Castor oil: a powerful ally for hair growth

Also known and called castor oil, castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the castor bean, a species called Ricinus Communis, quite common in Brazil.

Some people know it for its medicinal use, especially for its laxative effect; others, due to their presence in cosmetic formulations, mainly in hair care products. But not everyone knows what benefits this oil can offer and what precautions are taken with its use.

Regiane Ribeiro, beautician at Clínica Goa Health Club, explains that castor oil is considered an excellent stimulator of the immune system, in part due to the concentration of fatty acids. “According to research, it can be used to treat diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, arthritis and rheumatism, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis,” she says. “But it can also be used to have benefits against constipation, yeast infections, menstrual disorders, migraines, inflammation,” she adds.

Sara Bragança, a doctor with a postgraduate degree in Dermatology, a member of the Brazilian Society of Aesthetic Medicine, specialized in Orthomolecular Therapy, highlights that the skin can benefit from castor oil. “This is because it has an emollient effect, penetrates the skin offering hydration and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, thus acting in the prevention of wrinkles and expression lines”, she says.

Regiane adds that castor oil also acts to control hair loss. In fact, one of the most well-known uses of castor oil is for hair. Therefore, it is widely used in hair cosmetics.

4 benefits of castor oil for hair

Regiane explains that castor oil contains vitamin E, minerals and vitamins that help hair growth, activate blood circulation in the scalp, moisturize the hair and seal the hair fiber cuticle, giving it shine.

Sara highlights the most well-known benefits of castor oil for hair:

1. Helps in strengthening the scalp and hair growth;
2. It fights infections and the growth of bacteria and fungi that could prevent hair growth because it has antibacterial and antifungal properties, due to the high composition of ricinoleic acid;
3. Provides hydration, leaving hair silky and shiny, so it is often used for dry hair and split ends;
4. It helps in the treatment of diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis.

“It is worth mentioning, however, that there are no scientific articles that prove these benefits”, adds Sara.

There are also those who bet on castor oil for eyebrow and eyelash growth, cuticle hydration and even nail strengthening. It is also used to moisturize the driest areas of the skin, such as in the case of cracked feet. It is also believed that, when applied directly to the site, it can help prevent stretch marks.

How to use castor oil for beauty care

Regiane comments that the oil can be used in the bath, in a self-massage, or in shampoos/creams. There are also many cosmetics that already contain it in their formulas.

Sara explains that castor oil can be used neat on the scalp or in the following homemade recipe:

Hair hydration: 1 pot of natural yogurt + 1 tablespoon of castor oil. Apply to washed and still damp hair and let it act for 20 minutes. Rinse afterwards.

Sara adds that, for the body, the oil can be diluted in other oils, such as grape seed oil, thus favoring its hydration power.

There are still other homemade ways to use castor oil:

1. To combat dry skin: 1 tablespoon of castor oil + 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Mix the ingredients and apply to the desired parts of the body. Let it act for about 30 minutes and then rinse.

2. Moisturize cuticles and strengthen nails: Apply castor oil directly to nails at night. Wash the next morning.

3. Raise the eyebrow: Simply apply the oil on the eyebrows and gently massage the area, always taking care of the eyes. Then rinse the area. Apply about 3 times a week.

4. Prevent stretch marks: 1 tablespoon of castor oil + 1 tablespoon of your favorite oil. Apply the mixture to the desired area and massage about twice a day.

5. Grow hair: Apply the oil directly to the hair root and massage. Leave it for a few hours (maximum 12) and then wash your hair normally. Apply about 3 times a week.

6. Grow eyelashes: Apply the oil with a mascara brush to the eyelashes, always taking care of the eyes. Leave it on for a few hours and then rinse. Apply about 3 times a week.

However, it is worth mentioning, these are the most well-known uses of castor oil, but they do not offer scientific proof. In cases of doubt, a specialist should always be consulted.

Reports from those who have used castor oil

On Youtube you can find videos of many women reporting the results they have had with castor oil, especially in relation to hair growth. Check out some examples:

10 products with castor oil

In the gallery below you can find suggestions on where to find castor oil and also examples of cosmetics made with this oil.

Castor oil (pure) is usually easily found in pharmacies.

Is Castor Oil Hazardous?

Sara explains that the risk of the fruit is in the ingestion of the seeds. “They are poisonous due to the presence of the toxic protein ricin, which penetrates the cell and paralyzes it and, even in small doses, can lead to death,” she says.

However, the dermatologist explains that the oil is not toxic like the seeds.

In any case, it is always interesting to have the guidance of a doctor or other specialist to ensure that castor oil can really offer the desired benefits in your case.

Castor oil contraindications

Regiane points out that the use of castor oil is not recommended for pregnant women, lactating women and people with serious intestinal diseases or with any chronic disease. “It is always necessary to have the guidance of a specialist”, concludes the beautician.