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May 6, 2024

8 min

Srijita Biswas
In a world where everything is easily accessible, we’re returning to time-tested techniques that offer genuine benefits. This trend is especially evident in the world of hair care. Even when products are marketed as effective, go-to solutions for specific concerns, many of us are giving traditional hair oils, once used by our grandparents, a second chance. Among them, castor oil for hair has recently regained popularity, with many experts endorsing castor oil uses for hair health. But is castor oil for hair growth worth trying? If so, which one should you choose, and what steps should you take before applying it?
Whether you’re thinking of adding castor hair growth oil to your haircare routine or simply curious about its properties, this comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know about this versatile ingredient.

Before we talk about castor oil benefits for hair/castor oil uses for hair, let’s learn what it is and what nutritional value it holds. Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. It is pale yellow in colour and has a distinct odour and taste. What sets it apart from other plant-based oils is its unique composition and thick consistency. Castor oil is especially popular for promoting hair growth, largely due to its high content of ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. These qualities are believed to contribute to castor oil’s effectiveness, making it a valued ingredient in both skin and hair care formulations.
In our day-to-day lives, castor oil uses range from healing wounds to supporting gut health, but it’s also gaining attention for its benefits in hair care. So, what exactly does castor oil do for your hair?
Here are some of the key castor oil benefits for hair, which will help you better understand its versatility.

Our scalp can be affected by several factors, with fungal infections being one of the most common. But worry not; castor oil can help. When used on hair, castor oil offers antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that work to prevent scalp infections. One of the key castor oil benefits for hair is its ability to create a clean, healthy scalp environment, which supports stronger roots and encourages new hair growth naturally.

One of the castor oil uses for hair is that it combats dandruff. Its hydrating and moisturising properties can soothe irritation and reduce inflammation and redness. If your dandruff is caused by dry scalp, consider using castor hair oil sparingly.

Rich in essential fatty acids, castor oil is a powerful ingredient for promoting hair health. Its thick, nutrient-rich formula deeply nourishes the scalp, strengthens the roots, and supports better hair resilience over time. Just a few drops of castor hair growth oil can help protect your hair breakage, enhance its texture, and leave it looking visibly healthier, shinier, and more nourished with regular use.

Allow castor hair growth oil to penetrate your scalp and locks, where it can nourish hair follicles from within. The presence of ricinoleic acid makes it a great natural moisturiser, while its fatty acids help lubricate your strands and boost their natural shine.

To put it simply, castor oil helps create an environment where new hair can grow properly by removing fungal infections, eliminating dandruff, and providing nourishment and moisture. While it is popular and widely used, there is limited scientific evidence to support its direct role in promoting hair growth. Due to its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, essential fatty acids, ricinoleic acid, and more, it is often considered a remedy by those experiencing hair thinning or hair fall. However, castor hair growth oil should be used with care and ideally under expert guidance, especially with continuous use.

Castor oil for hair growth is best if you can dilute it with other natural oils, such as jojoba oil, for better application. This also tones down its strong scent, which many dislike. It’s suggested to apply a few drops from midlength to ends. But try to avoid it on the scalp, especially if you’re allergic to the castor bean plant. It’s generally not safe.
However, in such a scenario, you can try a coconut-based castor hair oil, such as the Parachute Advansed Castor & Shea Enriched Coconut Hair Oil, which is formulated using the goodness of shea and castor and coconut-based hair oil. It’s easy to apply and suitable for all hair types. It’s effective in many ways, specifically when you want to achieve strong and long hair.
Here’s how to apply our coconut-based castor-enriched hair oil:
Step 1: Run a wide-toothed comb through your hair to detangle it.
Step 2: Part your hair into sections for better manageability.
Step 3: Take a little of this hair oil on your palm and massage it gently into your scalp.
Step 4: Leave this coconut-based hair oil on for at least 30 minutes.
Step 5: Wash your hair thoroughly and follow with a conditioner wash.
Castor oil is a natural ingredient with a long history of potential uses. While more research is needed to fully understand all advantages of castor oil for hair growth, the signs are already quite promising, especially when it comes to hair care. Known for its rich fatty acid content and scalp-nourishing properties, castor oil benefits for hair include reduced breakage, improved scalp hydration, and support for healthier, thicker growth. So, the next time you’re browsing the haircare aisle, keep an eye out for this wonder ingredient!
1. Does castor oil help in growing hair?
Castor oil doesn’t directly help in growing hair. It creates a safe and healthy environment by eliminating dandruff, dryness, and itchiness for new hair to grow.
2. How long do you leave castor oil in hair?
Fine and medium hair types should smooth castor oil through the mid-lengths and ends, leaving it on for up to 30 minutes before shampooing. Coarse, thick, and ultra-dry hair types, on the other hand, can leave it on for a bit longer, but be sure to use it sparingly and focus application on the mid-lengths.
3. Can you use castor oil on your hair daily?
We don’t suggest using castor oil daily due to its thick consistency and potential for buildup. Also, it’s applied in a small quantity and used on the scalp only after dermatologist's suggestions.
4. Is castor oil good for dry, flaky scalp?
Yes, castor oil can be beneficial for a dry, flaky scalp. Its rich moisturising properties help hydrate the scalp, while its antibacterial and antifungal effects may reduce dandruff caused by microbial imbalances. Regular use can soothe irritation and support a healthier scalp environment.
Our team picks and curates content we think you will like. Opinions expressed within the content are the creator’s views and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the website or that of Marico Limited.

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