Many people use castor oil for hair growth. It is widely used to manage hair fall and combat hair damage. When used regularly, it can add shine to your hair. Anecdotally evidence claims that it may also improve hair growth, combat dandruff, moisturize hair, and manage infections of the scalp. Show
Read on to learn more about why you should include castor oil in your hair care regimen, how to use it to reap the benefits it offers. In This Article
How Does Castor Oil Work?This vegetable oil is cold-pressed and extracted from castor beans. It is a pale yellow, viscous, and non-volatile oil that has been used for ages. It is also a prevalent beauty staple for hair growth and scalp treatment that works without stripping off the natural hair moisture. The unique structure of castor oil with a fatty acid profile makes it a perfect humectant to seal moisture, provide nourishment to the hair shaft, and promote hair growth. Here’s why you can choose castor oil for hair growth. Why Choose Castor Oil For Hair Growth
Shutterstock
In the next section, we have discussed how to use castor oil effectively for hair growth. Keep reading.
Shutterstock Castor oil can be used in various ways to promote hair growth. While some massage it on the scalp and leave it on for 2-3 hours before washing it away, others leave the oil on overnight. You can choose the method that is comfortable for you. Check the following recipes for the effective application of castor oil to prevent hair loss and promote hair regrowth. 1. How To Use Castor Oil To Combat Hair Loss
Shutterstock What You Need
Directions
Note: This treatment works best on slightly damp hair. [Read: Ashwagandha For Hair] 2. How To Use Castor Oil For Hair RegrowthSome anecdotal evidence suggests that castor can help treat hair loss and even stimulate hair regrowth. Since it is thick and heavy, you can pair it up with another oil to dilute it. Castor oil also has a peculiar smell that may not go well with everyone. Pairing it with other oils, like almond oil, can help solve this issue. The following potion is a combination of four oils – coconut, sweet almond, sesame, and castor. While you can add or remove oils depending on availability and preference, using all four oils together can give you the most effective results. What You Need
Directions
This oil mixture could help induce hair growth. You can make it in large quantities and store. Adding a vitamin E capsule to the mixture can increase its shelf life. You can also make certain DIY hair masks with castor oil to moisturize, nourish, and revive your locks. Listed below are some of the homemade recipes with castor oil that help in hair growth. DIY Hair Masks With Castor Oil For Hair Growth
Shutterstock 1. Castor Oil And Olive Oil Mix For HairWhat You Need
What You Need To Do
How It Helps In Hair Growth Olive oil contains a high proportion of mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids that may protect the hair moisture barrier and seal the moisture. Its other compounds also work as moisturizing agents (8). It also helps condition your hair and reduce hair loss (7). In a study on telogenic mouse skin, topical administration of 0.4 mg olive oil resulted in anagenic hair growth (an active growth phase of hair follicles) (9). Note: You can also use a blend of castor, olive, and lavender oils. 2. Castor Oil And Coconut Oil Mix For HairWhat You Need
What You Need To Do
How It Helps In Hair Growth Coconut oil contains both medium and long-chain fatty acids that strengthen hair and help prevent hair damage (10). The oil penetrates the hair cuticles and hair cortex, providing deep nourishment to the hair strands. It safeguards against the damaging effects of chemical hair treatments (11). Coconut oil also reduces protein loss from chemically-treated and untreated hair (12). 3. Aloe Vera And Castor Oil For Hair GrowthWhat You Need
What You Need To Do
How It Helps In Hair Growth Aloe vera strips off the excess oil, dirt, and impurities from the scalp. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin E contributes to rapid cell turnover, reduces oxidative stress in the scalp, and decreases hair loss (13). In a study in The International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology, the topical application of fenugreek seed gel could improve hair growth on Wistar albino rats (14). Note: Use this blend of castor oil and aloe vera to relieve itchy scalp, dandruff, and hair loss. 4. Castor Oil And Peppermint Oil For Hair GrowthWhat You Need
What You Need To Do
How It Helps In Hair Growth The topical application of peppermint oil was found to induce hair growth in four weeks. It could stimulate the anagen stage (the period when new hair is formed) of hair growth (15). It also could maintain the anagen phase for a longer time and reduce hair loss. It could further help increase hair thickness, follicle numbers, and follicle depth. The methanol in peppermint oil promotes hair growth. In a study in the Microvascular Research, the topical application of methanol was found to promote blood flow (16). This phenomenon could help boost hair growth. 5. Castor Oil And Almond Oil Mix For Hair GrowthWhat You Need
What You Need To Do
How It Helps In Hair Growth Almond oil contains 68% of oleic acid and 25% of linoleic acid (17). These could improve hair resilience and act as a protective barrier in moisture control. A study on rats showed that almond oil could potentially promote hair growth (18). 6. Onion Juice And Castor Oil For Hair GrowthWhat You Need
What You Need To Do
How It Helps In Hair Growth A clinical trial showed that about 87% of people treated with crude onion juice demonstrated fuller hair regrowth (19). Moreover, the nutrients in the onion juice may improve hair shine and strength. 7. Castor Oil And Avocado Oil For Hair GrowthWhat You Need
