Can We Use Castor Oil On Hair?
The beauty and wellness industry has long embraced the use of natural oils, and castor oil is no exception. Known for its dense texture and unique properties, castor oil has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is commonly touted for its ability to moisturise the scalp, nourish hair follicles, and potentially support stronger hair strands. While anecdotal reports support its use in haircare, scientific studies are still limited, and many claims should be interpreted with caution.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a nutrient-dense oil extracted from castor beans. It contains high amounts of ricinoleic acid, a type of omega-9 fatty acid believed to contribute to its anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties. Apart from its medicinal use, castor oil is frequently found in cosmetics, skincare products, and even pharmaceuticals due to its emollient and healing effects.
How is Castor Oil Useful?
Castor oil is widely believed to support scalp health, enhance moisture retention, and improve hair texture. While it does not directly stimulate hair follicle growth, it may create a healthier scalp environment conducive to hair growth by reducing inflammation, fighting infections, and strengthening hair strands.
Effects of Castor Oil on Hair
1. Anti-inflammatory
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid is an anti-inflammatory compound, which decreases the irritation on the scalp, which tends to inhibit hair growth.
2. Nourishing and strengthening the scalp
The oil is packed with essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants, which may help nourish hair follicles and improve scalp health. This contributes to hair that feels stronger and appears more resilient. Castor oil also functions as an occlusive, sealing in moisture and preventing dryness.
3. Growth of hair
One of the most important benefits of castor oil is it promotes hair growth. Since castor oil is loaded with vitamin E and fatty acids, it tends to strengthen the roots of hair follicles. This also increases the blood circulation needed for hair growth and also regulates the hair growth cycle. Additionally, it acts as a barrier to pollutants.
4. Helps get rid of Dandruff
Castor oil possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties. Due to this reason, it kills the microorganisms that cause dandruff and other scalp infections. It can soothe itchiness and flaking, although it may not be effective for chronic or severe dandruff that requires medicated shampoos.
5. Prevent hair loss
Since castor oil has strengthening properties, it prevents further hair loss.
6. Provides thicker hair
While users may observe hair appearing thicker due to increased moisture and reduced breakage, no clinical studies confirm such significant growth acceleration. Its use in home remedies for eyelashes and brows is common, but again, lacks robust research support.
7. Shiny hair
Castor oil’s moisture-sealing ability can help smooth the hair cuticle, making hair look shinier and less frizzy. Its antioxidant content may support keratin production, although direct effects on keratin synthesis in humans have not been conclusively proven.
8. Prevents hair breakage
By locking in moisture and improving hair elasticity, castor oil may help reduce breakage and improve hair texture, especially in dry or curly hair types. Its humectant properties attract water into the hair shaft, helping it stay hydrated and strong.
9. Beneficial for eyelashes and eyebrows
Castor oil is often applied to eyelashes and eyebrows with the hope of encouraging thickness. While it may help by moisturising hair and reducing breakage, there is no scientific consensus that castor oil can directly stimulate lash or brow growth. Use near the eyes should be done with extreme caution.
What Are The Types Of Castor Oil?
1. Organic Castor Oil
It is predominately used for hair but has shown good results for the skin. A natural moisturizer, it cleanses hair and skin. It is processed without heating and extracted directly from castor seeds.
2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil
It is most commonly used for scalp-related issues. It is formed by roasting castor seeds and is absorbed by hair easily.
3. Hydrogenated Castor Oil
This castor oil is used in lotions and creams due to its thick consistency. It is diluted but thickened due to hydrogenation in the presence of nickel.
How Do I Use Castor Oil?
Castor oil itself is a very thick and sticky oil. The direct application makes it difficult to remove oil from hair.
It’s best to dilute it before application, either with coconut oil or with any other oils like jojoba oil, or olive oil. Castor oil has a characteristic scent, which is unpleasant to some people. Diluting the oil with other oils also solves this problem.
Castor oil with coconut oil
Coconut oil similar to castor oil, is highly rich in fatty acids. This also helps strengthen and enhance hair growth. It helps the mix go deeper into the hair cortex and cuticles.
- Mix two tablespoons of castor oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl.
- Massage the mixture on your scalp for five minutes.
- Apply it from your roots to your ends.
- Cover the head with a shower cap or towel and keep it for at least two hours or overnight.
- Wash off with lukewarm water and shampoo
- Repeat it twice a week and for two months and then STOP it.
It is believed that leaving castor oil for a long time should be avoided. Longer use of castor oil can make hair and scalp dry out.
What Are The Side Effects Of Castor Oil?
Castor oil side effects are usually very rare. But since excessive use of it can cause serious complications, it should be used with precautions.
Castor oil can lead to acute hair felting, which is a rare disorder in which hair becomes tangled into a hard mass. Since it is irreversible, it can be cured only by cutting your hair.
Accidental ingestion of castor is however harmful, and can cause:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Skin rash
What Are The Precautions While Using Castor Oil?
- Castor oil can stain clothes and towels.
- At times hair may require shampooing twice since it is a thicker oil
- If using it for the treatment of hair loss; although remember hair loss may be a sign of underlying diseases. Do get yourself tested before trying any home remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Jamaican black castor oil is often preferred for scalp-related issues due to its ease of absorption and traditional use in haircare.
Use no more than twice a week, and limit the treatment to 2 months at a time to avoid buildup or dryness.
There is no scientific evidence that it promotes eyelash growth, although it may reduce breakage and improve lash appearance.
Use only a sterile applicator, avoid getting the oil into your eyes, and remove it carefully with a gentle cleanser to avoid irritation or infection.
It blends well with coconut oil, jojoba oil, and aloe vera for enhanced moisturising effects.
References
- Tiwari, R., Tiwari, G., Yadav, A., & Ramachandran, V. (2021). Development and Evaluation of Herbal Hair Serum: A traditional way to Improve Hair Quality. The Open Dermatology Journal, 15(1), 52–58. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874372202115010052
- http://www.thermsr.com/index.php/Journal/article/view/400
- Parsons, C. (2024, December 21). Best oils for hair growth. XYON. https://xyonhealth.com/blogs/library/best-oils-for-hair-growth
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