Castor oil is slowly becoming one of the most popular natural ingredients for hair care. Whether you use it for hair growth, for preventing dry scalp, adding moisture to your hair, or any frizz problem, castor oil can help.
This might sound a little bit far-fetched, but castor oil can solve almost any hair problem.
Why?
Well, because castor oil is rich in vitamins and nutrients like vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids, proteins, and much more.
The only question remaining is how to use castor oil for hair? Well, that is why we are here to assist you.
Chapter Overview
Benefits of castor oil for hair
Before we get to some of the specific treatments for how to use castor oil for hair growth, dandruff, and other hair related problems, let’s talk about the benefits of the ingredient.
Here are some of the benefits:
- Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid which improves blood circulation to the scalp and increases hair growth
- Castor oil helps to nourish the scalp and strengthen the roots of your hair
- The oil provides antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties to your hair, helping with damaged hair
- Because 90% of the nutritional content is made up of ricinoleic acid and combined with omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, castor oil can penetrate the shafts, and encourage hair regrowth
- Castor oil helps treat dandruff thanks to its antibacterial and antiviral properties
- Can help reduce split ends by filling in the damaged gaps of keratin in your hair shafts
- Penetrating the outer layer of the hair helps make your hair thicker and stronger
- Castor oil is a natural conditioner by restoring the hair cuticles
- You can use the oil to naturally achieve richer and darker hair
- Protects your hair from damage
- By providing a protective coat along the shaft, helps reflect more light and make your hair shinier
With that in mind, here are eight ways for how to use castor oil.
Castor oil for hair growth
We mentioned previously that castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids. The primary usage of how to use castor oil for hair is for hair growth.
In addition to castor oil, we use some essential oils that provide more nourishment and vitamins for your hair cuticles.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil
- 2 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil
How to do it?
- Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl
- Apply the mixture to your scalp first, and then to your hair strands
- Keep the mixture overnight, and rinse off with a mild shampoo in the morning. You can also rinse after one hour
- Repeat 2 to 3 times per week to see results
Castor oil for dandruff
We mentioned that castor oil on its own can help battle dandruff. That is thanks to the antibacterial and antifungal properties.
But we want to make a more potent solution, which is why we add a couple of other ingredients, like tea tree oil. If you didn’t know, tea tree oil is considered the most potent antimicrobial essential oil.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of castor oil
- 2 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
How to do it?
- Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl
- Apply on your scalp first, and then continue applying on your hair strands
- Leave the solution on your hair for one hour, and then rinse. If you have more severe dandruff issue, leave it overnight
- Repeat 2 times per week
Castor oil and olive oil hair mask
This hair mask is perfect for preventing hair loss. Both castor oil and olive oil provide nourishment to your hair, preventing hair loss, and promoting hair growth at the same time.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of castor oil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 6 hibiscus petals
How to do it?
- Mix the two oils in a small cup, and then add hibiscus petals
- Heat the oil on a medium flame for 10 seconds, and then apply to your hair
- Massage the mixture for 15 minutes, and then wrap your head with a steamed towel
- Leave the towel on your hair for one hour, and then rinse off with lukewarm water and shampoo
- Repeat once per week
Castor oil for damaged hair
When you have damaged and dry hair, castor oil helps by providing moisture. And then we add some argan oil, which is widely considered the most nourishing oil.
Argan oil contains vitamin E, which is extremely beneficial for your hair as it is rich in antioxidants. This same mask can also be used to fight off mild dandruff issues.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil
- 2 tablespoons of argan oil
How to do it?
- Mix the two oils in a small bowl. Place the small bowl into a larger bowl containing hot water
- Once the oils are warm enough, apply to the scalp and hair strands
- Apply a shower cap, and leave the solution overnight. Wash off with a mild shampoo in the morning
- Repeat 3 times per week for severe issues, and 2 times for mild dry hair problems
Castor oil for hair fall
This traditional topical treatment for hair fall will promote growth and stop your hair from falling. In the same time, it provides antibacterial, antiseptic, and antibiotic properties to your hair. Medically tested, you can be sure it works.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil
- 2 drops of clary sage essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of almond oil
How to do it?
- Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl
- Once you have a smooth mixture, apply to your scalp
- Wrap your head in a towel, and keep the mixture overnight. In the morning, rinse off with a mild shampoo
- Repeat two times per week for best results
Castor oil for split ends
Dry and damaged hair can often cause split ends. If that is the case, you want a treatment that provides nutrients necessary for improving dry hair. And there is nothing better than castor oil and eggs.
Castor oil provides moisture, while eggs provide protein, and other vitamins vital for damaged hair.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
How to do it?
- Whisk one egg in a bowl, and then add the two oils
- Apply to the scalp and hair, and keep it for 30 minutes
- Wash off with a mild shampoo. Repeat once per week
Castor oil and peppermint oil for hair growth
We already had a castor oil hair growth mask. But if you want more potent treatment, add some peppermint essential oil as well.
Peppermint oil can rejuvenate the hair follicles, and promote healthy hair growth in the process. And because it contains hypoallergenic properties, peppermint will prevent any allergic reactions.
Ingredients:
- 100ml of castor oil
- 3 drops of peppermint oil
How to do it?
- Add peppermint oil to a bottle of castor oil and shake well
- Center part our hair, and then apply the solution directly onto the scalp
- Cover your entire head, and then let the mask stay for 2 hours
- Rinse off with a mild shampoo, and repeat two times per week for maximum results
Castor oil as a conditioner
We said that castor oil can help with moisture. Acting as a deep hair conditioner, castor oil penetrates deeply into your scalp and hydrates your roots. Add in some avocado, which is rich in potassium, and you have potent moisturizing treatment.
Ingredients:
- 1 avocado
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
How to do it?
- Mash the avocado in a small bowl, and then add in castor and coconut oil
- Mix well until you have a smooth mixture. Dampen your hair, and then apply the mask to your scalp. Spread onto the hair, and pay special attention to the ends
- Clip your hair onto the top of your head, cover with a shower cap, and leave the mask for 45 minutes
- Rinse off with a mild shampoo. Repeat two times per week
How to wash off castor oil from hair?
Some people have troubles washing off castor oil. Truth be told, the oil can be sticky. If you cannot wash it with just a mild shampoo, try the following treatment.
- Damp your hair with mildly warm water to open up scalp pores
- Take some shampoo in your palms, and add some water. Rub your palms to form a rich lather
- Apply the shampoo to your hair and scalp, and massage gently with your fingertips
- Leave the shampoo for one minute, and then wash off with normal water. Finish off with a conditioner
What type of castor oil to use?
Now that we know how to use castor oil for hair, let’s talk about the type of oil. There are three types of castor oil that are well suited for hair problems.
While there are many more types of castor oil, we suggest using any of these three for maximum results.
- Organic or cold pressed castor oil extracted directly from the seed without any heat involved
- Jamaican black castor oil which is initially roasted and then pressed for oil. Great for deep penetrating and cleansing of your hair
- Hydrogenated castor oil, made thanks to a catalyst. This type of oil is odorless, insoluble in water, and mainly used in cosmetics. The first two are much better for hair growth
SEE ALSO: 10 Best Castor Oils For Hair Growth and Dandruff Issues
Conclusion
Castor is considered safe for use on your hair. However, some people experience side effects, mainly because they are allergic to ingredients in the oil.
Before applying castor oil on your scalp, we suggest trying a patch test. Rub just a few drops of the oil on your forearm or feet, and see if there is any reaction after 24 hours. If there is no redness or itching, the oil is safe for usage.