A natural oil acquired through the technique of cold-pressing from the castor plant, castor oil is one of those important ingredients that are beneficial for you in so many ways. Though the most popular among the lot is castor oil for hair growth.
Before you are opting for castor oil, you need to see a few things before opting for the best castor oil for hair growth. First, you need to look for an oil that is cold-pressed and pure. This makes sure that the oil is of the highest quality with the needed nutrients which is extremely great for healthy hair growth. Next, make sure that the oil is high in ricinoleic acid. This is because it promotes blood circulation leading to a healthier scalp. Last but not the least, the oil needs to be hexane-free. If you are not aware of what hexane is, it is a harmful solvent that is often mixed in the process of acquiring castor oil.
In this article, we will read about castor oil in detail and how beneficial it is for hair growth. Let’s delve into the details –
Is castor oil good for hair growth?
Indeed! Castor oil is one of the key ingredients that push for a healthier scalp and thick and lustrous hair growth. The presence of omega fatty acids, different vitamins and ricinoleic acid pushes it forward to source its rich properties directly into the scalp. It helps in increasing the blood flow to the scalp leading to healthier hair growth.
Not just that, when you are applying castor oil even once a month, it will boost your hair growth almost five times. Furthermore, it treats dry scalp making it moisturized and proving to give you the natural shine to your hair.
Does castor oil grow hair on bald spots?
No proven theory or clinical study gives a direct link between castor oil growing hair on bald spots. Yes, there are claims that it helps in boosting hair growth. Though there are chances if you are in your pre-stages of baldness. If you are suffering from alopecia or similarly patterned baldness, it might not work for you.
But here are certain things that might work for hair growth on pre-baldness –
Castor oil is rich in anti-bacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. All of these help in boosting scalp health and minimizes hair loss and scalp infections.
If you are applying the oil regularly, it will help in boosting blood circulation. It will flush out the toxins from your hair follicles, keeping them nourished for healthy hair growth.
As we stated earlier, castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid that helps in inhibiting prostaglandins’ D2 synthase. It is an enzyme that decreases hair lengthening leading to baldness.
When does castor oil start working for hair growth?
For the people with a positive outcome, the results start to be visible from six to eight weeks. Though this varies from person to person. Even after 10 weeks, if you can see no visible results probably the oil is not suiting your skin and scalp. Also, you need to know that the result does not sustain forever. As long as you are using the oil in your routine for hair care, it will showcase the result.
You cannot completely rely on castor oil. It is indeed very helpful in aiding hair regrowth for people who are suffering from inflammatory hair loss. People with pattern hair loss or nutritional hair loss will not be able to see the impact of castor oil.
Can you put castor oil in your hair every day?
As always said, castor oil is a thick oil. Thus, there is always the chance of it making your hair greasy. If you have dry hair, you may use it twice a week for the best results. It is not meant for daily use at all. Also, you need to take a little amount of oil on your dry hair. Leave it for half an hour and rinse it thoroughly with the shampoo of your choice.
You may even mix it with other carrier oils for balancing the texture. But make sure that you are not applying the oil to your hair every day. It will not only become greasy but also clog the pores of your scalp, leading to hair fall and other issues.
How to use castor oil for hair growth and thickness?
For Baldness
The presence of ricinoleic acid in the castor oil helps in stimulating hair growth right from dormant follicles. It will help in strengthening the roots of your hair promoting hair regrowth.
Things You Will Need
- 2 tbsp of castor oil
What to do?
- Heat the oil for some time until it is warm.
- Apply it to your scalp and make sure that every spot is covered.
- Massage your scalp for 10-15 min.
- Leave the oil for 30 min. You may even leave it overnight.
- Wash the oil out with a mild clarifying shampoo and conditioner.
Mix with Coconut Oil
Using a carrier oil with castor oil will help in better saturation in your hair. It will enhance the hair shaft, making your hair strong and deeply conditioned.
What to do?
- Mix 1 tbsp of castor oil and coconut oil respectively and heat it until slightly warm.
- Apply it to your scalp and massage it down to your hair.
- Massage your scalp for 15-20 min.
- Concentrate on the problematic areas where you are suffering from hair loss.
- Leave the oil for 30 min or you may leave it overnight.
- Wash the oil with water and sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
- Do this twice a week.
With Olive Oil
Mixing castor oil and olive oil maintains the balance of the hair shaft. It evenly distributes the oil to the hair follicles for hair growth.
What to do?
- Mix 1 and a half tbsp of castor oil and 2 tbsp of olive oil.
- Heat them until slightly warm.
- Massage it on your scalp for sometime.
- Cover it with a shower cap for half an hour.
- Rinse with sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
- Do this once a week for best results.
Castor oil for hair growth benefits
Here are some of the great benefits of castor oil for hair –
Hair Growth
The core benefit of castor oil is it helps in hair growth. It is filled with vitamin E and other fatty acids that help in strengthening hair roots. Not just that, it also helps in the stimulation of the blood circulation that is needed for hair growth.
Prevention against pollution
The presence of antifungal and anti-bacterial properties not only maintains a healthy scalp but also prevents oxidative stress. Furthermore, it acts as a shield from pollution and free radicals that damage your hair.
Preventing scalp infection
The presence of ricinoleic acid means there are anti-inflammatory properties. If you are suffering from scalp infections, castor oil is your rescuer. It lessens any form of irritation and promotes healthy hair growth.
Lustrous Hair
Castor oil is filled with nourishing and moisture-locking properties. It will add the natural shine to your hair that you have been lacking with all the pollution and stress. The antioxidants will help in the stimulation of keratin production further making your hair stronger.
Thick Hair
Castor oil is known to grow and thicken your hair by five times. It is also a great remedy to acquire thicker eyebrows and eyelashes. If you have pre-baldness, you may also grow hair there only with continuous usage.
Prevents Premature Aging
This oil works best for preventing premature aging. If you apply a little amount of oil to your hair, it will retain its natural color for a longer period.
Castor oil for hair growth side effects?
Though castor oil has a lot of benefits, it should be used cautiously. Before application, conduct a patch test for 24 hours. If you have sensitive skin, make sure you do the patch test in the first place. It could cause nausea and vomiting if used in a lot. Pregnant ladies and new mothers should avoid using it.
Conclusion
Castor oil helps in reversing damaged hair. It helps in restoring your hair to its natural shine and thickness. From promoting hair growth to prevention against free radicals, continuous use of the oil will further help in omitting scalp infections as well as bless you with healthy hair.
FAQs –
Can I apply castor oil directly to my hair?
Yes, you may! But you should apply the oil in small quantities. The oil is thicker and makes your hair quite greasy. Mixing it with carrier oil will balance the hair shaft and thicken the hair follicles.
What should I mix castor oil with for hair growth?
You can mix castor oil with any carrier oil including coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil and more. Heat it until slightly warm and massage your scalp with the mixture.
What happens if we apply castor oil to hair daily?
It will make your hair greasy. The residue will sit on your scalp making it more prone to pollution and scalp infection.
What happens if you leave castor oil in your hair too long?
It will make your hair greasy and might even irritate. It is better if you either keep it for an hour or overnight.
Can I leave castor oil in my hair overnight?
Yes, you may. Sleep with a mask on to not leave the greasiness on the pillowcases. Do this twice a week.