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Castor oil is considered as a boon for hair. Whether it’s thinning hair, split ends, dry scalp and frizz, hair growth problem, it can help to solve almost every hair problems. Castor oil for hair has many nutrients like vitamin E, omega-9 and 6 fatty acids, and proteins which give it unique moisturizing properties that are ideal for maintaining healthy hair. Let’s take a look at how castor oil is good for hair.
Benefits of Castor Oil For Hair
Castor Oil is the best option for healthy hair. There is some rationale that PGD2(Hormones) might lead to hair loss in some people. Given that ricinoleic acid – a component of castor oil – can block/inhibit PGD2, does appear to lend some evidence to its effects. The main ingredient of castor oil is ricinoleic acid and omega fatty acids which make it a boon for hair related problems. Let’s take a look at the benefits of castor oil for hair.
- Castor oil has the ricinoleic acid which accelerates blood circulation to the scalp, hence increasing hair growth. It works on nourishing the scalp and strengthening the roots. It also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties making castor oil for hair your secret weapon to treat your damaged hair. (Source)
- In the study, scalp tissue with high levels of Prostaglandin E2 had healthy hair growth but in balding areas, it was found in much lower levels. Castor oil made up of 90% of fatty acid chains unclogs the block pores and helps the hair to grow.
Accounting for more than 90% of castor oil’s constitution, ricinoleic acid is the single largest component, is mono-unsaturated and features 18 carbons. What renders it different is that its 12th carbon comprises of a hydroxyl functional group. It is courtesy of this structure of ricinoleic acid that castor oil derives its polar nature and hence is chemically more nourishing for the scalp.
Hair growth is spurred by a lipid compound named Prostaglandin (PGE2) and it could be best described as a catalyst. While its presence in high concentration promotes growth of hair, its depletion causes hair loss and eventually leads to baldness. Castor oil’s principle component – ricinoleic acid – has been scientifically proven to stimulate the production of Prostaglandin (PGE2) when applied to the scalp. Enhanced production of this lipid, particularly in bald spots, enriches hair follicles and encourages regeneration of hair.
- It helps to get rid of the dry scalp which can lead to dandruff and itchy scalp. It treats scalp infection which can cause major hair problems like bald patches, itchy scalp, etc. Castor oil is filled with essential nutrients like vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids, etc, which will help you to treat split ends and breakage. It helps castor oil to get penetrate deeply into the hair follicle and nourish the hair roots. It makes hair softer and manageable and controls water loss in hair.
6 Most Effective Ways To Use Castor Oil For Hair
1. Castor Oil For Hair Growth
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon castor oil (Buy From Here – US | India)
- 2 drops of rosemary essential oil (Buy From Here – US | India)
- 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil (Buy From Here – US | India)
- You can adjust the proportion of oil according to your hair density
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and apply to your scalp first and then hair strands. You can keep it overnight or rinse it off with a mild shampoo after 1 hour. Repeat it 2-3 times a week to see the result.
Castor oil carries ricinoleic acid and omega- 6 essential fatty acids and coconut oil have vitamin K, A, and E which accelerate blood circulation to the scalp, hence increasing hair growth. It works on nourishing the scalp and strengthening the roots with the help of essential nutrients. Rosemary essential oil is one of the premier hair growth-enhancing essential oils. It is packed with antioxidants which help scavenge free radicals – that are responsible for graying as well as hair thinning. It is also effective for treating dandruff, itchiness, scalp irritation and oily skin.
2. Castor Oil For Hair Dandruff
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon castor oil (Buy From Here – US | India)
- 2 drops of tea tree essential oil (Buy From Here – US | India)
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel (Buy From Here – US | India)
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and apply to your scalp first and then hair strands. You can keep it overnight or rinse it off with a mild shampoo after 1 hour. Repeat it 2-3 times a week to see the result.
Aloe vera gel has the essential nutrients that help to regulate healthy sebum which keeps hair from drying out and breaking off. In addition, Vitamin C fights dandruff causing microbes and calms itchy scalp. A mixture of castor oil and aloe vera gel will make your hair healthy, provide moisture to the hair strand and will remove dandruff too. Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties which kill the harmful microbes causing dandruff. It also promotes hair growth and minimizes the hair fall problem. After applying this natural remedy you will get relieved from dandruff and itchy scalp related to dryness.
3. Castor Oil For Dry and Damaged Hair
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon castor oil (Buy From Here – US | India)
- 2 tablespoon argan oil (Buy From Here – US | India)
Take castor oil and argan oil in a small bowl and place this bowl in a larger bowl containing hot water. This will warm the oil and warm oil will deep condition your hair and scalp. Now, apply this to your scalp first and then hair strands. You can keep it overnight or rinse it off with a mild shampoo after 1 hour. Repeat it 2-3 times a week to see the result.
Argan oil has vitamin E and this is extremely beneficial for hair. Vitamin E promotes healthy hair growth as it contains antioxidants, which help boost cells and encourage them to produce healthy hair. It can act as a moisturizer for the scalp to fight dandruff and dry scalp. It can even undo some of the damage done through chemical treatments and dyes and can be used to treat split ends. It is an excellent agent for taming frizz and promoting shine and gloss, as well as softer, more manageable hair. The mixture of argan oil and castor oil can do a lot to your hair and will provide essential nutrients to regain its lost luster and shine.
