Janet J
Many use castor oil for hair growth. It is commonly used to handle hair fall and combat damages in hair. When used daily, castor oil can add extra shine to your hair. Studies have proved that castor oil improves hair growth, fights dandruff, moisturizes hair, and manages any kind of infections on the scalp.
Read on to know more about the benefits of castor oil for hair growth, the benefits of including castor oil in your hair care routine, how to use it to enjoy maximum benefits from it.
Sourced from the castor bean, castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid- a kind of fatty acid that fights inflammation. When we apply it to the scalp, it promotes healthy hair growth and avoids hair loss.
In this article, we are discussing the benefits of castor oil for hair growth along with different ways to use it. We also cover different types of castor oil, its side effects, and much more.
How Does Castor Oil Work for Hair Growth?
It is a vegetable oil that is cold-pressed and extracted from castor beans. The oil is pale yellow in color, non-volatile, and viscous that has been in use for ages. It is one of the best options for scalp treatment and hair growth that works without washing away the natural hair moisture.
Here’s why you should choose castor oil for hair growth.
Why Choose Castor Oil for Hair Growth
- Castor oil, when mixed with other oils, stimulates growth of hair because of the presence of fatty acids and Vitamin E. It stimulates circulation of blood and makes the hair roots strong.
- Ricinoleic acid, one of the essential constituents of castor oil, has immense anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it may reduce inflammation in the scalp.
- The antifungal, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of castor oil may help in treating hair loss. This oil could also prevent any kind of scalp infections.
- Castor oil has a high percentage of fatty acids when compared to other carrier oil. According to astudy, omega-6 fatty acids promotes growth of hair by improving the growth factors in human dermal papilla cells.
- Castor oil may enhance the look of your hair and at the same time increases its luster.
- On an average, hair follicles grow by 0.5 to 1.7 cm every month. But few anecdotal studies proved that castor oil stimulates prostaglandin E2 that stimulates the dilation of blood vessels to enhance flow of blood. Improved flow of blood supplies more amount of oxygen and essential nutrients to hair roots, which in turn leads to healthy hair growth.
- Castor oil consists of antioxiants that protect hair from various environmental aggressors and makes the hair roots strong.
- Accordong to a study, when we mix castor oil with some other carrier oils, it can reduce hair loss, split ends, and further damage to hair.
Ways to Use Cator Oil for Hair Growth
Castor oil can be used in different ways to promote hair growth. If you want to use castor oil for hair growth, then take a few drops of castor oil, rub between the palms and then apply it to your scalp. You can even massage a few more drops of castor oil into the ends and midsection of your hair. This will prevent the hair from any kinds of breakage and improve hair texture too.
Castor oil is heavy and sticky too, making it a bit difficult to remove from the hair. For best results, mix it with other natural oils like jojoba or coconut oil. This will even balance the smell of castor oil, which many find unpleasant. Just mix a part of castor oil with two parts of another carrier oil.
There is no exact time for how long you should keep castor oil on your hair. Leaving it for long hours can actually make your hair and scalp dry, so it is suggested to wash it after 2 hours.
Hair experts recommend using castor oil not more than once every week. Using it more frequently can cause buildup and cause problems like matting.
Different Types of Castor Oil for Hair Growth
A. Organic Castor oil- Best for hair, good for skin problems, Hydrogenated Castor oil is generally used in lotions and creams because of its thick consistency.
B. Jamaican Black Castor oil- Used to treat certain scalp and skin-related problems like acne, Jamaican black castor oil is extracted from castor seeds directly, without heating it. This oil can be either unrefined or refined.
C. Hydrogenated Castor oil- It is a diluted form of castor oil for hair growth. Castor oil undergoes the procedure of hydrogenation which is a chemical procedure that processes the oil in the presence of a nickel catalyst. It is generally used in creams and lotions due to its thick consistency.
Different methods to Use Castor Oil For Hair Growth
- Coconut oil and castor oil- Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, both long-chain and medium. Therefore, it makes hair stronger, improves hair growth and avoids hair damage. It gets deep into hair cuticles and cortex to act. This combination helps against the damage caused by different hair treatments. When you mix coconut oil and castor oil, the benefits are immense.
Method to follow:
- Mix coconut oil and castor oil
- Massage this mixture on the scalp for neary five minutes
- Ensure that your hair including the roots and ends are covered with oil
- Cover your head with a towel or shower cap
- You can keep this oil for at least two hours or overnight
Repeat this process twice a week and continue it for at least two months to see effective results.
2. Castor oil and olive oil- Olive oil is rich in mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. This safeguards and seals the natural moisture barrier of the hair. Olive oil can be used as a natural conditioner, lessens hair loss, and help in the growth of hair. When mixed with castor oil, it is an effective mask for healthy hair.
Method to follow:
- Mix both the oils in equal proportions, depending on the length of your hair
- Heat the oil for nearly 10 seconds on medium flame
- Apply this on the scalp and massag for 10 minutes
- Using a towel, seal the moisture and leave as it is for an hour
- Wash your hair using shampoo
Follow this process at least once every week.
3. Mix onion juice and castor oil for hair growth- Onion juice is known for boosting hair growth. At the same time, it reduces hair fall. Moreover, it also offers strength and adds extra shine to the hair. A combination of castor oil and onion juice results in a hair mask that is less messy. This mask is best for shinier and fuller hair.
