Spotlight: Castor oil for hair

Castor oil for hair can protect curls from brittleness and dryness, give them shine and smoothness, get rid of dry ends, and at the same time prevent hair loss and even accelerate hair growth. What is the secret of such success?

What are the benefits of castor oil for hair?

The popularity of castor oil has brought its ability not only to care for the skin of the face and body, which we recently wrote about, but also to positively influence the condition of the hair.

An interesting fact: the ancient Egyptians were the first to discover the healing qualities of castor oil. It was believed that this is an effective laxative, as well as an invaluable tool for stimulating labor.

Later it turned out that castor oil, obtained from the castor bean evergreen shrub, contains many useful substances and valuable compounds that have a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair.

Castor oil is extracted from castor beans.

The protagonist in castor oil is ricinoleic acid, which strengthens hair follicles. However, it has many other useful components, including vitamins. Let’s list the main ones.

Acids:

  • oleic prevents moisture loss;

  • linoleic is responsible for the optimal fat content of the hair and has an anti-inflammatory effect;

  • stearic fights split ends, restoring the smoothness of the hair;

  • palmitic strengthens the roots and, according to some, stops hair loss.

And vitamin E is an antioxidant that strengthens hair, is responsible for their shine, softness and smoothness.

Castor oil is useful for all types of hair and is especially effective after stress, illness, sea holidays, etc., when the hair clearly needs rehabilitation (it looks dry and brittle, it becomes electrified). Even if applied once as a mask or added to shampoo/conditioner, results are visible. How does castor oil affect hair?
  • Hair gains shine and becomes more elastic.

  • Dry ends look smooth.

  • The volume of hair visually increases.

  • Hair loss stops (with regular use of castor oil).

For hair growth

To date, there is no confirmed scientific evidence that castor oil stimulates the growth of new hair. However, practice shows that there is an effect. The oil moisturizes the scalp and eliminates inflammation, which indirectly affects hair growth. Plus, in combination with massage, it improves microcirculation in the scalp, enhancing the nutrition of hair follicles. In any case, the use of castor oil for hair at home is an effective protection against dryness and brittleness. Stearic acid in the composition of the oil helps to restore damaged hair and prevents the formation of split ends.

From hair loss

Indeed, castor oil is often used for hair loss. The unique ricinoleic acid is responsible for strengthening hair follicles.

For scalp

The benefits of castor oil for the scalp are obvious: linoleic acid, which is part of the composition, regulates the fat balance, and vitamin E helps to soothe the skin and eliminate dryness and flaking.

To strengthen hair

Does castor oil help strengthen hair? Definitely! Thanks to ricinoleic acid, the hair becomes healthy – it becomes denser, softer and smoother.

Anti-dandruff

Castor oil in the form of a hair mask is an excellent remedy for dandruff as it has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.

For thick hair

The palmitic oil in castor oil prevents hair loss and thickens the hair, making it more voluminous and thick. And if you take into account all the beneficial effects listed above for the scalp, it is quite possible to talk about the effectiveness of castor oil for hair density.

How to choose castor oil for hair

So, we have already found out whether castor oil can be applied to hair. Of course yes! But then another question arises: how to choose it?

When buying, consider:

  • country of production (trustworthy manufacturers are India, China and Brazil);

  • color – in its pure form, the shade of the oil can vary from golden to transparent. The lightest is considered the highest quality. This property is easy to appreciate, since the oil is usually sold in glass vials.

  • storage conditions – castor oil does not tolerate light and high temperatures, so it must be stored in a dark, cool place.

Castor oil for hair is an incredibly valuable and at the same time quite affordable product that is sold in any pharmacy.

How to use castor oil for hair at home

Castor oil is not recommended for hair in its pure form.

So the purchase is made. But what is the right way to use castor oil for hair?

Before using castor oil at home, you need to prepare it.

  1. First, choose a pair for him: pure oil is best mixed with other oils, since castor oil itself is very viscous and inconvenient to use. Argan, sunflower, shea butter, coconut or burdock oils are suitable as auxiliary oils.

  2. Secondly, prepare the oil mixture: in a clean glass bowl, combine the necessary ingredients in a 1: 3 ratio (one part castor oil and three other vegetable oils). Add a few drops of any essential oil. Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon and warm slightly in a water bath.

