Olive Oil is better when it comes to hair growth and adding volume and shine to hair. However, when it comes to treating dandruff and fungal infections, Castor Oil is the clear winner.
Castor oil and olive oil
Olive oil also serves as a natural conditioner, reduces hair loss, and helps with hair growth. Together with castor oil, this is a very effective mask for healthy hair.
Oils like castor, peppermint, onion, coconut, jojoba, argan, amla, olive, grapeseed, rosemary, and tea tree are often recommended for hair growth. They help boost blood circulation and strengthen hair.
Castor oil is a thick and viscous oil, so mixing it with other oils may make it easier for you to apply and spread it throughout the hair evenly. It can be mixed with lighter oils like olive oil, sesame seed (til) oil, sunflower oil or coconut oil.
The tl;dr: no. "Castor oil will not grow hair," says Perry Romanowski, a cosmetic chemist and the author of Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry. "There is no evidence for it and no scientific theory supporting that it would work. So yes, it's a total myth."
A common side effect of using castor oil on hair is acute hair felting. This is a serious condition, where the hair twists and entangles and turns into hard mass like a stone that resembles a bird's nest. This condition, if started once, is hard to get rid of.
Many hair care experts recommend using castor oil no more than once a week. Using it more frequently than that can cause buildup and lead to issues like matting. There are no exact guidelines for how long you should leave castor oil on your hair.
Because castor oil has a super-rich and heavy consistency that can clog your hair follicles and leave your roots looking greasy if you have fine, thin, or low-porosity hair, says Reslan.
Massage the oil into your scalp. Apply castor oil to the rest of your hair, using the comb to ensure even coverage. It doesn't need to be soaked through with oil, but all of your hair should be moist. Once applied, put the shower cap on, ensuring all hair is tucked inside.
5: Boost hair growth
If you have a dry scalp, then daily scalp oiling is a must, and those with oily scalps can get it done once or twice a week. Massaging the scalp with castor oil can also increase blood circulation and boost hair growth. Apply warm oil for better results.
1 Hair Oil - 550 ml with Almond Shampoo - 350 ml Free (2 Items in the set)
Best hair growth product overall
Sometimes, the best-known product is best-known for a reason. Rogaine contains the active ingredient minoxidil, which has overwhelmingly been shown to effectively treat hair loss in clinical trials. And the clinicians I spoke to recommended it for women as well as men.
"For people who will benefit, I have seen positive results typically after six to eight weeks of use," he says. Still, it's important to note that results won't last forever. Ongoing use is required to maintain the benefits of castor oil, Gaunitz adds.
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.
Leave it in for 15 to 20 minutes minimum, and then shampoo it out of your hair. You can wet your hair beforehand in order to make the oil soak in better. Do note that, for some, castor oil can be difficult to work with because of its tendency to stick.
Both of our hair experts recommend cold-pressed castor oil. “Cold-pressed castor oil can be used on the hair shaft. However, black castor oil should be applied only to the scalp,” explains Dr. Hill.
Being very astringent in nature, castor oil can cause irritations to the skin. This could further lead to dryness, sensitivity, and even loss of hair and that's clearly not something you would want.
While castor oil is considered safe in small doses, larger amounts can cause abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea ( 2 , 5 ). Although it can be used to relieve occasional constipation, castor oil is not recommended as a treatment for long-term health concerns.
Olive oil is great for hair because it contains moisturizing ingredients like squalene and oleic acid. It may also help prevent split ends because it can increase hair elasticity. Apply cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil to the ends of the hair, but be sure to avoid the scalp.
To prepare an effective hair mask, you need to mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil and castor oil in a bowl. Also, add hibiscus petals in it. Now, heat for 10 seconds on medium flame. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair and massage for at least 15 minutes.
Argan oil. Argan oil is commonly known as Moroccan oil. Garodia points out that it's high in vitamin A, C, E, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. “It acts as a natural conditioner and helps strengthen the hair,” she says.
Prevents Hair Fall
Massaging your scalp with castor oil helps make the roots stronger and prevent hair fall. It has the ability to trigger and stimulate hair growth from dormant follicles.
Prevents hair loss
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.