How to apply castor oil on hair the ‘beauty editor’ way
Chances are, if you've been anywhere near the internet in recent months, you've come across a little product known as castor oil. Castor oil is all over social media, where it is touted as something of a miracle product for hair.
One video claims that castor oil is the best natural solution for hair growth. Another video proclaims that castor oil helps improve the quality of not only the hair, but also the skin, nails, lashes and even digestive system.
Castor oil may be trending on TikTok, but this ingredient has been used in hair care for thousands of years. With roots in Ayurveda, castor oil is an age-old herbal remedy that’s said to boost shine, reduce breakage and promote healthy hair growth.
Traditionally used for hair oiling, nowadays castor oil, like argan oil and coconut oil, can be found in countless hair care products, including hair masks, conditioners, treatments and even eyelash serums. In fact, castor oil is one of the main ingredients in many of our go-to eyelash serums that, as you probably already know, deliver next-level results.
But what exactly is castor oil and how is it going to help your locks? We’ve enlisted the help of celebrity hair stylist Jason Collier and Nancy Twine, founder of haircare brand Briogeo, to reveal everything you need to know about the wonder ingredient…
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is a vegetable oil that's pale yellow in colour with a distinctive taste and odour. It's extracted from the seeds of the castor plant. “Originally from Africa, but also found in Jamaica, castor oil is acquired by pressing the seeds of the castor oil plant or Ricinus," explains Jason.
Dubbed the ‘miracle oil’, it is comprised of 18 fatty acids that provide essential nutrients to the hair follicles. It also boasts anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. “This is why castor oil is a popular addition to hair masks, treatments and serums,” adds Jason.
Does castor oil stimulate hair growth?
There's currently little research to show that castor oil can stimulate hair growth. However, it still has several hair benefits. “Castor oil is rich in vitamin E and a monounsaturated fat called ricinoleic acid — a fat that acts as a humectant; retaining moisture by preventing water loss through the skin. The benefits include healing, moisturising and promoting hair fullness,” says Nancy.
By healing and moisturising the scalp, castor oil can help to create an optimum environment for healthy hair growth. And while the research is limited, there's lots of anecdotal evidence to suggest that castor oil is a great natural remedy for a happier scalp and healthier hair.
“Ricinoleic acid also acts as an inhibitor of prostaglandin D2 synthase which is believed to be the cause of androgenetic alopecia,” notes Leading Trichologist, Dr Nick Fisherman.
Please remember that as with any anecdotally sound proof natural remedies, castor oil will react differently to different scalps. If you're working towards serious hair growth goals, consider consulting a trichologist.
Does castor oil prevent dandruff?
“Ricinoleic acid is known for its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties," says Jason. And as dandruff can occur due to the growth of fungus (called Malassezia), castor oil may help to prevent dandruff.
It goes without saying that there are several factors that can contribute to dandruff. We would always advise seeking the advice of a health professional or trichologist who will be able to offer proper diagnosis and treatment plans.
What hair types can use castor oil?
Castor oil does not discriminate and it can be used on all hair types. That includes, all hair types across the curl scale, 1a-4c, i.e straight, to curly to coily. It is, however, most beneficial for those with dry and damaged hair as it can help strengthen the hair and moisturise the scalp, as well as those with thick hair with high porosity.
Castor oil is also very useful for those with curlier and coily hair as it can help add definition to each curl. “Another incredible benefit about the ricinoleic acid in castor oil is that it helps to balance the pH of the scalp and restore and protect from damage caused by styling tools, hot weather, and harsh chemicals,” says Jason.
However, please note that castor oil in its raw form is very thick in consistency, which means it might settle in thinner hair strands and weigh down fine hair. In these cases, it may be best to use castor oil in small amounts or as a pre-shampoo treatment. Alternatively, use hair products specifically designed for fine hair that contain smaller doses of castor oil.
How should I apply castor oil to hair?
As the true powers of castor oil unravel and become popularised, more and more castor-oil-based products are hitting the shelves. From hair conditioners, to masks, to eyebrow and eyelash growth serums to the 100% castor oil treatments, there are many ways to incorporate the magic oil into your hair care regime.
“When using castor oil in its raw form, it best to start with clean, damp hair, by applying it straight after washing and conditioning,” says Nancy. To make it easier and more evenly spread, split the hair into medium-to-small sections and give yourself a head massage to allow the oil to fully absorb into the scalp and down the hair strands.
You could also make sure you're maximising the castor oil's benefits by using it as a hair mask. Apply it all over the hair and then wrap your hair either with clingfilm or a tight shower cap for a few hours or overnight to allow the product to penetrate deeper into the hair and scalp. When you feel like you've given it enough time to work its magic, rinse it off, so you're not left with a greasy lid.
How often should I use castor oil for hair?
If you want to get the most out of castor oil, Nancy advises you have to keep up the applications. “When using castor oil, consistency is key. Apply it regularly and you will keep the hair shaft moisturised, which can increase flexibility and reduce breakage.”
