
- Castor oil increases blood flow to the scalp, which promotes healthier hair.
- Applying it just once a month can boost hair growth up to five times the usual rate.
- Castor oil can moisturize a dry, irritated scalp.
- Castor oil's antibacterial and antifungal properties can reduce dandruff.
How long does it take for castor oil to work on hair?
Sep 28, 2021 · How often should you use castor oil for hair? To see long-lasting effects, use castor oil on your hair once or twice a week for at least a few months. Using it more often than that can cause a...
Is it safe to apply castor oil directly to the scalp?
Jul 08, 2019 · However, there are several benefits associated with using castor oil . For starters, it is incredibly moisturizing and contains loads of fatty acids and antioxidants. If you’re suffering from dry, brittle and breakable hair, castor oil can certainly help. Moreover, castor oil has been shown to be effective at soothing the scalp and reducing ...
What is the best castor oil for hair growth?
Apr 17, 2022 · Castor oil has been used for centuries for many things, such as for medicinal purposes, as a cooking ingredient, as a hair treatment, and in cosmetics. The castor oil works by penetrating the hair shaft and increasing the amount of moisture in your hair. The castor oil also helps to strengthen your hair and it will prevent the split ends from ...
What is castor oil and how does it work?
Castor oil helps boost blood circulation on the scalp thanks to ricinoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids. Massaging castor oil into the scalp helps to stimulate the Prostaglandin E2 receptor, increase blood vessel dilation, and help boost the flow of oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood to your hair follicles -- thereby promoting hair growth.

How many times a week should I use castor oil?
A. Don't use castor oil more than once or twice a week, and that too in small quantities. If you want to use it more frequently, add a few drops of castor oil to a lighter oil like coconut or argan oil, and then use this on the hair for optimum benefit.Feb 5, 2019
Can we apply daily castor oil on hair?
Castor oil is too heavy for most hair types to use on a daily basis. However, if you have very dry hair you may be able to add a few drops to your ends every day.
Can I leave castor oil in my hair for 3 days?
There are no exact guidelines for how long you should leave castor oil on your hair. Leaving it in too long can actually dry out your hair and scalp, so it's best to wash it from your hair after two hours or so. Many hair care experts recommend using castor oil no more than once a week.Feb 8, 2022
Can you sleep with castor oil on your hair?
Depending on your hair type, and your purpose for oiling up, you can use castor oil on your scalp, your ends, or all over. An overnight application is always best in our opinion because it gives lots of time for this thick seed oil to penetrate hair.Sep 1, 2020
What is castor oil?
Sourced from the castor bean ( Ricinus communis ), castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid—a type of fatty acid found to fight inflammation. 1 When applied to the scalp, it’s purported to enhance the health of the hair follicles and, in turn, promote hair growth (as well as protect against hair loss). Sol de Zuasnabar Brebbia / Getty Images.
What is the best castor oil for hair?
When it comes to using castor oil as a hair treatment, one of the most popular varieties is Jamaican black castor oil. Made with roasted castor beans (and the ash produced by the roasting process), Jamaican black castor oil is said to be especially beneficial to those with thick, dry, and/or coarse hair.
How to use castor oil for hair growth?
How to Use It. If you’re interested in using castor oil for hair growth, try rubbing just a few drops of the oil into your scalp. You can also massage a few additional drops of castor oil into your hair’s midsection and ends, which may protect against breakage and improve hair texture. Although the ideal timing for castor-oil-based hair masks is ...
Does castor oil help hair growth?
As castor oil gains popularity in the natural beauty world, proponents suggest that the use of oil can dramatically increase the rate of hair growth. Some even claim that monthly application of the oil can boost hair growth by up to five times the usual rate. There’s currently no scientific evidence to show that castor oil can promote hair growth.
Can castor oil cause matting?
When used more frequently, castor oil can cause buildup and lead to issues like matting. Because castor oil is extremely heavy and often difficult to remove from hair, hair treatment recipes typically call for diluting it with other plant-derived oils (such as coconut or jojoba ).
Is castor oil cold pressed?
What to Look For. Proponents of castor oil often recommend opting for organic, cold-pressed products. It’s said that cold-pressed oils are higher-quality and more nutrient-rich than those processed at greater temperatures.
Who is Cathy Wong?
Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process. Cathy Wong. Medically reviewed by. Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO on November 16, 2019. linkedin.
Simple tips for using Castor Oil
Whichever way you try, follow these simple tips to get the most benefit from your castor oil application:
How often to use it?
It is usually recommended that you use a castor oil treatment not more than once a week, despite its many benefits, as castor oil is a rather thick oil, and too much of it can build up in your hair and cause it to look a bit greasy.
Final words
We should say that as yet there is no scientific evidence to prove, once and for all, that castor oil makes your hair grow.
