Castor Oil For Hair Growth: How to Use Castor Oil on Hair

For years, the beauty industry has collectively touted the benefits of drenching our strands in basically every kind of oil you can think of. Coconut, olive, black seed (Kim Kardashian West's personal favorite), jojoba, and even more delicate essential oil offerings like rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood have all been praised. But there's another oil that's been raising an eyebrow for being a life-changing hair growth oil: castor oil.

Castor oil is famous for its many medicinal properties. The lesser-known fact is that it can also be used for hair growth. We end up using a different variety of shampoos and hair products that damage the hair more than help it grow. So, let us see how to use this natural oil to our advantage below.

It can be a perfect solution to many hair problems that you are trying to get rid of for a long time. Its major nutritional content includes ricinoleic acids, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, vitamin E as well as other vitamins and minerals that would nourish your hair and make your hair healthy.

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a thick, odorless oil made from the seeds of the castor plant. Its use dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was first used as lamp fuel and later for medicinal and beauty treatments — Cleopatra reportedly believed the oil would brighten the whites of her eyes.

Today, most of the world’s castor oil is produced in India. Modern research backs up some of its traditional uses, including laxative effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and the ability to help induce labor. 

While studies continue to investigate other potential health benefits, castor oil is considered safe if used as directed and can be found in a range of skin and hair care products sold today. Pure castor oil is also available at many specialty health stores. 

Benefits of castor oil for your hair:

Castor oil has a slew of benefits including strengthening strands, promoting hair growth, and nourishing the dry scalp. And while the oil itself can't make the hair grow, it's loved for its ability to create a healthier environment on the scalp that makes for way better hair growth.

Castor Oil is very effective against dandruff. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that kill dandruff-causing fungus and bacteria lurking on your scalp. It also contains vitamin E which is an antioxidant that protects the scalp from the harmful effects of free radicals which weakens the cell, makes it susceptible to infections and cell death.

It contains ricinoleic acid that helps in increasing blood circulation in the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth. It also balances scalp pH and prevents it from getting infected.

Applying fats like castor oil to the hair on a regular basis helps lubricate the hair shaft, increasing flexibility and decreasing the chance of breakage. Castor oil may benefit those who experience dandruff, a common scalp condition characterized by dry, flaky skin on the head.

How to Use Castor Oil on Hair

Since it is an oil, a little will go a long way—it's all about moderation and being cautious. "You want to avoid overdoing it or getting it in your eyes and other sensitive areas," Nazarian warns. That said, experts seem to agree the oil is safe enough to cautiously experiment with at home. Start out with a patch test, keep expectations realistic, and heed their advice of using a small amount during application to ensure you don't experience any adverse reactions. It's also often recommended you don't use it more than once a week.

1.Castor Oil For Hair Dandruff:

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon Castor Oil
• 1/2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 2-3 Drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

How To Use:

• Mix all the ingredients properly in a bowl and apply it to your scalp and then to your hair strands.
• You can keep it overnight or you can rinse it off with a mild shampoo after an hour.
• Repeat it 2-3 times in a week.

2.Castor Oil For Hair Growth:

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon Castor Oil
• 1/2 Tablespoon Virgin Coconut Oil
• 2-3 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil

How To Use:

• Mix all the ingredients properly in a bowl and apply it to your scalp and then to your hair strands.
• You can keep it overnight or you can rinse it off with a mild shampoo after an hour.
• Repeat it 2-3 times a week.

3.Castor Oil For Hair Split Ends:

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon Castor Oil
• 1 Egg
• 2 Tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel

How To Use:

• Mix all the ingredients properly in a bowl and apply it to your scalp and then to your hair strands.
• Keep the mask for 30-40 minutes and wash it off with shampoo.
• Repeat it at least once a week.

Castor Oil Precautions

Many people use castor oil to treat a variety of issues, either by ingesting the oil or applying it to the skin.

Although castor oil is generally considered safe, it can cause adverse reactions and unwanted side effects in some people.

Can induce labor: It’s used by medical

professionals to induce birth. For this reason, women at all stages of pregnancy

should avoid consuming castor oil.

Can cause diarrhea: While it can be an

effective way to alleviate constipation, you may get diarrhea if you take

too much. Diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Can cause allergic

reactions: It may cause an allergic reaction in some

people when applied to the skin. First, try applying a small amount to a tiny patch of skin to see how your body reacts.