Apparently we've been using it all wrong.
How long does castor oil take to grow hair?
Because most evidence suggesting genuine hair growth from long term castor oil use is is mostly anecdotal, naturally, there is also little evidence indicating how long it would take for you to see results.
However, experts suggest that you're more likely to see to see actual growth by using castor oil for a prolonged period time, as with any growth serum. Ultimately, hair growth is a complex process. It's influenced by many factors including genetics, age, gender, diet and the general health of an individual, so it's likely that you won't see real results directly from the use of castor oil for several months if not longer, specially if you're not being consistent with how and when you use it. That's when patience and consistency is key.
Does castor oil help brows and eyelash hairs grow?
The same way castor oil works to help grow hair from the scalp, it can also aid the growth of eyelashes and eyebrows, hence why many eyebrow and eyelash growth serums contain castor oil as a key ingredient in their formulas. While most evidence supporting the claims that castor oil has extraordinary eyebrow and eyelash growth is anecdotal, it still counts for something and those before and after videos all over TikTok prove so.
“Castor oil can improve the look of your eyelashes and brows,” says Fisherman. “It hydrates, moistures and prevents breakage - thanks to its high levels of essential fatty acids.”
Are there any side effects of using castor oil on the hair?
Although castor oil is generally considered safe, there are a few potential side effects – though they may not affect everyone. Some people may find that castor oil can cause scalp irritation. It can also clog the pores leading to acne if used on the face. Experts recommend doing a patch test before launching into a new castor oil routine.
In some rare cases, the build-up associated with castor oil can lead to matting, breakage and even hair loss.
Are there any risks of using castor oil on the hair?
Castor oil is generally considered safe for use, but as with most ingredients, there are always potential risks to be aware of. These include allergic reactions, irritation, greasiness and product build-up.
To avoid these risks, it is important to do a patch test, and using castor oil products in moderation as instructed in the packaging. If you experience any unusual symptoms after using castor oil, such as severe itching or swelling, stop using it immediately and consult with a healthcare professional or trichologist.
For the best hair of your life, keep scrolling and give these castor oil-infused hair treatments a whirl…
For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
This Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk, is designed to infuse the hair with moisture and nourishment to maintain your curls bounce, shine, and definition. It features a potent blend of natural, organic oils such as avocado, Macadamia Seed, and of course castor oil, which work together to soften and reinforce curls while preventing breakage and essentially stimulating hair growth.
This Grow Gorgeous Hair Growth Serum Intense is a powerful hair growth serum that is promises thicker, fuller and healthier-looking hair. It's expertly formulated with castor oil to help you kickstart your hair growth journey. Use a spoolie to apply to lashes and brows.
Originally formulated for Audrey Hepburn to give her hair added bounce and shine, this pre-shampoo treatment is still one of the best at-home hair treatments money can buy. Infused with castor oil, it guarantees you seriously moisturised locks.
Formulated for dry, brittle hair, this conditioner leaves even the most damaged locks looking strong, shiny and healthy, making your hair easier to manage and a dream to style.
As pure 100% castor oil, it won’t be a surprise to learn that this stuff means business. Use as a wash-out treatment or sparingly on dry hair when needed. The best bit is that the contents of this tiny bottle can be combed through brows and lashes too for a glossy finish and thickening results.
This natural co-wash is designed to purify, cleanse and condition hair without stripping it of its natural oils. Infused with sweet almond oil, it nourishes and improves the suppleness and condition of overworked hair. It's formulated with castor oil, which rich in its own type of fatty acids, and enhances hair conditioning to leave you with soft and healthy-looking hair, while leaving you with a comforting coconut scent that lingers in your hair.
This Bread hair oil is ideal for anyone struggling with thirsty, lackluster hair. This versatile and multi-purpose hair treatment is specially formulated for 3c to 4a hair types and floods your hair with a hydration that will leave your curls and coils soft and dewy. It's formula is silicone-free and packed with superfruit extracts and emollients that work together to reveal beautifully nourished hair.
Achieve flexible hold and strengthen your hair with this Cantu 100% pure Shea butter styling gel infused with Jamaican Black castor oil. This styling gel is perfect for those looking to add definition to their fine or damaged hair while also promoting stronger, healthier strands. Its lightweight formula allows you to achieve your desired slicked back style without weighing your hair down or leaving it feeling sticky or crunchy.
This original formula is perfect for anyone looking to revitalise their hair, give it a healthy boost, and promote hair growth. For those looking to give their lashes a little extra love, simply dip a clean spoolie into the oil and apply it to your lash line before bed and remove in the morning. If you're looking to care for your edges, simply massage the Jamaican Mango & Lime Original Black Castor Oil along your hairline with the tip of your finger.
If you have waves, curls, or coils that need a little extra care, The Body Shop's Jamaican Black Castor Oil Cleansing Conditioner is here to help. Its gentle formula is designed to cleanse your scalp while also moisturising your hair from root to tip, and preventing build-up, all while living your scalp and in optimum conditions for hair growth.