4. Castor Oil For Hair Fall
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon castor oil (Buy From Here – US | India)
- 1 tablespoon almond oil (Buy From Here – US | India)
- 2 drops of clary sage essential oil (Buy From Here – US | India)
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and apply to your scalp. You can keep it overnight(recommended) or rinse it off with a mild shampoo after 1 hour. Repeat it 2-3 times a week to see the result.
Almond oil has vitamin A and E which accelerate blood circulation to the scalp, hence increasing hair growth. It works on nourishing the scalp and strengthening the roots with the help of essential nutrients and prevents them from falling.
Sage is a traditional topical treatment for graying hair, and the herb may promote new hair growth and stops un-natural hair falling, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Sage has antibiotic, antiallergic and antiseptic properties and is a source of magnesium, zinc, potassium, and vitamins B and C which are the essential nutrients for healthy hair. (Source)
5. Castor Oil For Hair Split Ends
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon castor oil (Buy From Here – US | India)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (Buy From Here – US | India)
Take 1 egg and mix 1 tablespoon coconut oil well. Now, add 1 tablespoon of castor oil to the mixture and apply to the scalp and hair. Keep it for at least 30 minutes and wash it off with shampoo. You can repeat it for at least once in a week.
This egg, castor oil and coconut oil hair mask will provide the nutrients necessary to improve dry and damaged hair with split ends. Eggs have the maximum amount of protein that makes hair soft and shiny and also promotes hair growth. castor and coconut oil will deeply moisturize your scalp and makes scalp healthy.
6. Castor Oil For deep Hair conditioner
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon castor oil (Buy From Here – US | India)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (Buy From Here – US | India)
- 1 avocado
In a small mixing bowl or the bowl of a mixer, add the avocado, castor oil and coconut oil. Mix on high until smooth. Dampen hair with water. Firstly apply the mask to your scalp completely and then spread the mask onto hair, paying particular attention to the ends. Clip your hair onto the top of your head, cover with a shower cap, and keep it for 40-45 minutes. Remove shower cap, rinse out the mask, and then wash the hair with mild shampoo. Do this at least a week to get smoother and healthier hair.
Avocado is loaded with potassium (nearly twice as much as bananas) and contains protein, among the highest of all fruit. Its moisturizing properties make hair shiny and keep the hair moisturized. The fatty acids and high levels of antioxidants like vitamin E in avocados have the protective effect against environmental stressors and damage, it may also stimulate new growth and help unclog blocked follicles. Avocados, coconut and castor oil work at the cellular level to protect and strengthen hair. Vitamin E present in avocado and coconut oil helps to repair damage to the scalp, which may slow or prevent hair growth. Vitamin B present in avocado is essential for hair growth and it locks moisture into hair cells, nourishes hair cells, and strengthens hair roots, shaft, and strands.
How to wash castor oil from hair
Castor oil is thick and sticky by nature. Hence, washing this oil off your hair can be a tough task. Below are some guidelines that you can use to tackle this problem easily.
- Use mild warm water to damp your scalp and hair. This process will open your scalp pores to release the stored grime and dirt. Take some shampoo in your palms and add some water to it. Rub your palms to form a rich lather. This action will make your palms moist, thus avoiding friction that causes breakage.
- Apply the shampoo to your hair and scalp. Massage gently using your fingertips. Let the shampoo stay for one minute and wash it off with normal water to close the opened pores. You can use your hair conditioner also after the shampoo. Use a good quality comb to untangle your hair.
What Type Of Castor Oil Should You Use For Hair?
There are three types of castor oil that are popularly used for hair care –
1. Organic/Cold Pressed Castor Oil
Extracted directly from the castor seed with no heat involved. The cold pressing ensures that there is no degradation of any of the nutrients present in the seed. It is pale yellow in color. If you have curly hair and an itchy or dry scalp that is prone to irritation, it is recommended that you use unrefined, hexane-free organic castor oil as it is less alkaline than Jamaican Black Castor Oil.
2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Initially roasted and then pressed for oil. The ashes of the roasted castor seeds are added to the oil, which gives it its black color and if you have straight hair and a healthy scalp, you are more likely to benefit from JBCO, which is better at penetrating and cleansing.
Note: While the nutritional value of both Jamaican Black Castor Oil and organic castor oil is about the same but Jamaican Black Castor Oil is more alkaline, making it a more clarifying oil that can help open cuticles.
3. Hydrogenated Castor Oil
It is made by hydrogenating pure castor oil with the help of a catalyst. Unlike regular castor oil, castor wax is brittle, odorless, and insoluble in water and mainly used in cosmetics, varnishes, and polishes.
Precaution
- While castor oil is generally safe, you might experience side effects if you are allergic to certain ingredients present in it. Do a patch test before you apply castor oil and essential oils on a large scale.
- Rub a few drops of castor oil on your forearm or feet and keep it on for 24 hours. If you witness any type of reaction, even slight redness or itching, I suggest you avoid using castor oil.
Complete Hair Care
Remember when it comes to fixing your hair problems, it’s not just once oil or a recipe which will help you. Hair care is a continuous task which requires a few routine changes. Our Essential Oil Hair Care Bible programs make you ready for that. It has all the required resources for a proper hair care like essential oil guide, carrier oil guide, hair care recipes for various hair problems, hair routine guide, and a nutritional guide. It has helped moms and families take the required step to start using essential oils in their life and specifically for hair care.
Click here to get started with your Essential Oil Hair Care Bible journey today!
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