Which is an oil closest to the oils our scalp produces naturally, and helps restore moisture
Rosemary- Promotes Hair growth (DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT)
Then they have the Ayurvedic Oils like
Bhringraj- Prevents hair loss, and helps with dandruff
Shakakai- Also helps with dandruff and hair loss
Reetha- Helps give hair shine
Lodhra Chaal- Paste made from bark that helps prevent premature greying
Just to name a few.
I am interested in some of the oils listed, and thinking about making my own "Super Grow" oil, but we'll see!
I have been trying to embrace my natural fluff, and get over my hair not being as defined as I want it to be all the time, so tonight I rocked a braid out. I am a huge fan of low manipulation styles if you guys have not noticed!
Kept it simple, I cowashed with Suave Professionals Shea & Almond (my favorite), oiled my scalp with my Rosemary JBCO EVCO mixture, moisturized with my Creamy Aloe Mix, and sealed with EVOO.
I braided my hair into 9-10 plaits, put blue (Cold Wave) Rods on the ends, threw on my satin scarf and kept them in all night and didn't undo them until a couple of hours ago.
Before putting my hair in plaits, I parted my hair to the side, I also coated my finger tips with EVOO so my hair would not be as frizzy.
Here was the result
Poofy, but I like it! I am going to try to do braid outs more often, though my first love will always be twist outs!
I'm back as promised, and I am here to do a review on Sunny Isle's Rosemary Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I have to admit, that this was an oil to get use to, as I usually use Tropical Isle Lavender Jamaican Castor Oil, and the are some differences!
* Please note that I did not purchase this JBCO. It was given to me, so I have no idea of how the shipping process works.
If you buy Sunny Isle Rosemary directly from the distributor's site, this JBCO goes for $10.99 USD for an 8 ounce, excluding shipping costs, which I am assuming will vary, depending on where you live.
Rosemary oil, which I assuming makes the "Rosemary" part to this JBCO, is an essential oil. Essential oils are oils that have an aromatic compound, which makes it great addition to hair care products to give it a pleasant scent. This essential oil in particular has been know to help with stimulating hair growth, which is why it is a good combination to have with JBCO having the ability to help thickening ones hair.
Do not use Rosemary Oil while pregnant.
For easy application, I put this oil in a applicator bottle, I like to be more careful with oils that are harder for me to restock, or a bit pricey!
This is around the time where I do my Cayenne Pepper growth comparisons, but this has been the only "growth aid" I have been using, as I ran out of Cayenne Pepper, and have yet to restock. I refuse to buy a small tin for 5 bucks, so as soon as I see some reasonably priced Cayenne pepper, I will get back to doing my treatments. I have to admit that my regimen has been a teensy bit easier without doing them though, less stuff to do on wash day!
I have been using the oil alone, for a little over a month now, and like I have said before, there are some slight differences between Sunny Isle brand, and Tropical Isle Brand.
Sunny Isle has a thicker consistency, than Tropical Isle. It also has a darker coloring, which could mean a higher ash content.
The Ash comes from the process in which JBCO is extracted, it comes from a seed. The seeds are roasted to release the oil. It is believed that salt can be added to extract more oil, but this is what causes more ash, this ash is carbon, which also effects the consistency.
It is believed that the less ash in the JBCO, means more potency.
Although this oil is thicker than the Tropical Isle Lavender JBCO I usually use, it is still no where close to being as thick as regular clear Cold Pressed, Cold Processed Castor Oil. Which is easier to access, and is also good for thickening, it is just said that JBCO is a bit more potent, and it absorbs easier. For more comparisons check out this post http://beautifulkinks.blogspot.com/2010/07/jamaican-black-castor-oil-vs-regular.html
I can say that it has helped with growth! My bald areas are still filling in, slowly but surely.
It's not amazing progress, but I do see a slight change, I also have been using it along my hair line, and I have seen little baby hair pop up, so I like it. Oh and this JBCO also gives me soft roots as well. My hair also feels thicker, which is a good thing for me, as I have fine hair.
I have not used it long enough to truly tell which brand is better to be honest, so maybe after another month or so of use, I will get more of a feel for it. As for right now, I think Tropical Isle brand is still my favorite.
In the light of comparing the two, I will give Sunny Isle's Rosemary Jamaican Black Castor Oil, a 4/5, (though I have no idea as to which product line has better service/delivery) as I am still a bit weary on how dark this oil is, and it has a thicker consistency than Tropical Isle brand Jamaican Black Castor Oil.
I will revisit, and see if I like it any better...or worse. I hope this info helps a bit!
It is time to do my bi-monthy comparison of my bald spots. I see if the hair on my bald spots have grown in a bit more since December. To be honest, I have not been using cayenne pepper lately, since I have recently ran out. So I cannot really track my growth with the cayenne, as I would usually. So I have strictly been using my JBCO.
Instead of using it 3 times a week as I did when I was doing the cayenne pepper treatments, I now use JBCO 5-7 times a week directly on my spots, and 3 or 4 times throughout my entire scalp.
The only difference with these comparison pics, is that I took them while my hair was wet, so the hair there is sticking together.
The first set of pics were taken, December 2010. The Second set is from this month.
Do you see any difference? I am hoping that I can speed this process up by using another growth aid. I will keep you guys posted when and if I do.
Oh , and I will be using Sunny Isle Rosemary Jamaican Black Castor Oil, for the next month or two, since some was given to me, I have yet to use it, but I can tell you right now, that it is super dark. I am assuming because of the ash content (all JBCO has ash, because of the process it takes to extract the oil from the seed), but this is way more than I am use to seeing with my Tropical Isle Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil, so we will see. I will of course review, after a few uses.
Then I can draw a real comparison between Tropical Isle brand, and Sunny Isle.