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a type of vegetable oil that is made from castor beans, originated from tropical East Africa near present-day Egypt. Also known as Ricinus Communis, it has been especially popular for centuries in India and the West Indies for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Castor oil typically has a clear or pale yellow appearance.
What Does Castor Oil Do?
Castor oil has earned a reputation for being able to promote hair growth, amongst its multitude of uses. If you want your hair to grow, using castor oil to treat underlying issues is a great step in the right direction.
Who Should Use Castor Oil? Does it prevent hair loss?
Castor oil is great for any hair type, especially for those with curly or coarse hair. The thicker oil is better able to penetrate these hair types and work more effectively.
How to Use Castor Oil for Your Hair Type
Make the most of this hydrating oil, and use it properly for your unique hair needs. Do you put castor oil on wet or dry hair? You can apply it using the tips below on dry, or damp (not soaking wet) hair. Here’s our quick guide to using castor oil for your hair type:
How to Find the Best Castor Oil Products
Even though castor oil can benefit your hair and promote hair growth, not all castor oil products are created equal.
How to use castor oil on hair?
How do you apply castor oil to hair? 1 For dry scalp: Working in sections, dip your fingers into a bottle of castor oil and gently massage the product into your scalp. When you're done, sit under a hair steamer for 20 to 30 minutes to help the oil really penetrate your scalp, and then keep it in until your next wash day. 2 For deep conditioning: Coat your hair with castor oil and slap on a shower cap before going to bed. When you wake up, gently comb your hair and follow with shampoo and conditioner. Note: Some people opt for a double shampoo to help rinse the castor oil all the way out. 3 For protective hairstyles: Combine castor oil with olive, grapeseed, coconut, and vitamin E oils in an applicator bottle for a gentle and antioxidant-rich scalp treatment. Peep this tutorial to see how it's done.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is a vegetable oil pressed from castor beans, and it's been around for centuries. It’s usually colorless, although you’ve likely seen yellow or black versions on Amazon or at your local Ulta.
Can I use castor oil on my eyebrows?
As long as you’re using caution (i.e., you aren’t putting it directly in your eyes), then yes, castor oil is safe to use on your lashes and brows. Again, there’s no guarantee that castor oil will make your hair grow faster, but it can act as a great conditioning serum .
Does castor oil grow hair?
The not- so-good news: Even though there are plenty of stories around castor oil and hair growth, there aren’t any studies or scientific evidence that proves castor oil will actually grow your hair. I know, I know—the truth hurts.
Is castor oil good for dandruff?
It’s also a super-popular option for treating irritated scalps, excess oil, and dandruff, ...
Is castor oil good for coarse hair?
As a reminder , Jamaican black castor oil is on the thicker side, so it’s best for anyone with dense or coarse hair, whereas regular cold-pressed castor oil is great for finer hair types. BTW: It's important to keep in mind that hair growth doesn’t happen overnight—regardless of what products or treatments you’re using.
How to use a scalp oil?
Dip your fingers into the oil, and massage your scalp for three to five minutes. 1 You can also use an eye dropper to drip the oil onto various points on your scalp. This may be easier for you, and less messy. Be sure to massage the oil into your scalp for about five minutes. 2 Alternatively, dip a cotton ball in the oil and use it to apply the oil to your scalp. [6]#N#X Expert Source Shun Pittman#N#Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Expert Interview. 11 May 2021.
How long does it take to see results from castor oil?
Keep in mind, however, that you may not see any results the next day. Try using the castor oil treatment for four weeks before moving on to something else. You will probably start seeing results after about a month of use. If you wish, you can use castor oil daily, or as often as needed.
How to get castor oil out of hair?
Although you can apply castor oil to dry hair, dampening your hair may help the oil absorb better. A quick way to dampen your hair is to fill a spray bottle with water, and spray just your scalp. Your hair should just be a little damp, not dripping wet.
How to get rid of a bad smell from castor oil?
Consider adding a few drops of essential oil to mask the smell. Castor oil can smell bad. If this bothers you, try adding in two to three drops of a fresh-smelling essential oil, such as rosemary, peppermint, or tea tree.
How to spread oil on hair?
Use your fingers to spread the oil between your hair roots and across your scalp. Massage your head with your fingertips using small, circular motions. You can also use an eye dropper to drip the oil onto various points on your scalp. This may be easier for you, and less messy.
How to apply oil to scalp?
This will make it easier for you to dip your fingers into when you go to apply it. Consider pouring the oil into a small bottle with an eye dropper. This way, you can use the eye dropper to just drip the oil to your scalp.
Can you use castor oil on your scalp?
Expert Answer. Yes, castor oil is safe to apply directly to the scalp, as well as to the hair. On the scalp, castor oil works against dandruff, strengthens the roots, and promotes hair growth.
