Known for centuries, castor oil is known to make hair grow faster.
What is castor oil? Castor oil is a versatile vegetable oil that people have used for thousands of years. Also called “castor oil”, castor oil comes from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. These seeds contain a toxic enzyme called ricin.
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However, the heating process that castor oil undergoes deactivates it, making it safe to use the oil. It has therapeutic properties and is beneficial for eyelashes, nails, skin, but also hair.
Do you know its benefits? I tell you all about it!
The benefits of castor oil
The benefits of castor oil for hair are well established. It exerts a positive influence on several elements of the human body.
For hair
Castor oil is very rich in fatty acids and nutrients beneficial to hair. It contributes to the acceleration of hair growth and increases their volume. A real fortifier for the hair, it allows you to:
- Fight against hair loss : the antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties of castor oil help slow down hair loss and prevent scalp infections.
- Promote hair growth : stimulates hair growth thanks to the presence of vitamin E and fatty acids. Improved blood circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to the scalp resulting in healthier hair growth.
- Protect hair against external aggressions : it also contains antioxidants that protect hair from environmental factors such as pollution and strengthen hair roots.
- Strengthen the hair fiber : it improves the appearance of the hair and provides shine and volume.
- RELIEVE Irritation : Linoleic acid has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties that make it a popular ingredient in anti-acne beauty products. This means that its healing properties make it suitable for treating dandruff and other scalp irritations that could hinder hair growth and affect hair health.
- Maintain Moisture : The oleic acid in castor oil is an emollient that softens hair and skin. Oleic acid also aids in moisture retention by reducing the rate of evaporation of moisture into the atmosphere. This is great news for people with very porous hair where moisture retention and dryness are an issue. The hair will be more hydrated.
It is highly recommended, especially if you have problems with alopecia. Do not hesitate to use it to regain volume and gain length.
For the skin
Castor oil treats herpes, burns, eczema and stretch marks. Pure marvel, this miracle substance contains anti-wrinkle properties: it develops the production of collagen inside the skin. It also has concealer, anti-blemish and anti-acne properties. It must be applied in small quantities, because it is a rather greasy oil so a few drops are enough.
For migraines
Castor oil can calm migraines very quickly. In the same way as for joint pain, you must put a few drops on your fingers and then massage your temples. Wait until the pain subsides.
For menstrual pain
Castor oil helps fight painful menstruation. Soak a clean cloth like a tea towel or compress in castor oil and place it on your stomach. For even more efficiency, place a sufficiently warm hot water bottle on top and remain quiet for at least an hour.
For eyelashes and eyebrows
As for the hair, castor oil can therefore also nourish the eyebrows and promote the growth of eyelashes. How to do it ? Pour a few drops on cotton pads that you leave on your eyes for a few minutes so that the oil has time to penetrate the eyelashes; only do this when you have properly removed your makeup.
For insomnia
In case of chronic or transient insomnia, take castor oil previously heated, put a few drops on pieces of cotton, and place them in your ears every night before going to bed. If you’re tired and in pain, you lose nothing by trying.
For joint pain.
Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can therefore relieve joint pain. It is used to gently and supplely massage the areas where it hurts. It’s very effective!
Where to find castor oil?
You can easily find it on the Internet, in pharmacies, parapharmacies or in specialized stores. The bottles are sold in several formats, there are also large 1 liter bottles!
But before choosing, quality comes first! First, the castor oil you choose must be extracted by cold pressing. Choose the purest and most neutral oil possible. The ideal is to have an organic oil.
You can find it here:
- Naturafro.
- Wow.
How to promote hair growth with castor oil?
Note that castor oil is a fatty oil. Hair care once a week is more than enough. For this, you can make a hair mask or an oil bath.
For an oil bath , start by untangling your hair. Then, apply one or two spoons of castor oil on your scalp, before massaging. It is important to massage your scalp well , for optimal penetration. Apply castor oil from roots to ends. Be sure to put just enough so that the oil does not run down your neck.
Do a protective hairstyle like an African braid or a bun, then cover your hair with a satin bonnet. Leave your care on all night before rinsing the next day.
Some castor oil recipes for hair growth
1 – Garlic and castor oil mask
It may seem surprising, but garlic has very interesting virtues. Indeed, it stimulates hair growth and slows down hair loss. I just wrote an article on the benefits of garlic , do not hesitate to take a look.
In short, it is true that the smell is not very pleasant, but the result is worth it! To make this mask, first crush 3 cloves of garlic. Then let them macerate in castor oil for about a week in the refrigerator. Then filter your mixture, as you will only need the oil.
As soon as your mixture is ready, you can directly apply it to the scalp. Massage in small circular motions with your fingertips.
Then wrap your mane with plastic film to leave it on all night (and above all to prevent the smell from spreading!). Shampoo the next day.
2 – Anti-hair loss care with castor oil, nigella oil & essential oils
Black cumin oil is ideal for brittle hair, but also to relieve an irritated scalp.
