Truthfully, I was never sure if using castor oil for hair growth was an old wive's tale or if there was some real merit to it until I tried it for myself. After getting curtain bangs a while back, oddly, they never seemed to grow back like my hair used to and this caused a slight panic.
Enter: Castor oil. Being an avid Amazon shopper, I happened to find a $10 formula there that worked wonders. I was pleasantly surprised and had to share. After a few weeks of use, I noticed a big difference in the length of not just my stumped bangs, but the rest of my hair too. I asked a few experts to share their tips on what this oil can do for your hair and the best ways to use it for each hair type. For everything you need to know about using castor oil for your hair, keep scrolling.
This is the castor oil I picked up from Amazon. It's only $10 so I figured it wouldn't be much of a loss if it didn't do much for my hair. I'm happy to report it really did help in the growth department. I will note that castor oil is pretty thick though. Even I found it to be a bit much for my coarse, curly hair so you'll want to use it sparingly if you have finer hair. I applied it to my roots and ends and left it on overnight a few nights a week and that seemed to do the trick.
I got a bit more info on this oil from experts that you can take a peek at below.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is a vegetable oil that comes from castor plants. It's colorless usually but can also be a paler yellow shade. It has no smell or taste and is rich in essential fatty acids, making it a great moisturizer for your hair. Celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab says, "Castor oil is often recommended for its potential to promote hair growth due to its high levels of ricinoleic acid, and moisturizing properties. Scientific evidence directly linking castor oil to faster hair growth is limited, [but] its benefits in improving scalp health and reducing breakage are well-regarded."
It's important to note that you should always do a patch test before trying castor oil because it's a known allergen for some. Start with a small section of the arm or scalp before applying it to your whole head.
What benefits can castor oil provide for your hair?
1. Improves scalp health: Castor oil can increase blood flow and it nourishes a dry scalp with extra moisture and essential fatty acids and antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which can soothe scalp inflammation and redness. Korab says, "Castor oil can create a healthier environment for hair to thrive, potentially leading to thicker and fuller-looking hair over time."
2. Improved hydration levels: According to Korab, castor oil's also incredibly moisturizing to the scalp and hair, adding strength and a fuller appearance over time.
3. Reduces hair breakage: Because castor oil is so hydrating and strengthening, it can help reduce strand breakage, contributing to hair growth.
How to Use Castor Oil to Help Promote Healthy Hair Growth
Like I mentioned above, castor oil is super thick so you'll want to use it sparingly. It can definitely cause build up or make your hair greasy if you go overboard so keep that in mind. Celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland has a few tips to share in that regard. "The amount and placement of castor oil in the hair should be dependent on your own natural hair density and texture," she explains. "If you have fine and medium hair, [you] should only use castor oil once a week max and it should be applied mid-shaft to ends where as someone with more coarse or dense hair can apply all over and even leave it in overnight."
Korab also has a few tips. "If you are interested in using caster oil for hair growth, apply castor oil one to two times per week to prevent build-up. Concentrate on the scalp, where hair growth starts, using a dropper or your fingertips to apply the oil directly. Gently massage in circular motions to boost circulation and evenly distribute the oil. You can also apply a small amount to the ends of your hair to combat dryness. Leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more intense conditioning, then wash it out with a gentle shampoo."
Other Ways to Help Stimulate Hair Growth
Even if you don't want to go the castor oil route, there are plenty of other oils out there that are scientifically proven to help promote hair growth like rosemary. Korab also stresses that it's essential to maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins like biotin, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. These can be found in foods like eggs, nuts, fish, and leafy greens. "Regular scalp massages can also promote growth by increasing blood circulation to the hair follicles," she says. "Additionally, minimizing the use of heat styling tools and harsh chemical treatments helps prevent damage and breakage, allowing hair to grow stronger and healthier. Proper hydration and reducing stress levels also contribute to overall hair health."
More Castor Oil Formulas to Try
This cold-pressed, unrefined castor oil is certified organic and housed in a brown glass bottle to protect it from UV damage.
While opting for a custom hair oil blend from Prose doesn't guarantee your formula will contain castor oil—it could! The brand just asks you to take a quiz to determine which oils will best suit your hair based on your hair type, texture, hair goals, and environment.
This formula combines the best of both worlds—rosemary and castor oil to help promote a healthy scalp and hair growth.
This cult-loved oil blend from Fable & Mane can be used as a pre-wash treatment so you won't have to worry about it causing buildup in your hair.
I'm a big fan of Sky Organics because its products are super high quality and don't cost a fortune. While this option might be a tad pricier than some of the others, I think it's worth it for the quality you receive.
Did I forget to mention that castor oil can be used on your eyelashes and brows to strengthen them too? This cold-pressed option is perfect for that.