Method to follow:
- Take 2 tablespoons of castor oil and mix it with 2 tablespoons of onion juice
- Mix these two well and apply this mixture
- Massage it and leave it for two hours
- Wash it off with shampoo and lukewarm water.
4. Mix almond oil and castor oil for hair growth- For preparing this mixture, you will need 2 tablespoons of castor oil and 2 tablespoons of almond oil. Mix both these oils in a bowl and heat this mixture on a medium flame for some time. Now apply this mixture to your hair and scalp. Massage this throughout your hair using your fingers and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, wash it with lukewarm water and shampoo.
How almond oil and Castrol use is beneficial for hair growth
Almond oil consists of 68% oleic acid and 25% linoleic acid. These could enhance hair resilience and plays the role of a barrier in controlling moisture. According to a study conducted on rats, it was found that almond oil could potentially improve hair growth.
5. Avocado oil and castor oil for hair growth- To prepare this mixture, you will need 1 tablespoon of castor oil. 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Take a bowl and mix these three oils in a bowl. Now, apply this mixture to your scalp and then gently massage it for 5 to 10 minutes using your fingertips. Wash it off using lukewarm water and shampoo. For effective results, use this mixture once every week. This mixture gives stronger and healthier hair.
How this mixture helps in hair growth
Avocado seed oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids like linolenic acids. These acids help in maintaining hair resilience and natural shine
6. Rosemary oil and Castor oil for hair growth- For preparing this mixture, you will require 2 teaspoons of castor oil 2 teaspoons of coconut oil and 2 to 3 drops of rosemary essential oil. Mix both coconut oil and castor oil in a bowl. Heat the bowl until both the oils are blended properly. Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to this mixture.
Now, using your fingers massage your hair and scalp with this hot oil for about 5 to 10 minutes. This hot oil treatment lets all essential nutrients seep into the hair roots and protects the natural shine. Leave this oil for about 15 minutes. Now wash your hair using a mild shampoo. For getting the best results, follow this treatment every week for a few months.
How Does It Help in Hair Growth
According to a study, rosemary oil helps in treating androgenic alopecia and helps in the growth of hair. In addition, Rosemary oil consists of essential antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that protect the hair from any kind of environmental damage and avoid fungal infections. This oil is known for promoting hair growth and also increases hair count.
Ways to Remove Castor oil from Hair
- If you are using castor oil for hair growth, you must use lukewarm water to get rid of that extra oil in your hair. Use lukewarm water to damp your hair and scalp. This procedure will open the scalp pores to get rid of the stored dirt and grime.
- Form a rich lather- Take a bit of shampoo in your palms, add few drops of water to it. Rub your palms together to form a rich lather. This will moist your palms, therefore avoiding friction that may otherwise cause breakage in hair.
- Apply in a gentle way- Apply the shampoo to your scalp and hair. Massage this mixtiure on your hair and scalp using fingertips. Let the shampoo stay for a while.
- Wash it- Wash your hair using warm water. Use your fingertips and in circular motions along your scalp to get rid of amy kind of leftover shampoo.
- Use a conditioner- Apply some conditioner to your hair as well as tips. Leave it for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Wash with cold water- Wash your hair with cold water. This step will help in locking and sealing the moisture and makes the hair shinier and richer.
- Use a dry towel- To dry your hair, use a fresh towel. Never rub your wet hair. Allow it to air dry.
- Use a comb with wide teeth- Use a high quality, prefereably wooden comb to untangle your hair.
Castor oil has multiple benefits besides helping with healthy hair growth.
Other benefits of castor oil for hair growth
- Castor oil has a powerful laxative effect on the inntestine. When one takes it through mouth, it breaks down into small intestine by the enzyme lipase, which releases ricinoleic acid. This acid increases the motility of the intestines and uterus.
- A castor oil pack helps in constipation by lessening the strain during defecation. It also gives a felling of total evacuation after the bowel movement.
- When mixed with differet carrier oils like olive, almond and coconut oil, this oil works as a great emollient. It helps in sealing the skin hydration and softens as well as soothes the skin.
- This oil helps in healig the wound.
- The ricinoleic acid prsent in castor oil has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect.
Though Castor oil has various benefits for health and hair, excess usage may lead to some negative effects. Here are a few.
Side Effects of Castor Oil for Hair Growth
Castor oil for hair growth can have several negative side effects. These are:
It may cause severe hair-felting, if not mixed with different carrier oils. Also, the viscous consistency of castor oil may block the pores of the scalp and make the hair too oily. The oil may cause allergic reactions to the skin or scalp.
Precautions while Using Castor oil for Hair Growth
Castor oil can cause stains in your clothes. So, before applying the oil to your hair, make sure you cover your head by using a shower cap. This will avoid the oil from falling on your clothes or any other items nearby. Always keep in mind that your hair may need two applications of shampoo to get rid of the oil totally.
If you are thinking of using Castor oil for hair growth or as a remedy for hair loss, keep in mind that the hair loss may be a sign of an underlying health issue. This, it is important to consult your doctor at the earliest if you observe unnatural hair loss.
Conclusion
Castor oil is one of the popular ingredients used by beauty enthusiasts. Many have claimed that after applying Castor oil to their hair, they felt that the oil gave a boost to their hair’s health and improved the shine and growth. There is no scientific proof to support these claims although certain nutrients in Castor oil, like Vitamin E and antioxidants, are proven to be beneficial for hair health.