Give Me Strong, Lustrous Hair! Will Castor Oil Really Benefit My Hair?

Everyone wants one thing in life; it’s not money, fame or true love. We all want healthy, thick, long hair. We’ve asked all these beauties with gorgeous hair what’s their secret and they all swear by castor oil! With that, Beauty Insider is breaking down if castor oil is actually the secret key to gorgeous, luscious hair?

If you’ve ever battled with losing or thinning hair, you’ve probably heard about castor oil’s supposed miraculous hair-growth powers. Castor oil is used by some people to grow longer hair or to cure alopecia, or hair loss. It’s promoted as a therapy for dry scalp as well as other scalp problems. While the average human hair follicle develops slightly over a centimetre each month; some anecdotal evidence suggests that taking castor oil once a month can speed up development by three to five times.

Does Castor Oil Actually Help With Hair Growth?

There have only been a few studies that show castor oil has a direct influence on hair growth. However, there are several signs that it may play an indirect function in promoting healthy hair development. Ricinoleic acid in the oil improves scalp blood flow, which promotes better hair and growth while reducing irritation. It is known to cause blood vessel dilatation by stimulating the Prostaglandin E2 receptor.

Moreover, increased blood vessel dilatation improves the flow of oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood to the powerhouse of your follicle, the dermal papilla, or the root of the hair, when applied to the scalp. Furthermore, castor oil protects the hair follicle against outside cellular and tissue invaders that damage the hair follicle’s health and vitality thanks to its nutrients.

Benefits Of Castor Oil

Ricinus communis, or castor oil, is a nutrient-dense vegetable oil derived from castor beans. Although it is native to tropical East Africa, it is commonly used for aesthetic and therapeutic reasons in India and the West Indies. It is generally transparent or pale yellow unless it is black castor oil, which is obtained by roasting or boiling.

With that, castor oil is a long-chained fatty acid at the molecular level. Fatty acids keep hair follicles healthy by providing vital proteins and minerals and preventing inflammation. Improved hair gloss or shine, increased hair shaft elasticity by coating the hair shaft, and antibacterial qualities are just a few of the advantages of utilising castor oil.

What Type Of Castor Oil Should I Use?

Castor oil is produced under high pressure from castor seeds in the cold-pressed method. Because the oil does not go through the roasting process, it is lighter and thinner. Additionally, castor oil that has been heat-processed, often known as black castor oil, has been roasted and treated at high temperatures. It has a thicker consistency, is dark brown in colour, and has a somewhat burned aroma.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Castor oil as a hair treatment has been linked to acute hair felting, an uncommon condition in which the hair gets intertwined and forms a hard mass. The only option is to chop off the damaged hair because the problem is irreversible. It’s also worth noting that ingesting high amounts of castor oil may be dangerous and cause a variety of side effects, such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and more.

How To Apply Castor Oil On Different Hair Types

Fine to medium straight

Castor oil can be used as a deep treatment to preserve the last 2-3 inches of the hair fibre. It may be used as a pre-shampoo treatment to keep tangles at bay. Make careful not to overdo it with the shampoo and style as desired.

Medium to thick straight or wavy

Apply all over the head for a thorough pre-shampoo treatment. Heat or steam can be used to penetrate the hair cuticle more deeply.

Curly to coiled

Castor oil can be used as needed throughout your regimens, such as a pre-shampoo treatment, an additional treatment, or a weekly moisturiser. When utilising heavy oils like castor oil, a good monthly detox wash is required.

Products We Love That Contain Castor Oil

1. Advanced Clinicals Castor Oil Hair Mask

Damaged hair gets a boost of strength, gloss, and resistance with the Advanced Clinicals Castor Oil Hair Mask. Brittle, dry or chemically treated hair will benefit from the extra moisturising recipe. Additionally, perfect for people who colour, straighten, perm, or heat style their hair on a regular basis.

The formula contains castor oil which is nutritious while Biotin is for strengthening and coconut oil is hydrating. Your hair will feel silky, smooth, and manageable as a result of this treatment.

Why we love it:

• Contains castor and coconut oil, and biotin
• Makes hair feels super smooth

Price: RM62.67

Where to buy: Advanced Clinicals

2. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner

Softens and detangles hair while reducing frizz with this reparative leave-in conditioner. It’s blended with Jamaican Black Castor Oil and certified organic Shea Butter to nourish people who colour, straighten, perm, or heat style their hair on a regular basis. Additionally, peppermint is added to stimulate the scalp, providing a revitalising sensation.

The Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner moisturises and supports elasticity, preventing hair from breaking while detangling. Apply a protective coating to split ends to help them look better.

Why we love it:

• Super moisturising and makes hair more manageable
• Contains castor oil, shea butter and peppermint

Price: RM75.80

Where to buy: Shopee