Toning and revitalising, it combines perfectly with the moisturizing and nourishing properties of castor oil.
In a 50 cl bottle, mix:
- 4 tablespoons of nigella oil.
- 1 tablespoon castor oil.
- 20 drops of lavender essential oil.
- 6 drops of rosemary essential oil.
Essential oils* have many virtues that we detail in this article. Lavender essential oil is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Rosemary, on the other hand, is known to promote hair growth.
Apply this mixture before your shampoo. You can either cover your hair with plastic wrap and/or a hot towel. Once washed and rinsed, your hair will be fortified and your scalp purified.
Warning : essential oils are not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 6 years old.
3 – Castor oil & other vegetable oils
The following potion is a combination of four vegetable oils: coconut oil, sweet almond oil, sesame oil and castor oil. Although you can add or remove oils depending on their availability and your preferences, using all four oils together can give you great results.
You need:
- 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil.
- 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil.
- 2 tbsp castor oil.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil.
Mix the four oils and apply the mixture to your scalp from root to tip. Leave to rest for at least 40 minutes. You can also leave it on overnight. Wash and rinse thoroughly.
This oil blend could help promote hair growth. You can make it in large quantities and store it. Adding a vitamin E capsule to the mix can increase its shelf life.
What is the best type of castor oil for hair growth?
- Organic/Cold Pressed Castor Oil : Organic cold pressed castor oil is extracted directly from castor beans without heating.
- Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) : Jamaican black castor oil is prepared by roasting and crushing castor beans in a mortar. Water is added to this powder, and the entire mixture is slowly cooked over a fire.
- Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Castor Wax) : It is produced by the hydrogenation (a chemical reaction treated in the presence of a catalyst) of pure castor oil, often in the presence of a nickel catalyst.
- Black castor oil from Haiti : Roast and gently grind, the castor seeds are extracted by hand. The oil is filtered without being refined. This guarantees the retention of up to 90% ricinoleic acid.
Cold pressed oil is not heated and contains a large number of active ingredients. It acts mainly on the hair shaft and leaves the hair shiny.
JBCO (Jamaican Black castor oil) has more pronounced benefits, given its unaltered processing method. The Jamaican variant contains ash and is said not only to have a cleansing effect on the scalp, but is also better absorbed by the hair.
JBCO has a thick consistency. While cold-pressed castor oil has a slightly thinner consistency, it works best for fine hair.
Castor oil from Haiti retains its extraordinary properties on hair growth and provides intense hydration.
Nevertheless, the health benefits of all these oils are similar.
How to apply castor oil?
1 – In massage
If you want to use castor oil for your hair growth, apply a few drops of the oil to your scalp and then massage for 5-10 minutes.
2 – In oil bath
Dampen your hair. Take a little castor oil in your palm and work it into your hair from root to tip (the same way you apply normal oil).
Massage well. Castor oil has a thicker density and can be difficult to wash off. So be careful not to use too much oil. Let the oil act for at least 30 minutes. You can also leave it on overnight.
You will need to wash your hair well to get rid of excess oil. Since castor oil is extremely heavy and difficult to wash out, you can dilute it with other carrier oils (like coconut oil or jojoba oil). Combining the oils may also provide other benefits.
3 – In deep care
You can use castor oil by incorporating it into your home care as well. Add a few scoops to your hair mask. Leave to stand for 30-40 minutes minimum and proceed with the usual washing if necessary.
Why does my hair break with castor oil?
Here are some reasons why you might lose your hair using castor oil:
- You are applying too much castor oil . It is very viscous and applying too much can clog your hair roots and reduce hair growth.
- Your skin or scalp is sensitive to castor oil . In this case, even the smallest amount of castor oil will cause an allergy.
- After applying castor oil, you don’t properly massage your hair and then use a comb to detangle it. After applying the oil, they stick to each other and pulling the hair causes more damage.
- You apply castor oil before you go out. This collects all the dust and pollutants on your head. Later, these toxic substances cause hair loss, not castor oil.
Castor oil may not be an oil that matches your hair! This is why it is important to test product by product to find out what suits you best . But don’t worry, we’re talking about plenty of other hair-growing carrier oils here.
Castor oil before / after
Questions that will interest you
Does Castor Oil Really Work? Castor oil has many benefits, including strengthening hair, promoting hair growth, and nourishing dry scalp. And while the oil itself cannot grow hair, it is valued for its ability to create a healthier environment on the scalp, which leads to much better hair growth.
How often should I use castor oil for hair growth? There is no standard for how often to use castor oil, but we recommend once or twice a week for at least three months, as that is usually the time before to see beautiful regrowth appear.
Can I use castor oil every day on my hair? Many hair care experts recommend using castor oil no more than once or twice a week. If used more frequently, castor oil can cause residue buildup and lead to issues such as hair tangles.
How long should I leave castor oil in my hair? Leave the oil for at least 15 to 20 minutes. You can also leave it on overnight. Wash and rinse thoroughly to remove all oil. You can also follow your oil bath with a mask.