How to apply castor oil to hair

Castor oil is an excellent remedy for dry hair. If the goal is to fix split ends, then only oil should be applied to them. With general dryness or brittle hair, it is applied to wet hair, carefully distributing along the entire length. The main thing here is to choose the right and effective castor oil hair mask recipe and not rub it into the scalp. A castor oil mask can also be applied before a shower, directly on dirty, dry hair. But just do not comb them, otherwise the mask will be very difficult to wash off.

How to apply castor oil for hair growth? The main thing is not to flatter yourself and not to overestimate expectations. Recall that there is no confirmed scientific evidence that castor oil somehow enhances hair growth, but to combat dandruff and hair loss, to improve the condition of the scalp, you can do oil wraps: gently rub a mixture of castor oil and other oils into the skin and roots hair before shampooing.

How long to keep castor oil on hair

The oil is applied, the shower cap is on, but how long do you keep castor oil on your hair? If we are talking about a homemade hair mask, then no more than 15-20 minutes. When applied to the scalp, our expert Maria Nevskaya advises leaving the oil on for 2-4 hours.

How often can you use castor oil for hair

Whether a course of castor oil masks is needed, how often and how often you can use this remedy, depends on the problem you want to solve. For example, with oily hair, it is recommended to apply a mask no more than once a week.

If the hair is dry and brittle, a three-week course will help with a frequency of 2-3 times a week, while the mask can be applied once or twice at night and left until the morning.

To care for the scalp, oil masks (they are kept for 2-4 hours) are applied under a cap 2 times a week.

And do not forget about other care products – even the most useful castor oil or any other oil cannot replace them.

Castor oil hair care products

We have selected several effective and pleasant to use castor oil products. You just have to choose what you like best.

Super balm “Easy combing” Elseve “Dream length”, L’Oréal Paris

The balm is enriched with castor oil, vegetable keratin and vitamin B5. Apply it along the entire length of the hair, but not at the roots. Usually the balm is used after shampoo.

Cream Care Elseve “Dream Length”, L’Oréal Paris

If you have long hair, this care cream will become a real lifesaver for them. It contains both vegetable keratin and castor oil – everything you need to strengthen hair and smooth split ends.

Elseve Rescue Mask “Dream Length”, L’Oréal Paris

This mask contains three unique components to save hair:

  • castor oil seals split ends, smoothes hair, gives it shine;

  • vitamins B5, B3 strengthen and protect hair;

  • vegetable keratin restores strands.

Elseve Extraordinary Hair Oil, L’Oréal Paris

Instantly acts on the hair fiber, nourishing and smoothing it. Gives silkiness and shine. The versatility of the product allows you to use it both for the ends of the hair and for the scalp.

Shampoo against hair loss Botanic Therapy “Castor oil and almonds”, Garnier

In addition to castor oil, the shampoo contains almond extract to nourish and restore hair, as well as maple extract, which restores hair strength. Other helpers include moisturizing glycerin.

Balm conditioner against hair loss Botanic Therapy “Castor oil and almonds”, Garnier

After applying the balm, the hair is easier to comb, day after day it becomes stronger, looks healthy and beautiful.

Mask against hair loss Botanic Therapy “Castor oil and almonds”, Garnier

Strengthening mask for weakened, prone to hair loss with castor oil and almonds helps to revive their vitality and restore from the very roots.

Cream-oil against hair loss Botanic Therapy “Castor oil and almonds”, Garnier

Helps to restore the structure of the hair. The formula of the product does not weigh down the hair, has an antistatic effect, and does not contain parabens.

Summary results

How does castor oil affect hair?

Castor oil is successfully used to preserve the strength and beauty of hair. With it, you can achieve the most brilliant (literally!) results. After using castor oil:

  • hair acquires shine, becomes more elastic;

  • dry ends look smooth;

  • hair volume visually increases;

  • hair loss stops (with regular use).

How often can castor oil be used on hair?

It all depends on the problem.

  1. If you have oily hair – 1-2 times a week.

  2. For dry and brittle hair – 2-3 times a week.

  3. From hair loss, it is good to take a course for 21 days and apply a mask every time after washing. Another option: against dandruff, to strengthen and grow hair, oil masks are applied for 2-4 hours on the scalp under a cap 2 times a week.

  4. As a preventive measure – once a week at night.

Can castor oil be added to shampoo or hair conditioner?

Manufacturers do not recommend mixing ready-made products with natural products, as they cannot guarantee safety and the effect described on the bottle in this case. It is better to use castor oil alone in combination with other oils as a special oil treatment.

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