Shea Moisture came out with the Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) line late in 2014. I wasn’t really keen on trying it out, because I have always shied away from using castor oil as it is one of the heavy, ‘greasier’ oils and has a noticeable smell.

Fast forward to this year and I was looking for something new to try. I have been using my usual routine for ages.

I ended up buying the JBCO Strengthen, Grow & Restore w/Shea Butter, Peppermint & Keratin Shampoo, Treatment Masque and Leave-In Conditioner. The packaging is a bright, buttercup yellow, which makes it easy to see on a shelf and all the products have a faint, butter smell that is quite pleasant. These products are formulated for natural, chemically processed, colour treated or heat styled hair. And for those concerned, the keratin in this is hydrolyzed protein which is a larger protein chain that has been broken up in to smaller pieces so that it can fit into the cracks of the hair shaft therefore strengthening the hair. The problem with the Brazilian or keratin smoothing treatments found in popular salon treatments is that there are ingredients other than the keratin that contain formaldehyde or produce formaldehyde gas when heated.

The Shampoo.

JBCO Shampoo

It is a clarifying shampoo that is sulphate-free and all natural. It contains apple cider vinegar that clarifies the hair as well as balance the pH, which in turns strengthens the hair. It comes with 25% more product (16.3 fl. oz.) than their normal shampoos. It colour is light brown and is extremely creamy and moisturizing. I was surprised at how lovely it smelled and it did not have the heaviness of castor oil. It lathered quite well, was moisturizing and it did not dry out my hair at all. My hair did not feel stripped. It contains peppermint, but I did not feel the typical tingly-ness or burning.

The Treatment Masque

JBCO Treatment Masque

This product is amazing! I think it might be the best of the treatment masques in the SM line. It was a light brown, thick cream, with the characteristic scent. I applied this to freshly washed hair and kept it on for about 45 mins. Afterwards, I actually was able to thoroughly finger detangle my hair. It does not have a lot of slip, but I assume that because of the shea butter and castor oil, I had not problems taking out the knots. My hair felt really soft and it do not leave an oily residue. This promises to treat damaged hair as well as strengthening and deep moisturizing hair strands.

Leave-In Conditioner

JBCO Leave-In Conditioner

This comes in a large 16 oz. tub that has a creamy texture instead of the semi-gelatinous texture of some of my favourite leave-ins. It has a very similar texture to the masque, but a little bit thinner. Again it has an off-white/light brown colour. If you are a fan of the LOC method of moisturizing, this can be considered the ‘lotion’ product. It is also a really good product and helped keep my hair moisturized while in twists. I don’t think it is better than my all time favourite Kinky Curly Knot Today, but it works very well. One downside, I have paired this with a number of creamier moisturizers and it did not react well with Oyin’s boing. It did not mix well and left a fine residue on my hair, like having sand in it. I had no problems with combining it with other products.  Not the absolute best leave-in, but more than good.

So what do I think? Shea Moisture knocked this one of the park. I know I say this every time, but this is the best line that they have come out with. Well done! As a matter of fact, this line is ideal for all hair types, from kinky to straight! So check this line out at your local Target, beauty supply store and in Trinidad, Body Beautiful on d’Avenue. But call first, this like is super popular and sells out quickly!

Overall Grade: A-

FTC Disclosure: Products were purchased by me, Noire Tropical Beauty.  All opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own. I have not been compensated for this review.  For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy.

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