What You Need To Do
How It Helps In Hair Growth Avocado seed oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids like linoleic acid and linolenic acids (20). These may maintain hair resilience and shine. 8. Castor Oil And Rosemary Oil For Hair GrowthWhat You Need
What You Need To Do
How It Helps In Hair Growth A study showed that rosemary oil helps treat androgenic alopecia (hormonal hair loss) and promotes effective hair growth (21). Moreover, rosemary oil contains antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that protect the hair strands from environmental damage and prevent fungal infections. The oil may also increase hair count (22). There are primarily three types of castor oils available on the market. Let us take a quick look at them. Types Of Castor Oils
Which of these three varieties is preferable? We will understand the same in the following section. What Is The Best Type Of Castor Oil For Hair GrowthThe health benefits of the cold-pressed castor oil and JBCO are similar, except that the Jamaican variant has more pronounced benefits, given its unadulterated processing method. Anecdotal research suggests that Jamaican black castor oil improves blood circulation to the scalp, thereby encouraging hair growth. The oil may also nourish the scalp, strengthen the hair roots, and treat thinning hair. It could make your hair thicker, fuller, and shinier as well. Cold-pressed castor oil mainly works on the hair shaft and leaves luminous, shiny hair. Moreover, JBCO has a thicker consistency and suits even those with thicker or coarse hair. While the cold-pressed castor oil has a slightly thinner consistency, it best suits those with thin or fine hair. How Often Should You Use Castor Oil On Your Hair?Oiling your hair helps keep it hydrated and nourished. You need to oil your hair at least once or twice a week. Keep in mind that too much castor may cause hair felting (23). Hence, you can try a combination of castor oil with other oils like jojoba, coconut, or olive. Castor oil is thick and sticky. Hence, washing it off your hair could be a strenuous task. The following section helps you overcome this. How To Remove Castor Oil From Hair Easily
Shutterstock
Castor oil has other benefits besides helping with healthy hair growth. Check the following section. Other Benefits Of Castor Oil
Though castor oil has several benefits for hair and health, excess use may also lead to some adverse effects. We have listed them below. Possible Side Effects Of Castor Oil
Note: Always do a patch test on your elbow or back of the ear before applying the oil to your scalp or skin. Infographic: Health Benefits Of Castor OilCastor oil is packed with many nutrients and beneficial compounds. It enhances the taste of your food and improves your health. This popular cooking oil can help address various health concerns. Check out the infographic below to learn how castor can improve your health.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team Castor oil for hair growth works effectively by sealing moisture and nourishing the hair. In addition, it stimulates blood circulation and hair growth, reduces scalp inflammation, prevents scalp infections, increases hair luster, strengthens hair roots, and combats hair loss and damage. You can mix castor oil with olive oil, hibiscus petals, coconut oil, onion juice, avocado oil, aloe vera, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, and almond oil for preparing hair masks to boost hair growth. Try regularly including castor oil in your hair care regimen to reap its benefits. Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I apply castor oil every day? No. As castor oil is a type of heavy oil, it is recommended to apply it once a week to keep your tresses from looking greasy. Does castor oil help baldness? Possibly. By boosting hair growth and reducing hair fall, castor oil may aid in the prevention of baldness and encourage hair regrowth. Key Takeaways
SourcesArticles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Check out our editorial policy for further details.
Was this article helpful? The following two tabs change content below.
Anjali specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. Her philosophy... more Dr. Veerula (Dr. V) is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of... more How long does it take for castor oil to grow hair?"For people who will benefit, I have seen positive results typically after six to eight weeks of use," he says. Still, it's important to note that results won't last forever. Ongoing use is required to maintain the benefits of castor oil, Gaunitz adds.
Does castor oil makes hair thicker?Castor oil is great for hair regrowth and thickening
That is also why it is so popular as an eyebrow, eyelash, and beard serum—to promote hair growth in such areas. It's also great for those who have fewer hairs on their head and want to stimulate more growth overall.
How often should I use castor oil for hair growth?It should be thought of as a weekly treatment and is not meant for daily use. He suggests applying a small amount of castor oil to dry hair once per week, leaving it on for 30 minutes or longer, then washing it out with a clarifying shampoo.
What does castor oil actually do for hair?Aside from being anti-inflammatory, castor oil has a few other noteworthy properties. “Some benefits of using castor oil include increased gloss or shine of the hair, increased hair shaft flexibility by coating the hair shaft, [and] providing antimicrobial properties,” says Dr. Hill.
|