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On the list of best natural oils for hair growth, castor oil sits at the top because of its popularity. The question is; is it as effective as they say it is? Here, I’ll be telling you all you need to know about using castor oil for hair growth. Let’s find out!
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a vegetable oil gotten from castor beans. It is a pale yellow, very thick, and has a powerful smell. For centuries, people have used castor oil for many purposes; as fuel for lamps, in skincare, and, most commonly, in hair care. There are so many testimonies about the wonder of this oil pressed from roasted castor beans. Now let’s bust or prove the myth about castor oil.
Castor oil for hair growth, is it good or bad?
Castor oil is rich in fatty acids that make it an excellent moisture retainer. One of the primary reasons you may not see the hair growth you desire is because of breakage. Our hair grows about 4 inches every month and that’s essentially what gives length. When there is constant breakage, the hair will remain at a particular point for a long time.
In this case, the rumors are true! Castor oil is superb for hair growth, seeing as it contains a lot of fatty acids and vitamins, which stimulate your scalp and allows hair to grow faster.
Benefits of Castor oil
Castor oil has a ton of benefits for both your hair and skin. Some of which are;
- It promotes healthier hair by increasing blood flow to the scalp; this is one of the most popular benefits of using this oil. When you massage your scalp with castor oil ( although any hair oil can be used), blood flow is effortless and fast, which stimulates the hair follicles. Although there is no scientific evidence for this, many people have reported significant hair growth with the use of castor oil on their scalp. So, the oil definitely does something.
- It’s an excellent moisturizer; The news of the moisturizing properties of castor oil transcends just your hair. It can also be used as a moisturizer for the skin. Castor oil contains a very rich portion of a monounsaturated fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. This particular type of unsaturated fat is suitable for moisturization as it locks water in quickly. It prevents water loss from both your hair and your skin. The oil promotes hydration, and it can be added to body lotions or used on its own.
- Castor oil improves the appearance of hair, giving it a shiny look and great lustre. The fatty acids present in the oil allow it to enter your hair strands when you use it.
How to use castor oil for hair growth
The most popular and effective way to use castor oil for hair growth is by massaging it into your scalp or mixing it with other hair products. Castor oil is very thick and heavy, most of the time when used on its own repeatedly, it may cause itching. Mixing it up with other oils like coconut oil and jojoba oil will help lighten it. You retain the nutrients and all its properties and you also get a lighter oil. You can also try mixing it with hair oil and other hair products.
At-home Castor oil hair care
The great thing about castor oil is that you can get it at your nearby beauty store or online. You don’t have to see a professional to use it, with simple DIY tips like the one I’m about to share, you can care for your hair with castor oil.
To use castor oil for hair care at home, all you need is a cup of castor oil and a spray bottle filled with water.
Directions:
Step 1
Make sure to wet your hair before you use the oil so that it doesn’t lock in dryness and lead to breakage. This step is very important. Spray the water on your hair and massage it into your hair strands till the hair is damp.
Step 2
Put the castor oil on your palm and massage it from the root of the hair to the tip. The oil is very thick so you may have to massage it harder than usual to make sure it gets to every strand.
Step 3
Wear a steaming cap or bonnet and leave the oil on for 30 minutes then wash off.
Step 4
Wash your hair thoroughly and use a conditioner to ensure it doesn’t tangle. Afterward, dry the hair off.
Please make sure you don’t use hot styling tools immediately as it might dry the hair out. You’ll notice how moisturized the hair will feel afterward.
The best Castor oil
Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil:
Sunny Isle Jamaican Black castor oil became popular on social media when miracle reports about people using the product went viral. Jamaican castor oil is said to be one of the best, so if you’re looking for very potent castor oil, this will be the best.
It is an affordable option free from any mixture of any form. It’s very gentle to use on your skin and scalp for hair growth. The oil is cruelty-free and extracted naturally by boiling the crushed castor seeds.
You can find the oil and their other hair products infused with castor oil here.
Using Castor oil with other extracts for hair growth
Many people prefer to mix castor oil with other oils to promote even faster hair growth with a double dose of nutrients. These oils are rich in antioxidants and other elements that can foster better hair growth. For instance, coconut oil is rich in long-chain and medium fatty acid which helps to strengthen the hair from the roots.
Castor oil with Coconut oil
To use coconut oil and castor oil for hair growth, you need; 2 tablespoons of castor oil and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
What to do
- Mix the coconut oil and castor oil together and apply gently to your damp hair.
- Massage your scalp with the mix for some minutes and then spread the remaining mixture through your hair.
- Leave it on for two hours or overnight and then wash it off with warm water.
- Do this twice a week for at least 3 months and see a significant change in the speed of your hair growth.
Castor Oil with Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is very popular in the world of hair and beauty for its rich gel-ish stems. Aloe vera gel is rich in vitamin C, E, and A, contributing to excellent cell turnover and promoting fuller hair. It also encourages lesser hair loss and soothes the scalp when used. Aloe vera helps to strip the scalp of impurities and dead skin that prevents hair growth.
To use castor oil and Aloe Vera for hair growth, you need;
- 2 tablespoons of castor oil
- 1 cup of basil powder
- Half cup of aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons of fenugreek powder
What to do:
- Blend the aloe vera gel, the powders, and the oils together to form a thick mix.
- Apply the paste to your hair in portions until it has touched every strand.
- Wear a hair bonnet to cover the hair and allow the mixture to sit in for at least 4 hours
- Rinse the hair with lukewarm water and a sulfur-free shampoo.
Castor Oil with Peppermint Oil:
To use peppermint oil and castor oil for hair growth, you need; 2 tablespoons of castor oil and 2 tablespoons of peppermint oil.
What to do
- Mix the peppermint oil and castor oil together on a medium flame for some minutes.
- Apply the mixture gently to your damp hair and scalp.
- Massage your scalp with the mix for some minutes and then spread the remaining mixture through your hair.
- Leave it on for two hours or overnight and then wash it off with warm water and shampoo.
- Do this twice a week for at least 3 months and see a significant change in the speed of your hair growth.
Peppermint oil is rich in mint and vitamin E that helps to rid your scalp of dandruff and itches.
Castor oil with Argan oil
Follow the same steps for mixing coconut oil with castor oil. Argan oil helps your hair to build resilience and resistance as it contains an acid known as oleic acid. It pairs really well with castor oil.
The side effect of Castor Oil
The only known side effect of castor oil on the hair is “Acute Hair Felting.” This is a very rare condition in which the hair becomes extremely tangled and forms a hard mass that cannot be separated. The condition is not reversible so when it happens, the only solution is to cut it off.
Castor oil should never be consumed or ingested. Ingesting large amounts of the oil can lead to diarrhea, dizziness, abdominal cramps, hallucinations, nausea, and more.
