Unlike other oils, castor contains several nutrients that consist of a powerful mix of proteins, vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants. Hence, it provides the scalp with the nourishment it requires. This doesn't just prevent hair loss but also ensures healthy hair growth.
There is no evidence that castor oil applied to the scalp or hair will directly help increase hair growth, says Kunin. Rather, castor oil can indirectly assist in hair growth, says Gaunitz. "It has many anti-inflammatory properties including high levels of omega 6 and 9s and vitamin E," he explains.
To use castor oil for hair growth, apply a few drops to your scalp and massage it in. You can also apply castor oil to dry hair as a hair mask. Rub the oil into your hair, then cover your head with a shower cap for around two hours. Wash well with shampoo and style as usual.
Castor oil is great for hair regrowth and thickening
That is also why it is so popular as an eyebrow, eyelash, and beard serum—to promote hair growth in such areas. It's also great for those who have fewer hairs on their head and want to stimulate more growth overall.
How often can you use it: Use once per week for 20-30 minutes as a treatment. It is an oil, so a little goes a long way. Works well with: Carrier oils such as coconut (or other ingredients that impart moisture to hair). Don't use with: There are no known ingredients that negatively interfere with castor oil.
Because it's so thick, it can clog pores, cause build-up, and even lead to scalp irritation. If adding castor oil to the mix, be sure to keep an eye out for these possible side effects: Can cause build-up on the scalp and strands. May clog pores.
But in general, “there is no standard as far as how often you should use castor oil,” says Blaisure, “but I'd recommend applying it one or two times a week for at least three months, as that's typically how long it takes to see new hair coming in anyway.”
Seeing a visible scalp is often a sign of fine hair, and genetics can be the primary cause for this type of hair loss. However, other common causes of thinning hair include stress, hormone imbalances, certain medications, illness or infections and malnutrition.
Jojoba oil is a great natural remedy for improving the health and thickness of your hair. It is full of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fatty acids that help to nourish the scalp and encourage the healthy growth of thicker strands.
Although you can apply castor oil to dry hair, dampening your hair may help the oil absorb better. A quick way to dampen your hair is to fill a spray bottle with water, and spray just your scalp. Your hair should just be a little damp, not dripping wet.
"Oil- and silicone-based products lay heavy in the hair and tend to make it look thinner," warns Scrivo. So, what does work? Scrivo recommends products "that contain alcohol because they absorb quickly and tend to dry out the scalp a bit which keeps the roots from getting oily right away."
How long does it take castor oil to work? Castor oil typically causes a bowel movement to occur in 2 to 3 hours. However, it may take up to 6 hours to work for some people. Due to the delayed effects of castor oil, avoid taking it before bedtime.
Give castor oil some time to weave its magic Ideally, you should allow castor oil to sit on your scalp and in your hair for at least for half an hour. In fact, you can even leave it on overnight, washing it the next morning.
Our best overall pick is Biolage Advanced Full Density Thickening Shampoo, which contains biotin, zinc, and a gluco-omega blend to strengthen hair while removing follicle-clogging impurities that can prevent new hair growth.
Oiling your hair 1-2 times a week is enough. Doing it everyday can attract dirt and also strip away essential oils from your hair. Combing, rubbing and vigorously massaging your hair with oil can also cause breakage.
"Fine hair damages easily, so oils can help strengthen and protect the hair," says New York City-based hairstylist Nicholas Taylor. "They also can give control, shine, and help with flyaways, which really helps when styling someone who has very fine hair."
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].
It should be thought of as a weekly treatment and is not meant for daily use. He suggests applying a small amount of castor oil to dry hair once per week, leaving it on for 30 minutes or longer, then washing it out with a clarifying shampoo.