Castor Oil Challenge: Week One

 Day 1 (Oct 26, 2009)

So I applied my first Castor oil "treatment" to my scalp for the week. Let me tell you that bottle really knocked me back when I first opened it. I wasn't expecting it to smell the way that it does. I am trying to put my finger on it, but if I had to identify what it smells like I would have to say it smells like roasted sesame. I'm not a fan at all. In the morning I could still smell it. It made me so self-conscious the whole day. I mean I am very big on hygiene, so needless to say I was concerned. The things we go through for our hair...

Day 2 (Oct 27, 2009)
The smell is not as intense. Perhaps my nose is just sensitive to this stuff.

Day 3 (Oct 28, 2009)
Okay, on the second try I attempted to reduce the smell and was somewhat successful at making it smell better by using equal parts castor oil and jojoba oil and adding a drop each of lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil and clary sage. Let's see, there is some itchiness after immediate use in some spots, which it's bearable, but I am noticing some scabbing on the scalp as well.

Day 4 (Oct 29, 2009)

The smell isn't as intense when I woke up this morning as it was the first morning; a definite plus. The itchiness is still there in spots and the scabs remain. I actually went by a store that Sunshyne over at Hairlista.com recommended to pick up a different brand of JBCO, so I will see if there is a difference in terms of smell and how my scalp feels. I will use the other CO I bought earlier for my pre-poos or something.

                                  
Day 5 (Oct 30, 2009)
So I tried the new JBCO and I must say it was much better. I only used it in my trouble spots though (e.g. temples and sides) because they are the slowest to grow. I must say I much prefer this brand. The smell was less intense and there was little to no itchiness. Getting a relaxer tomorrow, so I will  post some "before" pics. I know it is a week after I started the challenge, but really what difference will a week make? 

Day 6 (Oct 31, 2009) 
Got a relaxer. No burning, lost some length, but it was necessary to even out my ends. Despite losing some of my hair, the sides of my hair are still so short. It's always been that way,  but I am determined to get it growing. 

As far as the CO challenge is going, I did notice that my new growth was soft and my curls were more defined. Not sure if I can give credit to the CO for that one though. There was also little to no itchiness, which I will give CO props for--hey it may look like I have conquered my first mini goal . Well see. 

One week down, eleven more to go....