Here’s How Castor Oil Can Really Give You Gorgeous Hair
Guide On Castor Oil Benefits For Hair & How To Use It Effectively
By Shammi Mondal
In the world of hair care, you often hear a lot about natural elixirs like coconut oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil and how they would give you the hair of your dreams. But you often miss one underdog for your hair: castor oil. This fluid elixir helps bring your hair to its strongest form and has been a trusted haircare solution since the time of ancient Egyptians
This hair care champion has numerous tricks up its sleeve and if you’re looking to grow your hair under a deadline, let’s dive into the benefits of castor oil.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is a viscous fluid and a natural lubricant that has many medicinal, industrial, and pharmaceutical uses and benefits. As the oil has several healing and nourishing properties, it is widely used in hair care and skincare items.
Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, which is native to Africa and Asia. First, castor seeds are dried to remove the outer shell. Then, the seeds are pressed to extract the oil: the process involves using a hydraulic press to squeeze out the golden oil from the seeds. Next, the oil is refined to remove any impurities following which it is bottled up and packaged for use.
So, what makes castor oil so special?
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid and makes up about 90 per cent of the oil’s composition. This is what gives castor oil its thick, moisturising property making it a popular ingredient for hair care and skincare formulations.
Castor oil is also chock-full of vitamin E, which is known for its antioxidant properties that help protect your cells from damage and promote healthy hair growth. It is also rich in minerals like iron, copper, zinc, magnesium and omega-6 fatty acids, these nutrients help nourish and strengthen your hair and nails and may even improve hair density.
Why should you consider castor oil for your hair?
Castor oil has several benefits, including rescuing your hair from falling, strengthening them and improving the thickness and quality of your hair. And if you're looking for a natural way to nourish and pamper your hair, look no further than castor oil. Need more reasons to try castor oil for your hair? We have four.
1. Intensely nourishing
The oil is great for all hair types, but if you have weak, dry and dull hair, castor oil is a solid option to nurse it back to health. Unlike other oils, castor oil has a potent blend of vitamins, proteins and fatty acids that penetrate deep into your hair shaft and nurture your hair follicles. The thick texture of castor oil makes it a great moisturiser that softens dry hair.
2. Boosts scalp health
When it comes to scalp care, castor oil is abundant in anti-microbial properties that are useful in fighting fungal growth, dandruff, and extreme scalp conditions like psoriasis. It benefits both, an oily and dry scalp. If you have a flaky or irritated scalp this healing elixir will calm your scalp instantly. Thanks to its fatty acid-rich texture the oil perfectly hydrates your scalp and strengthens your skin barrier.
3. Reduces hair breakage
If your worry is heat-damaged or chemically treated hair, you will love the care and strength of castor oil. The high concentration of vitamin E imparts better nutrients to your strands and protects them from external stressors. Over time, brittle hair shafts become stronger and thicker. Plus, the oil is a humectant which locks in moisture, repairs split ends and tames dehydrated and damaged hair.
4. Promote hair growth
While there is no direct study that proves castor oil reduces hair fall, the oil is loved for its ability to create a healthier environment for the scalp and make way for better hair growth. The presence of ricinoleic acid improves blood circulation on your scalp and leads to nourished hair follicles promoting hair growth. The oil also increases the efficacy of other hair oils.
Before you apply castor oil for a head massage
Looking forward to reaping the benefits of castor oil for your hair, here is what you need to know before you add it to your weekly hair care routine.
1. Practice moderation: Castor oil, unlike other oils, is more viscous and can be a little difficult to work with in the beginning. Since it is oily and heavier a little goes a long way. Gently massage your scalp with castor oil and brush your hair with a wide-tooth comb to spread the oil evenly through your lengths. Make sure you don’t overdo the massaging, as it may weaken your roots.
Begin by applying it twice a week and slowly increase the frequency. If you’re dealing with dry and damaged hair, apply castor oil generously in places where your hair is the driest. You can also warm the oil or wrap up a hot towel around your hair for better oil penetration.
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2. As a pre-wash treatment: We’ve already told you how castor oil champions several hair concerns all at once. It not only envelopes your hair in a rich layer of moisture but also strengthens it, reduces breakage and adds shine. Think of it as a hydrating hair mask that you can use before shampooing.
Begin by warming up some castor oil between your palms and gently work it through your hair. Since the oil is highly occlusive, you can dampen your hair slightly to make the oil glide better. Keep the oil in your hair for 30-40 minutes or an hour at max and then rinse it off with shampoo.
We do not recommend keeping castor oil in your hair overnight, since the oil is sticky, it can clog pores and make your skin oily.
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3. Use diluted castor oil: You don't want to go slathering pure castor oil on your locks because it's way too thick and heavy. That's where the dilution comes in.
This is a special trick where you mix it with a carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba oil to make it more pliable and easier to work through your hair. Castor oil also does not interfere with the nutrients of other oils, it rather boosts their efficacy which means you get the best of both worlds.
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Read more: An expert’s guide to oiling your hair
Want to know more uses of castor oil for your hair? Keep reading
Q. Does castor oil benefit thin hair?
A. It is important to note that there is no scientific evidence to prove if castor oil makes your fine hair thicker, but the presence of ricinoleic acid and vitamin E in the oil combined increases the tensile strength of hair and makes it healthy over time.
Q. Can I use castor oil every day?
A. Since castor oil is thick in texture, it leaves a greasy film on your hair which is why it is not advisable to use it every day. Begin by applying castor oil twice a week for a better balance.
Q. What are the other uses of castor oil?
A. Castor oil has been used for several purposes right from lubricating a bike’s shock-ups to healing a minor injury and everything in between. There is anecdotal evidence that suggests castor oil can improve your eyebrow density and lengthen your lashes.