Castor Oil for Hair: Benefits, Hair Growth, How to Use

Table Of Content

• Does Castor Oil Work for Hair Growth? Experts Explain
• Best leave-in conditioner: OKAY Hemp Seed and Shea Leave-In Conditioner
• Ethique Curl Defining Solid Shampoo Bar
• How we vet brands and products
• The Therapeutic Benefits of CASTOR OIL (Skin/Face/Hair)
• Seven Ashwagandha Benefits for Female Health
• Does castor oil really help your hair grow?

“Overuse and improper hair washing of castor oil may also lead to build up, which may also contribute to irritation and breakouts,” she says. And, as with all ingredients and products, there’s always a chance for irritation and allergic reactions, so patch-test your castor oil on your neck before slathering it over your scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin. There's also anecdotal evidence to suggest it can be effective on the eyelashes and eyebrows.

Does Castor Oil Work for Hair Growth? Experts Explain

Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it a natural remedy for arthritis, rheumatism, and other inflammatory conditions. When applied topically, castor oil can help to reduce pain and swelling, providing relief for aching joints and muscles. She’s spent her career editing and writing about health, wellness, beauty, fashion, and food for Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, Bridal Guide, Good Housekeeping, and more.

Best leave-in conditioner: OKAY Hemp Seed and Shea Leave-In Conditioner

I can't even begin to explain the depth of my love for this hair mask. Once a week, I coat my curls in this subtly scented mask, pop a shower cap over it, and wash it out after about 20 minutes. This product is a great option if you love the fresh, soothing scent of lavender. Customers also write that the product is great for sensitive skin and scalps, and never causes irritation. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love.

Ethique Curl Defining Solid Shampoo Bar

Though it may seem counterintuitive, Dr. Clay recommends avoiding the scalp because “it may lead to occlusion of the scalp pores and hair follicles which could lead to inflammation, dandruff, and itching,” she says. “I’d suggest using it on washed and conditioned hair that is still damp; you want to seal that moisture in before styling and apply heat,” Dr. Clay notes. Then, apply a small amount of castor oil to your hair by rubbing it together in your hands and distributing it evenly over the ends of your hair. Adding it to your ends will help lock in hydration and shine that you might otherwise be missing.

How we vet brands and products

But if your hair is a medium-to-thick texture, you can massage castor oil into your roots and smooth it through your ends, leaving it on for up to an hour (or overnight) before rinsing. Hill also suggests sitting under a bonnet hair-dryer to help the oil better penetrate your hair. To set the record we straight– and manage expectations of the alleged miracle worker– we spoke to three experts about its hair growth potential and what we should be wary of. Below, find insights from a hair expert, cosmetic chemist, and board-certified dermatologist, and learn everything there is to know about using castor oil for your hair.

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One study in people found it was as effective at treating symptoms of knee arthritis as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). By incorporating castor oil into your daily care routine, you'll be tapping into the wisdom of ancient civilizations and reaping the many benefits of this powerful, natural remedy. When shopping for castor oil, it's essential to choose a high-quality, pure product. Look for cold-pressed castor oil that hasn't been processed with heat or chemicals, as this can degrade the oil's beneficial properties.

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Seven Ashwagandha Benefits for Female Health

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Remove any makeup or dirt from your eyelashes and eyebrows with a gentle cleanser.

Should anyone avoid castor oil for hair?

“The oil should be delicately applied to dry hair and scalp using gentle, circular motions,” she says. You can also use a silicone scalp massager to really get in there if you're averse to digging your fingers into your scalp (and it helps me prevent from scratching with my long, gel-X nails). Then, gently massage into the scalp for 10 to 15 minutes in circular motions before smoothing through the lengths of your hair. In ancient China, castor oil was used to treat skin conditions like ringworm and itching. These early civilizations laid the foundation for the many uses of castor oil that we still benefit from today. From soothing skin ailments to promoting healthy hair growth, castor oil has stood the test of time as a go-to solution for various health and beauty concerns.

Every Saturday morning, my mom would sit us down to oil our scalps with a special blend of coconut oil, amla oil, almond oil, and castor oil. Now that I live on my own, I still take the time to oil my scalp once a week—but rather than make my own blend, I use one of the many hair oils on the market. And dare I say, it's the reason I constantly get compliments on my healthy, smooth, long hair. Keep reading for my product recommendations, as well as how to properly oil your hair and how often you should be hair oiling, according to experts. Another way castor oil benefits the skin and hair is by improving circulation.

Once opened, castor oil will start to go rancid after about one year. Castor oil coats the hair shaft and keeps external moisture out, which is key to reducing frizz. At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

They used it as a natural moisturizer to keep their skin soft and supple in the harsh desert climate. Cleopatra herself was known to use castor oil as part of her beauty regimen. If you’re considering applying pure castor oil to your eyebrows and eyelashes, Dr. Green advises using caution when applying it to delicate areas such as your eyes. If you’re set on using the oil in any of these areas, a cotton swab is an easy way to control the amount. Hair loss is a very complex condition that can be caused by a myriad of things.

Castor oil should not cause these side effects when applied to your hair. However, you'll want to ensure you or others in your home do not accidentally swallow the castor oil. If the skin around your eyes and brows gets irritated, wash the castor oil off right away.

Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan with more than 10 years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle articles, including microfiber hair towels and the best hair straighteners. She's well-versed in castor oil for hair growth, thanks to information from experts, product reviews, and ratings. Castor oil is a favorite ingredient in hair products because it is nourishing to your scalp as well as your strands, thanks to its combination of vitamins, fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants. Unlike other bars on our list, this bar is meant for both your hair and body. “At first, I didn’t love the smell right out of the box, but once you lather the bar up, it’s much more subtle and clean,” says NBC Select editor Cory Fernandez. Although it has no added fragrance, the ingredients themselves do give it a slight odor, according to Fernandez.