Falling hair can be a very disappointing and worrying situation for both men and women. This condition is typical with problems similar to slow growth, greying, dandruff, and brittleness of the hair. Castor oil is good for hair and it's highly beneficial. It can be used directly on the scalp and you don’t need any specific recipe. It offers a gamut of beauty benefits and medicinal gain, sorting out all issues from the root. A quick search on Google or YouTube yields loads of positive feedback on castor oil effects on hair.
Castor oil benefits of hair
Castor oil is best known for its rooting benefits. There are two types of castor oil golden and black which is one of the best castor oil for hair thickening. It is made from roasting the seeds and it is said to be purer as it has more alkaline properties. Both are quite heavy in texture and feel and loaded with Vitamin E and Fatty acids. Castor Oil benefits for hair are not just limited it is also rich in ricinoleic which include anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor Oil is a natural vegetable oil that is derived from the castor bean plant. It is being used for years externally and internally, offering excellent health benefits for your body. As you might have already known, this oil is found in a wide range of products from soaps, cosmetics, moisturizers, and everyday household products. Its wide-ranging benefits are credited to its high concentration of unsaturated fats. The plant is found in Asian countries and South America. The seeds are cold-pressed into a multipurpose, pale – yellow oil with a unique flavor and smell. It’s an age-old folk medicine widely known for unpleasant taste – has recently undergone a makeover as a secret ingredient for hair issues.
Castor Oil Benefits for Hair
Castor oil benefits hair growth by trapping the moisture and sealing it into the strands. The acid present in a natural emollient for the hair and it is also highly rich in Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids, which offers the needed suppleness with moisture. To ensure nourishment for hair apply castor oil regularly to boost its moisture levels most effectively and naturally.
1. Antifungal and Antibacterial Properties
When your scalp is dry and not properly looked at, the fungus will be formed which results in dandruff and flaky scalp. Scalp health is the most important thing to consider so for this you need to take a proper hair care routine. The benefits of applying castor oil on hair ensure that you inhibit and seal the growth of various bacterial and fungal infections that might infest scalp health. So, it is one of the hassle-free ways to keep your hair from invasion. Just like it, castor oil also keeps the skin free from skin conditions like eczema, etc. Note – Applying castor oil can keep your scalp bacterial and fungal-free.
2. Rich in Vitamin E
As mentioned, this oil is rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E, which are some of the potent ingredients for hair growth. Vitamin E protects your hair by fending off free radicals in the surroundings from destroying hair strength and quality. The oil also includes protein synthesis, which helps in normal hair growth and resting cycle, which means you will never lose extra hair like before. Note - How to apply castor oil on hair? Coat your hair with oil regularly and rinse off with a mild shampoo.
3. Helps Balance the pH levels in your scalp
The oil is super thick that penetrates deep into the scalp and also prevents dandruff and flaky skin. The oil further helps in boosting blood circulation making sure the scalp is balanced and healthy.
4. Boosts hair follicle health
If your hair doesn’t get the right nutrition and hydration needed your hair growth will be hindered which encourages hair loss. So oiling is very essential and castor oil effects of hair paramount. Try applying the oil as your hair care routine twice a week. Massage on the scalp to increase blood circulation and helps in hair growth from within, while nourishing and hydrating the scalp simultaneously. Pour some oil in a bowl and warm it, now apply it to the scalp and coat the strands well. This can combat split ends and dryness.
5. Frizz-free smooth hair
Castor oil is good for hair and it's the ultimate hair softener. It can smoothen dry and damaged hair as it has linoleic and oleic acids and can restore your hair’s normalcy that has been damaged due to environmental changes, stress, and lack of care. Just apply it on the ends every night before going to bed to prevent damaged ends. Using this oil can repair brittle hair, thereby enhancing the hair texture.
Can I use Castor oil for hair growth?
Does castor oil help in hair growth? A lot of people especially the ones who face hair loss and thinning issues keep asking this question. People who are in their 30s and 40s encounter this sort of issue and it is common among people who are under medications like antidepressants and anti-fungal.
As mentioned, the oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Your hair consists of very small roots and therefore needs proper blood circulation which is essential for your hair. The oil Is highly beneficial for these reasons as it enormously enhances blood circulation around the scalp.
If you wish to have your hair look stronger and for growing active hairs, then you must begin considering castor oil. It is a very powerful oil and also good for lessening hair loss.
If you are suffering from scalp infection because of any nutritional deficiencies and improper diet. Pollution is also one main cause that leads to scalp or hair infections. Washing your hair is fine but over-washing also weakens and dries your hair, making it brittle.
How to Apply castor oil for healthy hair?
Castor oil is highly denser and thicker than any other oils, use it in small quantities. You can also mix it with any other lighter ones such as extra virgin coconut hair oil. Warm the oil then apply on the scalp, make sure to coat all areas and massage well for optimum results. You can also use castor oil for hair thickening and use it as a mask as well.
-
Conditioning hair mask
You will need a ripe banana, honey, and some castor oil. Mix all together in a bowl to smooth and even paste. Now apply it for half an hour and allow it to rest. Focus on the strands and ends of your hair. Rinse in lukewarm water. This mask acts as a conditioner and softener, adding sheen to your hair. -
Hair scrub
You will need just two ingredients: almonds and castor oil for this DIY Homemade castor oil hair care hair mask. Just grind the almonds to a fine powder, you can also use almond flour for this. Now mix some castor oil and scrub your scalp for a couple of minutes gently. Make sure that you cover the hair roots as well, this will enhance blood circulation and exfoliate dry and scaly skin from the scalp. Now rinse the mask with your regular shampoo. Use this treatment at least once a week for best results.
-
Hair thickener mask
Beat egg, castor oil, and juice of half a lemon and make a smooth paste. Now apply the mask on the scalp and to the tip of your strands. Leave it for an hour, let the nutrients seal. Now wash off with biotin-rich shampoo for better results. This hair mask with castor oil is an excellent hair thickener that also adds texture and strength to your hair. Follow the same at least twice a month for better results
-
Treatment mask
the advantages of applying castor oil for hair is not just limited. For hair growth, use this oil with lighter oils like almond or grapeseed, as the oil is thicker it might be tough to wash. Castor oil also does not have any fragrance so to create a nice smelling oil you could also use essential oils. Apply the oil onto the scalp and roots and massage gently. Now cover the hair with a towel and leave it overnight.
Side Effects of Castor Oil on Hair
-
Hair felting or matting
If you notice hair felting, then it’s a sign that you are overusing the oil. Follow the right technique and follow it often than needed. Hair felting means an irreversible disorder where your hair might get tangled into a huge mess that can be tiresome to detangle. The only way out will be to chop off the affected part – which can be drastic! So, focus on using it to a limit and mix it with lighter oils as mentioned.
-
Allergic Reaction
Castor oil can cause dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction that can cause skin irritation for some users.
Castor oil benefits for hair health are positive. Many use this oil both for skin and hair. People who use castor oil state that their hair grows quicker, shinier, and stronger. Also, users say that it reduces wrinkles and acne as well. The only side effect of castor oil or negative review that people often complain about castor oil is its vigor smell. Users have also compared the scent of this oil to cigars. Others say that the oil is so thick and sticky.
Never consider user experience as medical suggestions. Seek professional advice or advice from a qualified healthcare provider if you have any issues or skin related problems with castor oil. People also use this oil on their eyelashes to make them thicker and glossier. However, ensure you have no skin-related issues to it or it might react on your eyelids. Scanty eyebrows can also look thick over time if used castor oil.
