Castor Oil Benefits: What It Can Do for Your Skin, Hair, and Eyelashes

Table Of Content

• How long should you leave castor oil in hair?
• We Asked Stylists If You Should Really Use Castor Oil for Hair Growth
• What’s the best way to use castor oil for hair and can it be applied daily?
• How to Use Castor Oil Treatments on Hair
• Seven Ashwagandha Benefits for Female Health
• Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair Growth and More
• “Three Times the Growth!”

Removing the castor oil can be difficult, especially with natural shampoos. I’ve found that using a small amount and leaving it on overnight will result in most of the oil absorbing into the hair and scalp and make cleanup easier. In fact, I’ve been able to use dry shampoo and not wash on a few occasions. When I do shampoo, I use a natural shampoo or mud shampoo as normal.

How long should you leave castor oil in hair?

It can be used alone or with other oils as a natural alternative to store-bought moisturizers. But it can lead to clogged pores, scalp acne and otherwise irritated skin. In rare cases, applying castor oil to your hair can even lead to a scalp disorder called acute hair felting — when your hair becomes so hard, tangled and matted that it has to be cut off or shaved. These days, TikTokkers are making inaccurate and even dangerous claims about castor oil, saying it can bring everything from shiny hair to better eyesight. Some people even claim that applying castor oil to your stomach can improve your gut health. While castor oil is best known for its skin and hair benefits, its uses extend far beyond beauty.

We Asked Stylists If You Should Really Use Castor Oil for Hair Growth

That said, castor oil continues to be touted as a treatment for a wide variety of conditions, from headaches to menstrual cramps. While the dermatologists we talked to say that castor oil is generally tolerated well, just like with any ingredient, an allergic reaction is possible. If you notice redness, itchiness, peeling, flakiness, rashes, or a burning scalp, stop using it. I split my head open when I was younger, requiring 8 staples in my scalp. Where the scar is, I have a patch of super-curly hair that falls in a perfect ringlet, even though the rest of my hair is wavy/straight. The castor oil seemed to help make this hair patch smoother, though it grew at a faster rate than the rest of my hair.

What’s the best way to use castor oil for hair and can it be applied daily?

Therefore, it is important to perform a patch test before applying it to your scalp. “Apply a small amount behind the ear or the inner upper arm for a week,” says Dr. Hill. Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months. If the skin around your eyes and brows gets irritated, wash the castor oil off right away.

If you have super tight, 4C curls that tend to soak up moisture, go ahead and use castor oil two to three times per week. People with fine, straight hair, however, should stick to once or twice per week max, according to Dr. Scott. Apply it an inch behind your hairline, massage it in like a deep-conditioning treatment, and wash it out after a few hours or the next morning, if you use it overnight, she says. “There are limited studies that demonstrate castor oil’s direct effect on hair growth. However, there are many indicators that suggest that it could certainly play an indirect role in contributing to the healthy growth of hair,” Kohatsu explains.

Castor Oil for Hair Growth: The Truth, According to Experts in 2024 - Allure

Castor Oil for Hair Growth: The Truth, According to Experts in 2024.

Posted: Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Then, put a tablespoon of castor oil in the palms of your hands and work it into your hair, starting with the ends first. You want your hair to be saturated with the oil but not dripping; how much you use will depend on how long or thick your hair is. Castor oil is best used on those with dry or flaky scalps and brittle hair—it is an oil, so it might be overkill for use on those who already have oily hair. Note that there have been reports of of allergic reactions to castor oil on skin, Butler says. Because of this, and the chance of contracting allergic dermatitis, Dr. Amin advises to apply only a small amount on a hidden area of skin (a DIY patch test) before using castor oil all over your head. One of my favorite oils, this one has a nozzle tip to easily drip it directly onto my scalp before massaging.

Don't use it for long-term constipation relief because you could have side effects like cramps and bloating. A number of bacteria and fungi, including Candida fungi, commonly grow on dentures. This can create oral concerns if dentures aren’t properly cleaned and stored. Castor oil has been a trusted remedy for centuries, with its roots tracing back to ancient civilizations.

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. It is vital that you carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review new supplement labels with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

“Three Times the Growth!”

8 Best Castor Oil Uses to Include in Your Beauty Routine - Real Simple

8 Best Castor Oil Uses to Include in Your Beauty Routine.

Posted: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

There are anecdotal stories that placing a castor oil pack over the liver can aid in detoxifying it. Castor oil is commonly used to address various concerns, either by ingestion or topical application. While generally safe, it may cause adverse reactions in some individuals. For example, Venelex, a common ointment used in clinical settings, combines castor oil and Peru balsam, a balm derived from the Myroxylon balsamum tree, to treat wounds. Castor oil, made from the Ricinus communis plant’s seeds, has been used for thousands of years. A heating process deactivates its toxic enzyme, ricin, making it safe to use.

And who knows, you might just discover your new favorite beauty secret. Look for pure, cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil to get the most bang for your buck. Its antifungal properties help to balance the vaginal flora, preventing the overgrowth of Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for most yeast infections.

Both Dr. Green and Emmanuel agree that less is more when it comes to using the oil. Because it’s so thick, it can clog pores, cause build-up, and even lead to scalp irritation. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Simply add a dime- or quarter-sized amount to your hair before you swim depending on how thick and long it is, with a focus on the ends and dry areas first. Using a small amount of castor oil in your eyebrow brush is a quick and easy way to keep eyebrows smooth and flat—or, if it's your style, try it to keep them brushed up straight. Dip your fingertips into the mixture and massage into your scalp, starting at the back where your hairline meets your neck, and working toward the front.