Castor Oil – A Miracle Oil for Hair Growth?

Benefits of Castor Oil

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a dense pale yellow colored vegetable oil with a boiling point of 313°C. The scientific name of castor oil is Ricinus communis. In Hindi, it is also called Arandi ka Tel. This oil has multiple uses in soaps, shampoos, lubricants, paints, dyes, waxes and even perfumes. Castor oil was one of the earliest commercial products and one of the most important industrial oils. The history of castor beans dates back to the Egyptian tombs of 4000 B.C. A lesser well known benefit of castor oil is hair growth.

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Is Castor Oil really good for Hair Growth?

Castor Oil is gaining popularity as a miracle oil for hair growth. If you love long hair and dream of it, then you can surely try castor oil for hair. Due to the current lifestyle involving stress and increasing pollution, we are prone to hair loss. This oil can be helpful in treating alopecia, which occurs when the immune system causes problems for the hair follicles resulting in hair loss which is caused by stress. On an average, normal hair grows about half an inch every month. But with regular use of castor oil, hair growth can be boosted up really fast. Not just hair, castor oil can even grow eyelashes and eyebrows longer and thicker.

Castor Oil has anti-fungal properties which can keep scalp infections away. Depending on the severity of alopecia, castor oil can either grow new hair or revitalize the hair and make it stronger. Certain lipids known as prostaglandins can affect hair growth. An increase in prostaglandin levels can increase hair growth and a decrease and cause hair to fall out. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid that helps increase the production of prostaglandins in the scalp, hence promoting hair growth.

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What are the benefits of Castor oil for hair?

1. Castor oil can improve the blood flow of the scalp

Castor oil is high in ricinoleic acid, which is unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid and which improves blood circulation in the scalp. It also maintains the pH balance of the scalp providing better nutrition of the hair follicles. So, regular massage with this oil can increase blood flow of the scalp and help in hair growth.

2. Castor oil can moisturize the hair

Castor oil is good for moisturizing the scalp since it is high in omega fatty acids. So, applying this hair oil to your scalp can condition the hair naturally and make it soft, shiny and manageable.

3. Castor Oil can control infection of the scalp

This oil has antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties which can control the formation of infection on the scalp. Since castor oil is thick and has high penetrating capacity which makes it the elixir of healthy scalp.

4. Castor Oil can make hair longer

Castor oil can boost hair growth rapidly. This is why not only the hair becomes longer but each hair shaft becomes stronger within the use of just a few months.

5. Castor Oil can reduce hair fall

Castor Oil is a remedy for controlling hair fall. When applied to the scalp, it makes the hair soft, removes dandruff and reduces hair fall and hair thinning.

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How to Use Castor Oil for Hair Growth?

Often a question can arise, what to mix with castor oil for hair growth? The answer is castor oil can be used alone or in combination with other products to induce hair growth. There are ways in which you can use castor oil for hair.

1. Castor oil independently

Castor oil has nourishing properties which can cure baldness. All you need to do is grab a bottle of organic castor oil and follow the steps to make the best use of it.

  • Take 1 or 2 tablespoons of this oil depending upon the length of your hair and heat it
  • Rub the oil in your palms by rubbing them against each other
  • Then rub the oil into your scalp with your fingers and gently massage
  • For best results keep the oil overnight in your hair
  • Cover with an old T-Shirt since it may stain your pillow case
  • Wash it off with a mild shampoo and conditioner of your choice
  • Use twice for best results for hair growth

2. Castor oil with other carrier oils

Since castor oil is thick in consistency, it may be difficult to apply on your hair. So mix it along with other carrier oils like coconut, almond or even bhringraj oil to dilute it. You can try the steps below:

  • Take 1 tablespoon of castor oil and a tablespoon of a carrier oil of you choice and heat it
  • Apply the mixture on the scalp and massage for about 10 mins
  • Then keep it for an hour or two, covered with a shower cap
  • After the oil is absorbed by your scalp, wash it with a paraben-free shampoo

3. Castor oil with essential oils

Essential oils like lavender and tea tree is good for hair growth and you can make it more effective by mixing it with castor oil. With the regular use of this mixture see your hair become thick and manageable. This is all you need to do.

