If you’re the type of beauty consumer who is naturally suspicious of any and every product you’re told “really works like magic,” you aren’t alone — and you’re probably very wise to feel that way. The unfortunate reality is that the hair, skincare, and cosmetic markets are oversaturated with products that make huge claims. One day you’re being told a certain serum can banish all of your wrinkles and the next day a hair brand is trying to sell you on the idea that all you need is their shampoo to stop your hair from shedding forever.
The solution you’re seeking is usually more complicated than just using a product or two and often involves changes in diet, lifestyle, and a trip to the dermatologist or trichologist to get a professional’s take. But there’s one natural oil that has stood the test of time and maintained its reputation, while other trendy hair products have come and gone over the years: castor oil.
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There’s little doubt you’ve heard that castor oil can do more than just moisturize your skin and scalp: it can help with thinning hair and even hair growth, according to those who sing its praises. It’s hard to believe a product that costs less than $10 at the drugstore can measure up against pricey supplements and hair tonics — but many experts say there’s plenty of truth in this narrative, with a caveat or two to keep in mind. If you’re on the fence about trying castor oil and don’t want to experience yet more heartbreak when you discover it’s not a magical cure for hair shedding, you’re definitely going to want to stock up on a few bottles — but first read what experts have to say.
Does castor oil work for hair growth?
Let’s get right to it: does castor oil help hair growth?
Yes, it absolutely can.
“Castor oil is a popular natural remedy for hair growth,” says Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, Ph.D., who has over 30 years of experience in dermatology. “It contains ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help to improve scalp health and promote hair growth. Additionally, castor oil is high in omega-9 fatty acids essential for healthy hair and skin.”
Ricinoleic acid does three things that help with hair growth, explains Sanjay Batra, who has a PhD in medical physiology and is an expert in regenerative medicine and hair loss. “Firstly, it is moderately antimicrobial, meaning it can help to reduce the bacterial and fungal overgrowth on scalps that suffer from thinning or poor-quality hair,” Batra says. “Secondly, it has anti-inflammatory effects, so it helps to reduce the redness and soreness of the scalp, supporting healthy hair growth. Thirdly, and most importantly, ricinoleic acid helps to improve the balance of prostaglandins in scalp tissue, by reducing the production of prostaglandin D2, a hair growth inhibitor.”
How should castor oil be used?
If castor oil is used every few days, a small amount should be mixed with a strong surfactant and diluted in water, to help with even distribution across the scalp, Batra recommends. “This will also help to prevent too much from being applied. Castor oil can be used once a week, if you can tolerate having a greasy scalp for a whole day. In this case, choose one day, perhaps the weekend, and using your fingers, blot castor oil in different places across the scalp, approximately in 1-inch intervals. Once the blotting is finished, use your fingers and palms to massage it in to the rest of the scalp.”
Before you pick up any old bottle of castor oil, Dr. Goldman stresses doing your research. “When it comes to using castor oil, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it's important to choose a high-quality castor oil that is free of additives or impurities,” Dr. Goldman says. “Second, use it sparingly — a little bit goes a long way. You can apply a small amount of castor oil to your scalp and massage it, leaving it on for 30 minutes to several hours before washing it.”
What are the limitations of castor oil?
Avoid the temptation of treating any product as a cure-all for what ails you. Castor oil may help, but it’s just one part of a hair healthcare regimen.
“Remember your diet,” says Dr. Goldman. “Your diet should be rich in vitamins and minerals. While using these oils, you should always be mindful of what you eat.”
If you’re experiencing hair loss or other hair-related issues, Dr. Goldman stresses that it's always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or other healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and develop a customized treatment plan. “If you're interested in trying castor oil for hair growth, I encourage you to do so — but remember to use it in moderation and conjunction with other healthy hair practices,” he says.
Any other caveats?
Yes, there’s one more we can’t deny: castor oil has an extremely greasy texture. This is not the kind of oil you can usually apply before styling your hair and run out the door to an appointment.
“While castor oil might be an effective anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and prostaglandin therapy, the greasy nature and negative effects to the texture of your hair may compel you to use something that is more cosmetically elegant,” Batra says. “There are a number of effective serums on the market that can do what castor oil does, and so much more. An example is REVIVV® Hair Growth Serum. This hair serum can be applied twice daily without any negative effects to hairstyle, and the powerful ingredients go far beyond castor oil without the greasiness.”
