Castor oil is a plant oil that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that provide it with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits.
Although it’s typically used to treat laxatives, it’s also becoming a popular ingredient in hair and skin products, especially for its natural ability to boost hair growth.
What can be done to promote hair growth?
“Castor oil is thought to help promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp to help lead to healthier and stronger hair; however, there is little evidence from large clinical studies to fully establish these benefits,” states Marisa Garshick MD, FAAD, a dermatologist with board certification who works at MDCS Dermatology.
While further research is needed to determine the extent of the benefits of castor oil on hair growth, Garshick acknowledges that anecdotally there has been some improvement after using the oil. It may help the hair and scalp in ways that can assist in growing your hair.
“It is believed to be linked with the reality that it is abundant in
Vitamin E
and other and other. It is also beneficial to improve the overall health of your scalp as it decreases inflammation. It also contains antifungal and antibacterial properties. Additionally, it contains omega-6 fatty acid which is a fatty acid that can aid in promoting hair growth.” Garshick says.
Vitamin E and other antioxidants assist in protecting against a process known as oxidative stress, in which healthy cells are destroyed due to free radicals. Oxidative stress is a major cause of hair loss, as well as numerous chronic health issues.
A few studies suggest that vitamin E might help to increase the flow of blood into the hair, and this can potentially aid in the growth of hair. The evidence also supports vitamin E’s anti-inflammatory and protecting effects against ultraviolet light.
It could benefit hair health in different ways?
It is rich in a fatty acid known as ricinoleic acid. It can nourish hair and skin and prevent dryness and breakage.
These kinds of fatty acids function as humectants that hydrate hair and skin by absorbing water out of the air. They also aid in helping the skin to retain moisture by creating a barrier to the skin’s surface. skin.
As well as helping to reduce breakage and dryness, the extra moisture could also help to create healthier, more shiny hair.
Who can benefit from castor oil?
Although castor oil is generally safe to use, it can trigger allergic reactions for certain individuals like allergic contact dermatitis as well as eye, skin, and respiratory irritation.
Castor oil was also connected to an instance of hair matting that was acute which is a rare condition of the hair and scalp. The sudden and severe matting of the hair of a woman was described in a case report published in the journal International Journal of Trichology in 2017. It’s important to note, however, that this is the only documented case related to castor oil. Additionally, the woman who was featured in the case report was using an amalgamation of coconut oil as well as water, but not just castor oil.
It is recommended that you do this for any new product for your hair or skin You may wish to conduct a patch test before use to ensure that you aren’t experiencing any reactions that are not expected.
“Apply a small amount to the inside of the forearm or back of the neck and leave it on for 24 hours. Then see if you develop a reaction,” says Garshick.
How do you apply the oil of castor to your hair?
Do you want to try castor oil for the growth of your hair, or to provide more shine and moisture to your hair? Jennifer Korab, celebrity hair stylist and colorist, and the owner of Renaissance Salon and Spa give some tips on how you can do it.
How much oil for castor to make:
“It changes from person to person depending on hair texture and density. Use enough to make sure to coat the hair so you can see the shine,” Korab says. Korab.
How often?
“There is no standard for how often to use it, but I recommend one to two times a week. As with anything, consistency is key to get the benefits, but make sure to not overuse,” Korab says. Korab.
Apply the castor oil to your hair for 20-30 minutes before taking it off.
“Benefits are not going to happen overnight,” Korab says. Korab, suggests using just one or two weekly applications for a few months.
When choosing the right product
The market is full of products for hair that contain castor oil. However, the absence of any research makes it difficult to identify the most effective castor oil to promote hair growth.
Keeping these suggestions in mind while shopping will allow you to select the perfect product to meet your requirements:
If you’re allergic look up the label for additional ingredients to ensure that the product isn’t containing anything you’re allergic to.
Beware of products with harsh chemicals that could dry out hair and scalp like alcohol.
Use organic castor oil that is certified organic to stay clear of potentially toxic substances like pesticides.
If you feel that the thick consistency of castor oil is difficult to apply, or too weighty for your hair type, try diluting it by using an oil carrier, such as coconut oil or olive oil.
Insider’s tips for a successful trip
There’s a lack of data on the use of castor oil as a treatment for hair growth. But that doesn’t mean that it isn’t effective, and it’s not a bad idea to try it, minus possible allergic reactions.
You could try applying a coating to your hair a couple of every week to check the potential benefits of hair growth for yourself. Don’t count only on castor oil to maintain and promote the health of your hair.
To avoid damage and thinning caused by styling routines, Korab also recommends using an anti-heat product.