  • Take 10 drops of any essential oil and double its amount of castor oil and heat it up
  • Once the mixture is ready, pour it into a clear bottle preferably with a dropper
  • 2 hours before shampooing apply this onto your hair in the bald patches and massage well
  • Then wash off with a mild shampoo
  • Use frequently or whenever you want
  • With regular use you can see new hair follicles

4. Castor Oil with Topical Treatments

Topical treatments like rogaine can stimulate hair growth as recommended by dermatologists. Mixing castor oil with rogaine can increase hair growth in bald patches if you apply it twice a day. You can try following the steps below.

  • Massage the thinning area of your scalp with some rogaine
  • After the rogaine dries off apply castor oil
  • Keep it on for a day or two and wash it off with a SLS free shampoo

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Castor Oil for Eyebrows

If your hair on the eyebrows are thin and you can see bald patches, then castor oil is a must for you. Thin eyebrows are a result of high levels of stress or drug abuse. Take an earbud, dip it into castor oil and apply it on your eyebrows, make sure to keep it overnight. The next morning wash it off with just cold water. Try this method for at least two months to see visible results.

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Precaution

  • Too much castor oil also can be dangerous, since it can cause extreme hair fall.
  • This oil should not be used for children up to 2 years of age unless recommended by a doctor.
  • Castor oil is not recommended for use by pregnant or lactating women.
  • Overuse of castor oil can cause dizziness and nausea.

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How often should you use Castor Oil for Hair Growth?

Castor oil should only be applied once or twice a week. The maximum you can apply is thrice since castor oil is very sticky and you have to wash your hair after every application which is not good for healthy hair. Washing your hair regularly can rip the natural oils off your hair. The best treatment for castor oil is keeping it overnight and then washing the hair with a sulfate free shampoo. This will give you best results.

Special Mention: Cold Pressed Castor Oil

Cold Pressed Castor Oil is the purest form of castor oil which is extracted directly from castor beans which are rich in nutrients. When pressure is applied on the castor beans, they release the oil and the nutrients, minerals and essential and fatty acids. No heat is required for oil extraction. So this is the best form of castor oil to use for growing hair.

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Some Questions Answered about Castor Oil

1) Which castor oil is the best for hair?

Answer: Cold pressed castor oil is the best for hair growth since it is the purest form of the oil which has been extracted from castor beans without any heat.

2) Does castor oil help grow eyelashes?

Answer: Just like castor oil can stimulate hair follicles on the scalp and eyebrows, regular application of this oil on the eyelashes every night can help the eyelashes to thicken.

3) How to use castor oil for beard growth?

Answer: Mix castor oil with carrier oils like jojoba, almond or coconut oil, rub it into your palms and apply it on your beard gently in circular motions every night for at least 3 months. After religiously following this process you can see your beard thicken.

4) How to use Jamaican Black castor oil?

Answer: Jamaican Black Castor Oil is the raw form of castor oil which is extracted from burnt castor beans to give it the black color. It increases blood flow to the scalp and is useful for thinning hair. Apply warm oil to your scalp and massage it well. Let it sit on your hair for at least 2 hours and then rinse with shampoo and cold water.

5) How to remove castor oil from hair?

Answer: Castor oil is a sticky and dense oil which is difficult to remove from hair. Mix lemon with your shampoo and wash your hair twice or thrice, you will see the stickiness go away slowly.

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Summary

Castor Oil hence is an all natural remedy for your hair. Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it protects and strengthens hair making it healthy, shiny and beautiful. So, if you want gorgeous hair, use this oil alone or by combining it with other oils and see its magic!

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Conclusion

Here are the benefits of Castor Oil for hair growth in a nutshell.

1) Castor oil can improve the blood flow of the scalp
2) Castor oil can moisturize the hair
3) Castor Oil can control infection of the scalp
4) Castor Oil can make hair longer
5) Castor Oil can reduce hair fall

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