How long does the catagen phase last?
This oil production can increase or decrease with hormonal changes as well. The next phase lasts about ten days and is called the catagen phase. In this stage, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the underlying tissue. The resting phase (telogen) lasts around three months.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil’s purported benefits. Castor oil is a translucent, slightly yellow liquid extracted from the seeds of the plant Ricinus communis. This oil has been utilized in holistic medicine for a range of therapeutic purposes. The use of castor oil can be traced back to Ancient Egypt.
How to moisturize hair?
Applying oils to your hair can help moisturize it like the naturally occurring sebum that our skin produces. Adding to or replacing this natural oil can help prevent damage to the hair shaft caused by sunlight and hair products like hair dye and hair spray. Adding oil to your hair can also increase its luster and shine.
How to avoid hair loss?
Tips to avoid hair loss. These tips may help you avoid preventable types of hair loss: Avoid tight hairstyles like braids, buns, or ponytails that can put tension on your hair, causing breakage and loss. Avoid twisting, rubbing, or pulling on your hair. These actions can contribute to excessive hair loss.
Why does my hair get greasy?
As the hair grows, it gets pushed up through the skin, passing an oil gland that adds oil to the hair and keeps it shiny and soft. It can also make your hair appear greasy. Washing your hair regularly keeps the oil in check. This oil production can increase or decrease with hormonal changes as well.
How long does hair grow?
Here’s how it happens: Hair growth has four stages. The growing phase of hair is called the anagen phase, and it normally lasts two to seven years, depending on the hair length.
How long does the resting phase of hair last?
The resting phase (telogen) lasts around three months. While your hair is in this resting phase, a new hair is beginning to grow. About 10–15 percent of your hair is in the resting phase at any given time. The final phase (exogen) occurs when the new hair grows enough to push the old hair out.

Benefits
How to Use It
- If you’re interested in using castor oil for hair growth, try rubbing just a few drops of the oil into your scalp. You can also massage a few more drops into your hair’s midsection and ends. This may protect against breakage and improve your hair's texture. Castor oil is heavy and very sticky, making it difficult to remove from your hair. It's best to dilute it with other natural oils like cocon…
What to Look For
- When shopping for castor oil, you might see some products that say "cold-pressed" on their labels. This means the castor seeds are pressed into oil without the use of heat or harsh chemicals. Many people say that cold-pressed oils are the best quality and more nutrient-rich than those processed with heat. One of the most popular castor oil products for hair care is Jamaican blac…
Side Effects
- There’s some concern that using castor oil as a hair treatment may lead to acute hair felting—a rare disorder in which the hair becomes tangled into a hard mass. Since the condition is irreversible, the only solution is to cut off the affected hair.4 It should also be noted that consuming large amounts of castor oil can be extremely harmful and trigger a number of advers…
Precautions and Concerns
- Castor oil can stain your clothes and towels. Take care to cover your head with a shower cap, an old t-shirt, or a towel until it's time to wash your hair. This will prevent the oil from dripping onto your clothes or other items. Keep in mind that your hair may require two applications of shampoo in order to completely remove the castor oil. If you’re thinking of using castor oil as a remedy for …
Summary
- Castor oil is popular among natural beauty enthusiasts, who claim that applying it to your hair can boost your hair's health, shine, and growth. There is no scientific evidence to support these claims, although some nutrients in castor oil, like antioxidants and fatty acids, are known to be beneficial for health.
A Word from Verywell
- There are many medical conditions that can lead to hair loss, including thyroid disease and alopecia areata. You can also lose noticeable amounts of hair during periods of severe mental or emotional stress, and sometimes hair loss occurs with advancing age. If you're losing large clumps of hair or you're developing bald spots, get in contact with your doctor. You may have an …
Benefits of Castor Oil For Hair
Simple Tips For Using Castor Oil
- Whichever way you try, follow these simple tips to get the most benefit from your castor oil application: 1. Rub a small amount of castor oil between your hands to warm it so that it is runnier and easier to apply. 2. Massage it deeply into your scalp, and you can apply it to the mid sections of your hair too (best to avoid the ends, as this can lead to tangling). 3. Let it soak in for anywher…
How Often to Use It?
- It is usually recommended that you use a castor oil treatment not more than once a week, despite its many benefits, as castor oil is a rather thick oil, and too much of it can build up in your hair and cause it to look a bit greasy. Another reason to take a little care with the application of castor oil is that it can lead to “hair felting”– a seri...
Final Words
- We should say that as yet there is no scientific evidence to prove, once and for all, that castor oil makes your hair grow. On the other hand, centuries’ worth of anecdotal evidence is something to go on! You really have nothing to lose – even if it doesn’t suddenly transform you into Rapunzel, it will do your hair good and give you some lovely shine.