Do you lose your hair and need a hair growth boost?

Using Castor Oil for Hair Growth

What is Castor oil

During the last couple of years, many beauty enthusiasts have started to praise Castor oil as a natural remedy for hair growth and Using Castor Oil for Hair Growth.
Castor oil has been known since ancient times and often used in traditional medicine as well. In ancient times Castor oil was used to ease dandruff, moisturize your hair, and provide shine and smoothness to your hair.

Castor oil is sourced from the castor bean (Ricinus communis), which is rich in ricinoleic acid—a type of fatty acid.
When Castor oil is applied to the scalp, it’s known to enhance the health of the hair follicles. Furthermore, Castor oil will promote hair growth and even protect against hair loss.

The majority of ingredients of Castor oil are ricinoleic acid, Vitamin E, minerals, omega-6, and 9 fatty acids.

We have not been able to find any scientific evidence to show that Castor oil actually can promote hair growth. But this old study from 2003 published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science(1), indicates that frequently use of Castor oil may improve the appearance of hair by increasing hair luster.

But many Castor oil consumers and users, claim that they experience great effects on hair growth and having healthier hair.

I think most girls and women dream of long thick and shiny hair with no split ends. Because of the pollution and the dirt in the air, it is almost impossible to have a perfect hairstyle. I am talking about simple hairstyles like a ponytail or simple waves without using expensive hair products.

But castor oil is known for its amazing hair care benefits and has been used for centuries as a hair care product.
Many people are not aware of the benefits of Castor oil as a hair care ingredient.

Types of Castor oil

What Castor Oil type should you use?
In hair care terms, there are three types of castor oil that are widely used: Jamaican black castor oil, organic castor oil, and hydrogenated castor oil. Castor oil is originally from Africa.

Type 1: Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Initially roasted and after that, the Castor beans are pressed for oil.
The black color from the Castor oil is from the ashes from the roasted Castor Seeds.
If you have a healthy scalp and straight hair, your hair might benefit from Jamaican Black Castor Oil. The reason for this is, that Jamaican Black Castor Oil is very potent at penetrating and cleansing.

Type 2: Organic or Cold pressed Castor oil

As the name indicates, the Castor oil is extracted directly from the Castor seed without any heating.
To extract the oil, a mechanical and non-chemical method is used, this process is called expeller pressing.
When cold pressing is used, all nutrients present in the seed are preserved.
The color of organic or Cold pressed Castor oil is pale yellow.
In case of dry or itchy scalp that is prone to irritation, it is advised to use unrefined, organic Castor oil. Organic Castor oil is less alkaline than Jamaican Black Castor Oil and therefore better for itchy and irritated scalps.

Type 3: Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Hydrogenated Castor Oil is made by pure castor oil that is hydrogenated with the help of a nickel catalyst.
Unlike other Castor oils, this type of oil is primarily used in varnishes, polishes, and cosmetics.
Furthermore, Hydrogenated Castor Oil is insoluble in water which makes it perfect for cosmetics.

How to Use It

If you want to use Castor oil for hair growth, you should try to rub a few drops of the oil into your scalp.
Also, you can massage a few additional drops of castor oil into the midsection of your hair and ends. this may improve hair texture and protect your hair against breakage.
Experts advise not to use Castor oil for scalp treatment more than 1-2 times per week. Experts also advise to keep the oil sit for about two hours will be beneficial. Remember to cover your hair with clothing or a shower cap to prevent oil drippings.
After two hours, wash your hair and scalp gently.
If you experience difficulties removing the Castor oil from your hair, you might dilute Castor with Coconut or Jojoba oil. When combining these oils it will be easier to wash out as Castor oil is extremely heavy. In addition, you also tone down the unpleasant scent (some people find it unpleasant) from Castor oil.
If you use Castor oil as a remedy for hair loss, remember that underlying health issues might be the reason for the loss of hair. Therefore, it’s important to consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience unexplained hair loss.

Which Castor oil should I use for my hair type?

Normale hair type
Most experts, recommend organic and cold-pressed Castor oil for normal hair types. It is said that organic and cold-pressed Castor oils are higher-quality and richer in nutrients than other Castor oils.

Extremely dry, thick, or coarse hair type
Another popular variety of hair treatments is the use of Jamaican black castor oil.
If you have extremely dry, thick, or coarse hair, Jamaican black castor oil is said to be especially beneficial.

Precautions and Concerns of Using Castor Oil for Hair Growth

If you use Castor oil 1-2 times a week, there should not be any side effects. If you are unsure whether you are allergic to castor oil or not, try to test on your arm first.
In very rare cases, there have been reported acute hair felting in which the hair becomes entangled into a mass.

Side Effects of Using Castor Oil for Hair Growth

Don’t consume large amounts of Castor oil – not even the organic or Cold pressed Castor oil. Doing so, might harmful and trigger certain adverse effects, like:

References in Using Castor Oil for Hair Growth

Ingredients of Castor oil: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908398/