Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner (340ml) 1. Description

This leave-in conditioner from SheaMoisture is part of their Jamaican Black Castor Oil “Strengthen & Restore” line. It is formulated to soften, detangle, and provide a protective layer against breakage for hair that has been chemically treated, heat styled, relaxed, or is curly/coily/natural.

Key ingredients include Jamaican Black Castor Oil, certified organic Shea Butter, Peppermint Oil, and Apple Cider Vinegar (in some markets/variants).

It is marketed as suitable for “all hair types” but especially for hair that is damaged or in need of strengthening and elasticity.

2. Format

Size: 340 ml (approximately 11.5 fl oz) in many listings.

Type: Leave-in conditioner (i.e., you apply after shampooing/towel drying, and you do not rinse out).

Packaging: Bottle typical of hair-care leave-in product. Suitable for repeated use (daily or as needed) depending on hair’s needs.

Because it is a leave-in, it is part of the styling/treatment phase rather than the rinse-out conditioner phase.

3. Sensory Profile

Feel & Texture:

The formula is rich and creamy: designed to provide slip (ease of combing/detangling) and to coat hair strands with strengthening oil and butter. For instance: “This reparative leave-in conditioner softens and detangles hair while controlling frizz.”

As a leave-in product, it may feel more substantial than a lightweight spray or serum but not as heavy as a full mask.

Scent / Other Sensations:

Some users note a peppermint tingling on scalp because of Peppermint Oil.

Others mention the scent is strong and somewhat polarizing. > “It smells like old play-dough to me and it lingers…”

Because it contains Apple Cider Vinegar in some formulations, there may be a faint vinegary/minty note in the scent.

Effect on Hair:

Intended benefits: improved elasticity, reduced breakage, easier detangling, smoother texture and less frizz. For example, product description: “Softens, detangles hair while controlling frizz… helps nourish, moisturize and support elasticity so hair resists breakage when detangling.”

Some users report very good results:

“I have no regrets. … My hair feels moisturized all week.”

But not all users are positive:

“that conditioner was awful for me. … My hair was still tangly and had no slip.”

Limitations / Considerations:

Because it is rich and leave-in, for users with fine hair or low-product-use maybe it feels heavy.

Some curly-hair forum discussions mention residue or slight build-up: e.g., > “It doesn’t feel moisturized … it hardens the ends of my hair …”

Product contains certain fragrance & active ingredients (peppermint, ACV) which may not suit all scalps.

4. Wears & Suggestions

When to Use / Who It Suits:

Best for after shampooing (and possibly after rinse-out conditioner) on towel-damp hair.

Ideal for hair that is chemically treated (relaxed, coloured, heat-styled) or naturally curly/coily needing strength and support.

For hair that breaks easily, lacks elasticity, tangles/knots easily.

If your hair is extremely fine or you prefer minimal product, you might use a smaller amount or pick a lighter leave-in.

How to Use:

After washing/conditioning, towel dry hair until damp (not dripping).

Apply a generous amount of the leave-in (you might need more or less depending on hair length/thickness). Work through hair from roots (or mid-length) to ends. Use fingers or wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly.

Since it is leave-in, you do not rinse it out. Then style as usual (air-dry, diffuse, blow dry, etc).

For best strength results: use in combination with the matching “Strengthen & Restore” shampoo & rinse-out conditioner lines for synergy.

Pairing / Styling Tips:

Pair with a good rinse-out conditioner or deep conditioning mask when hair needs extra moisture/repair.

Use a heat protectant if you will heat-style, as the leave-in supports strength but doesn’t replace heat protection.

For natural/curly hair: after applying the leave-in, you can follow with a styling cream or gel if you do twist-outs, braids, etc.

For fine hair: consider using only on mid-lengths/ends (avoid heavy on roots) or dilute amount to avoid heaviness.

In humid climates (like Lagos): ensure you apply properly and perhaps use less product if you find it weighs hair or leaves a film.

5. Helpful Tips

Buying / Authenticity:

Confirm size (340 ml) and check packaging for batch codes, proper brand marking, sealed cap.

Look at price benchmarks in Nigeria: e.g., Jumia lists for this product ~ ₦19,500.
Given import/stock issues, ensure you buy from a reliable seller (especially for hair-care brands where counterfeits can exist).

Store bottle upright, in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve formula.

Usage & Maintenance Tips:

Because this contains strengthening actives, if your hair is already very fine and low-damage, using too much might feel heavy or leave a film — start with small amount, see how hair responds.

Since it contains Peppermint/Oils/ACV: if you have a sensitive scalp, patch test first (especially near ear/back of neck) to avoid irritation.

Don’t skip rinsing out product from earlier steps (shampoo/conditioner) — leave-in works best on properly prepared hair.

For best detangling benefit: apply the leave-in while hair is damp and use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to distribute it to minimize breakage.

When It Might Not Be Ideal / Things to Watch:

If your hair is extremely dry/high-porosity you may still need a more intensive treatment in addition to this leave-in; this product supports strength and manageability but may not fully replace deep-repair masks.

If you are following a “minimal/low-product” hair-care regime and dislike fragrances or richer textures, you might prefer a lighter leave-in.

Some user complaints:

“I found … it was too heavy / messed with my scalp.”

If you use this product daily and apply a lot, build-up is possible — include occasional clarifying as needed.