If you’ve been dreaming of long, luscious hair, castor oil may just be the game changer you need. Widely touted as a miracle ingredient for hair since ancient times, castor oil has seen a recent spurt in popularity. Several viral posts on TikTok and Instagram pay homage to this wonder ingredient for the hair. While there is no scientific evidence yet that castor oil has benefits for hair health, several people who have used it claim otherwise. We tried a little experiment at Wellthinest to test the benefits of castor oil for hair for ourselves. 10 of our writers and editors incorporated castor oil into their regular hair care regime for a period of three months. The results were spectacular! From thicker hair, faster hair growth to improved smoothness, castor oil had made a real difference. One of our writers who had been experiencing thinning hair reported a marked difference in hair quality. Her hair was noticeably thicker overall and especially in a few patches where there had been visible thinning earlier.
Dermatologists and hair experts we spoke to corroborated this anecdotal evidence as well. If used correctly, castor oil does have the potential to give you the hair of your dreams.
So what is castor oil exactly?
Castor oil is extracted from the pressed seeds of the castor oil plant Ricinus communis, which is mainly grown in India, China, Africa and South America. It is clear or pale yellow in colour and has a thick texture and a distinct scent. Rich in nutrients, castor oil has multiple benefits for the skin and hair, and has medicinal, healing and pharmaceutical uses as well.
Benefits of castor oil for hair
1. Nourishes, moisturizes and strengthens hair
Castor oil has a powerful nutritional profile, making it a fantastic hair food. Composed of proteins, vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants, it nourishes the scalp and hair follicles. The nutrients in castor oil protect the hair follicles from damaging external tissue and cellular invaders. What’s more, its rich fatty acid content makes it wonderfully nourishing and moisturizing. It coats the shaft of the hair, reducing damage and strengthening the hair.
If you have dry hair, castor oil with its excellent emollient properties may be just what your hair needs. Regular massages with warm castor oil can help seal the moisture and natural oils in the hair. It is also a natural conditioner, keeping the hair glossy and soft.
2. May boost hair growth
Regular use of castor oil can help your hair grow longer, thicker and stronger. Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic and omega-6 fatty acids. Ricinoleic acid is known to stimulate the Prostaglandin E2 receptor which leads to blood vessel dilation. This increases the flow of nutrient rich blood to the dermal papilla, or the hair root. The omega-6 fatty acids in castor oil may also help promote hair growth.
Regularly massaging the scalp with warm castor oil can improve blood circulation and boost hair growth. In fact, there are claims that applying castor oil just once a month can boost hair growth by 5 times the usual rate. However these claims are not substantiated by research yet.
3. Anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties
Castor oil has strong anti-microbial properties that can be useful in warding off microbial or fungal overgrowth on the scalp. It has anti-inflammatory properties as well. At a molecular level, castor oil is basically a long chained fatty acid. Apart from providing essential nutrients and proteins to the hair follicle, fatty acids prevent hair follicle inflammation.
Castor oil’s anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties make it super useful at warding off scalp infections. It can be an effective treatment for dandruff as well.
4. Increases absorption of other products
Regular use of castor oil can help other hair care products penetrate more effectively into the scalp. Castor oil penetrates the hair shaft easily, making it an excellent carrier for other products. Experts say that when castor oil is mixed with other hair oils, it increases their absorption. The oils can penetrate the hair follicles better, making them more efficacious.
5. Slows down premature greying
Castor oil is an excellent home remedy to slow down premature greying. Regularly massaging your scalp with warm castor oil can help prevent premature greying. The fatty acids in castor oil boost blood circulation to the scalp, helping the hair retain its natural colour pigment. It is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which help slow down the formation of grey hair as well.
6. Helps with a flaky scalp
Dandruff and other scalp conditions may cause flaking and itching. This is especially common in the rainy and winter seasons. The rich fatty acid content in castor oil moisturizes the scalp, helping with flaking or dryness. This makes it a great pre-shampoo conditioner for folks with a dry scalp or dandruff. Its anti-inflammatory properties help prevent scalp infections or inflammation. It also helps to maintain the pH balance of the scalp, helping with overall scalp health.
How to use castor oil for hair
If you’d like to incorporate castor oil into your haircare routine, start with a patch test. Massage a few drops of castor oil into your scalp and on your skin and check for any adverse reactions. Experts recommend using castor oil not more than once a week. Castor oil is thick, heavy and sticky so it works best when mixed with another natural oil, like coconut. Blend one part castor oil with two parts of coconut oil in a steel bowl. Warm up the oil by dipping the bowl in hot water. Gently massage the oil into your scalp, along the hair and at the tips. Work it through the roots of your hair and along the shaft. Give those tips at little extra TLC, they tend to dry out faster. Leave it on for 20 minutes to an hour while you relax with a good book and a cuppa! Wash it off with your regular shampoo and condition as usual.
Does castor oil work for the eyelashes and eyebrows?
The answer is a resounding yes! Castor oil has been used as an age-old remedy for thicker eyelashes. Make sure you do a patch test first though. To apply castor oil on your eyelashes and eyebrows make sure your face is clean and you have removed all traces of makeup. Use a cotton swab to apply castor oil over your eyebrows and eyelashes. Use a tissue to make sure it doesn’t get into your eyes.
Does castor oil have any side effects?
Castor oil is generally considered safe to use. Ensure that you do a patch test first on your hair and skin before you use it. It’s also important to remember that castor oil needs to be used in small quantities, so don’t go overboard. The recommended usage for castor oil for hair is not more than once a week. If you have very oily hair, castor oil may be a bit of an overkill for you. Try and experiment with it first to see if it’s the right product for you. Castor oil can stain your clothes so change into an old tee and be careful when you apply it. Do not consume castor oil under any circumstances without checking with a medical professional first. Pregnant women need to be especially careful as anecdotal evidence suggests that castor oil may induce labour.
What is the best type of castor oil to use?
Experts recommend using cold pressed castor oil. The term ‘cold pressed’ indicates that no heat or harsh chemicals were used during the extraction of the oil. Cold pressed castor oil is nutrient rich and high quality, making it a great hair care product.
Ensure that you use your castor oil before it reaches the end of its shelf life. Castor oil needs to be stored carefully in a cool, dry place.
Summing Up…
Castor oil can be a great addition to your hair care routine. Used correctly, it can be the game changer your hair needs! Our team here at Wellthinest sure did benefit from this hair wonder food as our newly luscious locks will testify. So go ahead and check it out for yourself, your hair will thank you!