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. 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
Castor oil, when combined with other carrier oils, stimulates hair growth due to the presence of vitamin E and fatty acids. It stimulates blood circulation and strengthens the hair roots (1). Ricinoleic acid, one of the major constituents of castor oil, has anti-inflammatory properties (2). Hence, it may help reduce scalp inflammation. The antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties of castor oil may help treat hair loss (3). The oil could also prevent scalp infections. Castor oil contains the highest percentage of fatty acids (long-chain carbonic acids (99%), like omega-6 fatty acids) compared to any other carrier oil (4). A study showed that omega-6 fatty acids (arachidonic acid) promote hair growth by increasing the growth factors in human dermal papilla cells (cells that promote dermal-epidermal reactions to regulate the hair growth cycle) (5). Castor oil may improve the appearance of hair and increase its luster (6). On average, hair follicles grow about 0.5 to 1.7 cm per month. But certain anecdotal studies showed that castor oil (thanks to its strong fatty acid content, including 90% ricinoleic acid) stimulates prostaglandin E2 (active lipid compound) that activates the dilation of blood vessels to improve blood flow. Better blood flow supplies more oxygen and nutrients to the dermal papilla, or the hair roots, leading to healthier hair growth. Castor oil also contains antioxidants that protect hair from environmental aggressors and strengthen the hair roots (3). A study showed that castor oil, when diluted with other carrier oils, helps reduce split ends, hair loss, and hair damage (7).
In the next section, we have discussed how to use castor oil effectively for hair growth. Keep reading.
How To Use Castor Oil For Hair Growth
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
What You Need
1/2 cup castor oil
Directions Note: This treatment works best on slightly damp hair. [Read: Ashwagandha For Hair]
2. How To Use Castor Oil For Hair Regrowth
Some 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
2 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil 2 tablespoons of sesame oil 1 tablespoon of castor oil
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
1. Castor Oil And Olive Oil Mix For Hair
What You Need
1-2 tablespoons of castor oil 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil 5-6 hibiscus petals
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 Hair
What You Need
2 tablespoons of castor oil 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (liquid)
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 Growth
What You Need
2 teaspoons of castor oil 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel 1 teaspoon of basil powder 2 teaspoons of fenugreek powder
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 Growth
What You Need
100 ml of castor oil 2-3 drops of peppermint oil
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 Growth
What You Need
2 tablespoons of castor oil 2 tablespoons of almond oil
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 Growth
What You Need
2 tablespoons of castor oil 2 tablespoons of onion juice
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 Growth
What You Need
1 tablespoon of castor oil 1 tablespoon of avocado oil 1 tablespoon of olive oil
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 Growth
What You Need
2 teaspoons of castor oil 2 teaspoons of coconut oil 2-3 drops of rosemary essential oil
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 Growth
The 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
Use Lukewarm Water: Use lukewarm water to damp your scalp and hair. This process will open your scalp pores to release the stored grime and dirt. Make A Rich Lather: Take some shampoo in your palms and add some water to it. Rub your palms to form a rich lather. This action will make your palms moist, thus avoiding friction that may otherwise cause hair breakage. Gentle Application: Apply the shampoo to your hair and scalp. Massage gently using your fingertips. Let the shampoo stay for a minute. Wash It Off: Wash your hair with warm water. Use your fingers to make circular motions along the scalp to wash any leftover shampoo. Use A Leave-In Conditioner: Apply some leave-in conditioner to your hair and its tips. Leave it on for three to five minutes. Wash With Cold Water: Wash your hair entirely with cold water. This step locks and seals the moisture and makes your hair richer and shinier. Towel Dry: Use a fresh towel to dry your hair. Do not rub your wet hair harshly. Let it air-dry. Use A Wide Toothed Comb: Use a good quality (preferably wooden) comb to untangle your hair.
Castor oil has other benefits besides helping with healthy hair growth. Check the following section.
Other Benefits Of Castor Oil
It has a powerful laxative effect on the intestinal tract. When taken mouth, it is broken down into the small intestine by the enzyme lipase (lipid or fat-breaking enzyme), releasing ricinoleic acid. The acid increases the motility of the uterus and the intestines (24). A castor oil pack relieves constipation by reducing the strain during defecation. It also offers a feeling of complete evacuation after a bowel movement (25). When combined with other carrier oils like that of almond, olive, and coconut, the oil works as an excellent emollient. It seals skin hydration and softens and soothes the skin. The oil helps in wound healing (26). The ricinoleic acid in castor oil has an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect (27).
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
It may cause severe hair-felting if not mixed with other carrier oils (23). The viscous consistency of castor oil may block the scalp pores and leave hair feeling too oily. The oil (the hydrogenated variant) may cause allergic reactions to the scalp or the skin (28).
Note: Always do a patch test on your elbow or back of the ear before applying the oil to your scalp or skin. Can I apply castor oil every day? Check out the infographic below to learn how castor can improve your health. 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.
