Learn how to use castor oil and fix your hair woes with castor oil!
I have shared various reasons and home remedies for hair loss. Castor oil is one such excellent home remedy.
Castor oil has been attributed to hair loss and fall control properties. It helps in controlling hair loss and also aids in new hair growth. Even though there are no scientific studies to back up these claims, this natural oil is loaded with lots of beneficial fatty acids that moisturize the hair and lay the foundation for a healthy scalp.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is a vegetable oil produced by pressing the castor beans. It is a thick, viscous oil generally colorless to pale yellow with a distinctive odor and taste. Castor oil has high moisturizing properties which made it an ideal choice for lubricant, paint dyes, brake fluids, etc.
The same moisturizing properties also make this oil an excellent option in lubricating hair and making it smooth and shiny.
Benefits for hair
Due to the emollient properties, castor oil makes for excellent sealing oil, meaning, this oil helps in sealing in moisture in hair and prevents it from drying out. Castor oil is loaded with ricinoleic acid, with few traces of oleic acid and linoleic acid. It is also high in vitamin e and omega 6 & 9 fatty acids.
This oil has antifungal properties that help to treat the fungus and maintain a healthy scalp. It also helps in fighting dandruff and keeping at bay.
The rich ricinoleic acid component ensures proper blood circulation to the scalp, thereby reducing hair loss and boosting hair growth.
Which type of castor oil right for your hair?
There are different types of castor oil available in the market. The most common ones are regular castor oil and Jamaican Black Castor Oil.
Traditional castor oil is produced by pressing the castor beans. The production of JBCO is a little bit different as it involves roasting the castor beans prior to pressing them for oils, this causes some ash to be included in the oil which is supposed to increase the effectiveness of oil (Source). Keep one thing in mind though, JBCO is said to be thicker than your normal castor oil, so it would be more beneficial for people with thick, dry hair. While traditional castor oil may suit people with finer hair.
Personally, I have used only clear castor oil as that is more readily available in India.
But JBCO is on my target list of oils and I will share my experience once I get this oil.
Irrespective of which kind of oil you choose, it is important to select a non-GMO, hexane-free oil as this means the oil has been properly processed and is safe to use.
How often should you use castor oil
This totally depends on your current hair condition and where you are in your hair journey. I find hot oil treatment is enough once a week, while masks are good once in two weeks.
If you find need to use it more frequently, feel free to use it as much as you like since this is free of any chemicals.
How to wash it off
Due to its thick consistency, it is difficult to wash off castor oil with no-poo methods. I would recommend to try a gentle shampoo from one of these and follow up with a silicone-free conditioner.
Castor oil brands I trust
I have had a good experience with this, this and this brand of castor oils.
How to use castor oil for hair
There are various ways in which you can use castor oil. You can use it as a pre-poo treatment to moisturize and nourish the scalp, as a hair serum to take care of flyaways and frizz, as a detangler to remove those knots, and include it in various hair masks.
Hot oil treatment with castor oil
Since castor oil is a thick oil, combine it with a lighter oil like coconut, almond, grapeseed or any other carrier oil of your choice. This will make it easier to spread and eventually wash from hair. Warm this mixture in a double boiler and use a dropper to apply a little amount on the scalp. More is not necessarily good in this case and few drops are enough to do the magic.
Massage the scalp, cover it in a shower cap and leave it at least 1-3 hours or preferably overnight. Wash it with a gentle shampoo and follow up with a silicone-free conditioner.
Castor oil as a sealant
Post shower, take a couple of drops of castor oil in your palm and rub it on your hair ends. Use little amount as it may easily weigh down hair.
Castor oil for dandruff
Take 1 tablespoon of light carrier oil of your choice (coconut, grapeseed, almond)
Add 1 teaspoon of castor oil
Add a few drops of tea tree oil
Massage the mixture in the scalp and leave it for at least 1-3 hours. Wash with a gentle shampoo and follow up with a silicone-free conditioner.
Castor oil for hair loss and growth
Castor oil hot oil treatment may be enhanced to induce some hair growth by including hair-boosting essential oils.
1 tablespoon of light carrier oil of choice( coconut, almond, grapeseed)
1 teaspoon of castor oil
Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil
Mix all the ingredients well, and massage a few drops in the scalp. Cover the scalp and leave it overnight. The next morning, wash it with a gentle shampoo.
Castor oil hair masks
You can also create hair masks using castor oil to provide an extra oomph to your hair.
Castor vera hair mask
1 tablespoon of aloe vera
1 teaspoon castor oil
2 drops of essential oil of choice
Combine aloevera, castor oil and 2 drops of essential oil of your choice( use tea tree for dandruff, rosemary for hair loss) and mix it well. Apply this mask to your scalp and hair length. Cover your hair with a cap, aluminum foil or plastic bag to provide heat to the scalp and leave for 15-20 minutes. Post that wash with shampoo of your choice.
Castor oil and honey
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon castor oil
Combine castor oil and honey and apply the mixture on the scalp. If the mixture is too thick, add enough water to dilute it.
Castor oil may or may not have scientific backing to control hair fall but it is loaded with awesome nutrients that make hair smoother, healthy and providing an overall healthy environment for hair to grow. Since it is natural, it won’t hurt your hair.
How do you include castor oil in your hair routine? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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