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What are the Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair Growth?

Anna T.
Anna T.

Castor oil for hair growth may be beneficial to try because it could improve the overall health of the hair. There is no evidence to suggest that castor oil alone causes the hair to grow, but hair tends to grow faster when it is healthier. Castor oil may improve scalp health and prevent scalp problems such as dandruff and psoriasis as well as act as a protectant for individual strands of hair by helping to seal in moisture. People have been using castor oil for hair growth for many years. In addition to use on the hair, it is also occasionally used to promote eyelash and eyebrow hair growth.

One of the reasons why castor oil may make the hair and scalp healthier is because it is rich in omega-9 fatty acids. These acids tend to promote hair health because they nourish the scalp when applied. People who use castor oil on their hair regularly might experience softer feeling hair with less scalp dryness and irritation, and the omega acids in castor oil may be the reason behind this increase in scalp moisture. Castor oil is also rich in antioxidants, which might additionally help improve hair health because antioxidants are known for eliminating toxins, which could cause hair and scalp problems.

Castor oil for hair growth may be beneficial to try because it could improve the overall health of the hair.
Castor oil for hair growth may be beneficial to try because it could improve the overall health of the hair.

A person who wants to try castor oil for hair growth can use it in many different ways. One popular way to use castor oil for the hair is to rub it in thoroughly all over the hair and scalp and then wrap the hair up in a cap. The oil may be allowed to sit on the hair overnight, which should give the oil adequate time to thoroughly nourish and moisturize the hair and scalp. In the morning, the oil should be washed out. It might take two or three shampoos to get all of the oil out, and not getting all of the oil out could leave hair greasy rather than soft and shiny.

Castor oil helps seal moisture into individual strands of hair.
Castor oil helps seal moisture into individual strands of hair.

Even though many people report success when using castor oil for hair growth, it may not work for everyone. People who are suffering from severe hair loss should probably see their doctors before attempting any home remedy to promote hair growth. Sometimes cases of extreme hair loss are linked to serious health problems, and it is likely that no home remedy will help the hair to grow back if the root cause of hair loss isn't taken care of first.

Discussion Comments

turquoise

Castor oil has vitamins for hair growth so it works if it's used as a scalp treatment. My hair has been growing beautifully since I started using it. I agree that it's kind of sticky, but I mix my castor oil with coconut oil to dilute it. It works better that way.

I don't use castor oil on my ends, I use coconut oil on the ends. If castor oil is used just on the ends, it's not as effective.

literally45

@ddljohn-- I used Jamaican black castor oil for hair growth a while but I don't think I used it long enough to know if it works.

Castor oil definitely strengthens hair though. My hair felt a lot stronger and looked shiny and beautiful when I used it. I also had less split ends. I know that when hair is damaged and there are a lot of split ends, it takes longer for hair to grow. The roots use all the nutrients to try and fix the damage rather than concentrating on growth

The only problem with castor oil is that it's very thick and sticky. I don't like the feeling of it and it takes at least three washes to get it out of my hair which is a lot of work.

ddljohn

I've heard of castor oil being used for skin problems and for pain relief, but I've never heard anything about castor oil and hair growth. Has anyone used it for this?

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    • Castor oil for hair growth may be beneficial to try because it could improve the overall health of the hair.
      By: Antonio Gravante
      Castor oil for hair growth may be beneficial to try because it could improve the overall health of the hair.
    • Castor oil helps seal moisture into individual strands of hair.
      By: nastia1983
      Castor oil helps seal moisture into individual strands of hair.
    • Some cases of hair loss may be linked to underlying medical conditions.
      By: vladimirfloyd
      Some cases of hair loss may be linked to underlying medical conditions.
    • Castor oil may be used to help prevent dandruff.
      By: Jasmin Merdan
      Castor oil may be used to help prevent dandruff.
    • Castor oil has many health-related uses, including reducing the appearance of spider veins.
      By: hriana
      Castor oil has many health-related uses, including reducing the appearance of spider veins.