How to Use Castor Oil for Hair Growth
All you need to know about using castor oil to help grow longer and stronger strands.
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There are many different varieties of hair oils out there, like castor oil, that you may be wondering about. How do they work? What are they made of and can they really work on hair? If using oils on your hair is new for you, you might be unsure about trying them, but castor oil has many proven benefits to hair that make it a great addition to your hair regime. Read on to discover more about castor oil for hair to see if it can work for you.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is the oil that is extracted from the seeds of a plant called “Ricinus communis”, more commonly known as castor bean. Quite thick in consistency compared to other oils, its appearance ranges from clear to a pale yellow colour. It’s rich in antioxidants, omega 6 and omega 9, and vitamin E. These nutrients are responsible for strengthening and helping the hair to grow healthy and strong, which makes castor oil a popular choice for not only helping aid hair growth on top of your head but also eyelashes and eyebrows too.
What Are the Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair?
There are quite a few different things that make this oil special. First of all, hair castor oil contains high amounts of ricinoleic acid that can help to keep the hair and scalp moisturized while also strengthening strands. When used sparingly, it can work to tame frizz and make hair smoother and more manageable.
Like a coconut oil hair mask, a castor oil-based mask can help keep your hair and scalp moisturized. This oil is moisturized by occlusion. According to Unilever’s Leon-van Gorkom, “It keeps water in your skin.” Using any oil as a hair mask will coat your hair and protect it from washing and styling.
Who Can Use Castor Oil on Their Hair?
All hair textures can use castor oil but it’s most popular with those with curly or natural hair types. This is because these textures tend to be on the drier side because of their spiral shape – which makes it difficult for oil to get to the ends.
How to Use Castor Oil as a Hair Treatment
Follow these simple steps for using castor oil on your hair as a treatment.
Create a Part.
Start off by parting your hair down the middle to help you create more manageable sections to work with.
Apply Castor Oil.
Apply castor oil to the roots of your first section making sure to spread it along the hairline.
Spread the Oil.
Use your fingers to spread the oil throughout your hair and comb through to your ends. Repeat on each section and take care to secure each section back into a small bun after you’ve finished distributing the oil.
Place a Shower Cap Over Your Hair.
Place a shower cap over your hair and let the oil sit for a few hours or overnight.
Where Can You Buy Castor Oil?
Castor oil is usually found in health stores, as well as in pharmacies. But be careful before buying: read the packaging carefully and check that there’s no paraffin, silicones or fragrances in the ingredients.
This tip, by the way, is valid for any vegetable or essential oils, so be alert!
The price of castor oil usually ranges from between £6-£15.
