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Below, find insights from a hair expert, cosmetic chemist, and board-certified dermatologist, and learn everything there is to know about using castor oil for your hair. It seems as if every other day there's a new skin or hair ingredient en vogue that's suddenly deemed the miracle worker we've been waiting for. Considering that we live in the age of TikTok and light-speed trend cycles, this isn't necessarily surprising, but it does make us question what does and doesn't work. For moments like this, we dive head-first into the research (and call upon the experts), to determine whether our beauty routine actually needs another step. Many claims have been made about the benefits of using castor oil on your hair. However, little evidence supports the anecdotes that say it improves hair health and growth.
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The bottom line on the potential beauty benefits of castor oil
Studies have specifically focused on its effectiveness in removing bacteria from dentures, ensuring better overall health for denture wearers. Another study involved 612 women whose pregnancies lasted longer than 40 weeks. The study's authors found that the time to birth was not significantly different between those who took the oil and those who did not. The laxative properties of castor oil can lead to a small immediate weight loss, but this should not be confused with long-term body fat reduction. Research has shown that castor oil is an efficient way to cleanse the bowels for procedures such as a colonoscopy.
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Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement that has been tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF.org. Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. In addition to caring for wounds, castor oil can be used to remove bacteria from material.
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He has since consulted for P&G, Neutrogena, Skin Ceuticals, Cerave, EltaMD, Skin Medica, Fast Beauty Co., and 86 Elm. We love Shea Moisture for their moisturizing line of hair products, and this option is no different. According to reviews, it makes hair shiny with just a few drops, and one drop can be used to effectively moisturize your entire face, too. If you prefer to use Jamaican black castor oil, we recommend Tropic Isle Living. 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.
Castor oil is a true powerhouse when it comes to promoting healthy skin and hair. Its secret lies in its unique composition, particularly its high concentration of ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid with impressive properties. From soothing skin ailments to promoting healthy hair growth, castor oil has stood the test of time as a go-to solution for various health and beauty concerns. Its rich history is a testament to its effectiveness and the wisdom of our ancestors. There are two types of castor oil people use for beauty purposes, cold-pressed castor oil and Jamaican black castor oil. Regardless of which you choose, make sure that you select a brand that is made with pure castor oil.
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To do this, simply apply a few drops of castor oil to one small area of your skin to ensure there are no adverse effects. After being extracted from the seeds, the oil is filtered and steamed to remove ricin, a toxic component that could cause rancidity. What’s left is a vegetable oil rich in compounds such as ricinoleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, proteins, antioxidants and more. To set the record we straight– and manage expectations of the alleged miracle worker– we spoke to three experts about its hair growth potential and what we should be wary of.
What are the main benefits of castor oil for hair?
This versatile oil has been used to treat various health conditions, from joint pain to digestive issues. Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan with more than 10 years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle articles, including microfiber hair towels and the best hair straighteners. She's well-versed in castor oil for hair growth, thanks to information from experts, product reviews, and ratings. For a gentle scalp treatment, combine castor oil with olive oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E oils in an applicator bottle every night before bed or just whenever your scalp feels itchy or dry.
A Timeless Remedy
Lisa Vann, a hairstylist and owner of Vann Studio Salon Spa in Seattle, Washington explains that it’s jojoba oil’s oily composition in particular that allows it to highly hydrate hair (as well as skin). “Because of this, it can be added to hair conditioners to provide added protection against dryness, breakage, and split ends,” she explains. Castor oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties thanks to its high ricinoleic acid content. This makes it effective at balancing the bacteria on the skin and scalp, which can help to prevent acne, dandruff, and other common skin and hair issues. Some people use castor oil to grow longer hair or to treat hair loss, also known as alopecia.
It can be an effective moisturizer for your skin and hair, especially if you need a fast dryness fix. Just know that there isn’t a lot of scientific evidence backing up all the promises out there, including hair and eyelash growth. Plus the thick oil can clog pores and cause acne if you break out easily. That’s why Dr. Chiu recommends checking in with a dermatologist before you start slathering it all over yourself if you can—#skintok has a lot of big ideas, but it isn’t always right. In other words, “it’s difficult to draw conclusions on how influential these properties will be on our actual skin,” Dr. Hollmig explains.
Some people claim castor oil's benefits for hair are related to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants keep free radicals from damaging the body's healthy cells. This destructive process is called oxidative stress, and it's linked to many health effects, including hair loss. Much like your hair type and texture, you’ll also want to factor in your current scalp condition — dry, oily, sensitive and more, says Jordan.
“Castor oil helps nourish hair, leaving strands feeling and looking stronger and healthier,” Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC and New Jersey, adds. Another benefit of castor oil is that “it contains some antimicrobial properties that can help prevent scalp infections and folliculitis, which can contribute to hair loss and in turn help hair growth,” Kandasamy explains. "It’s very important to note that this study was speculative; the ricinoleic acid was not actually tested on humans or animals," Butler explains. She adds that the most effective treatments for hair loss are FDA-approved drugs like Minoxidil and people who are struggling with hair loss should see a dermatologist for treatment. Vann shares the following DIY recipe with clients needing a moisture-packed treatment at home between styling sessions.
