Many oils promise the world when it comes to growing our hair. Argan oil, coconut oil, and rosemary oil are often hailed as miracle workers, promising long, flowing locks in a matter of weeks. But the reality is a bit more nuanced. What we do know for sure, however, is that oils can work magic in other ways—softening hair, nourishing it, and making it more manageable while banishing frizz and flyaways. Who wouldn’t want that?
Meet The Experts
To set the record straight, we enlisted the expertise of Guy Parsons, hair stylist and founder of My Hair Doctor, Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley and Zoë Passam, senior consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley.
Ahead, discover the benefits of castor oil for hair, the best ways to use it and the potential side effects to be wary of.
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What Is Castor Oil And Where Does It Come From?
'Castor oil is obtained by the crushing and pressing of castor seeds,' Guy explains. 'It is an essential amino acid (Ricinoleic Acid, to be exact) and is rich in Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids. Years ago, kids growing up would have probably had a spoonful or two of castor oil when they didn't feel well,' he laughs, 'but it actually has many amazing properties for hair.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Castor Oil For Hair?
Shampoo-ad shine? Tick. Parched ends? See ya.
'Castor oil is an emollient and has moisturising properties. It helps to smooth the outer protective hair cuticle, lock in moisture, add shine and improve combability,' says Anabel, which makes it the perfect ingredient for those with excessively frizzy, coarse or curly hair, as it typically lacks moisture.
'Castor oil also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties,' Guy adds, 'so it's good for scalp maintenance and balance. As well as this, it could play a part in improving blood flow and blood circulation in and at the scalp,' he adds, and a healthy scalp = healthy hair
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Will Castor Oil Make Hair Grow Faster?
Let's get one thing straight: 'Castor oil cannot make hair grow. It doesn't really have any effect on the actual growth in the follicle,' says Zoë.
'However, if you have difficulty growing your hair long due to the hair breaking when it reaches a certain length, applying something like castor oil to improve the condition may allow the hair to grow longer without snapping,' she adds.
Got it.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Using Castor Oil On Hair?
'If used undiluted and directly on the scalp, it can provide a breeding ground for dandruff that thrives in an oily environment. Dandruff is often due to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeasts, which feed on oils. So, the oilier your scalp is, the more fuel the yeasts have,' Kingsley explains.
'It is important to make sure that you thoroughly wash your hair after using oils. I recommend to double shampoo with a clarifying shampoo.'
How To Use Castor Oil For Hair
Still intrigued? Here's how to incorporate castor oil into your hair-care regime for strong, smooth and glossy lengths.
The first, and most straightforward, way to use castor oil is 'in treatment-based products designed to moisturise, nourish and hydrate the hair like pre-shampoo deep-conditioning treatments, such as our Elasticizer. They work best applied to damp hair which raises the hair cuticle so they treatment can penetrate more effectively. Once shampooed out, you’re left with all of the benefits without the weight or residue of heavy oils!' adds Kinglsey.
Alternatively, if you wish to apply castor oil directly to your hair and scalp, it's best to combine it with a carrier oil like olive or almond oil. 'These oils are more penetrating and will aid the absorption of the castor oil into the hair. Plus, this will prevent your hair feeling coated and weighed down,' adds Zoë.
Don't fancy applying it neat? Here are 5 of the best hair products that harness castor oil:
Klorane Nourishing Leave-in Cream with Mango for Dry Hair
Applied to towel-dried strands, this banishes frizzy bits, smooths fuzzy ends and makes hair insanely soft. It's brilliant for thick hair types.
Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water-Resistant Mask
Compatible with all hair types, Philip Kingsley's Swimcap harnesses castor oil, olive oil and vitamin E to shield hair against the drying effects of chlorine, salt and UV without ever making it feel greasy.
Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair
Combining castor, jojoba and meadow foam seed oils, this strengthening hair mask hydrates even the driest of hair types whilst smoothing its surface.
Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-Wash Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil
Your scalp will thank you for this one. Apply to dry, parted hair to reap the benefits of castor oil, scalp-toning dashmool and ashawanganha for your longest, shiniest hair yet.
Bread Hair Oil: Everyday Gloss
Revive parched lengths with a concoction of Kakadu plum, castor and safflower oil, whether used pre-wash as a treatment or between washes to boost shine.
How To Use Castor Oil On Your Eyelashes And Eyebrows
Castor oil isn't just great for keeping the hair on your head in tip top condition. It's also beneficial for your eyelashes and eyebrows, keeping them soft and conditioned, which means they'll be less prone to brittleness and inevitably breakage.
'Castor oil is very nutritious and packed full of ingredients that nourish the lashes and promote natural lash growth including fatty acids, antioxidants and proteins to strengthen and create a naturally full lash line,' explains bareMinerals' International Education Director Lee Etheridge.
So, how do you apply it?
'To fully coat the lash, I would recommend to apply the castor oil with a mascara wand,' says The Eyelash Emporium’s Lead Lash Technician, Joanne McGovern. 'Sweep through the brows and lashes before you go to sleep. This will help to nourish the eyes, lashes and brow hairs.'
Or you could always try...
This mascara is formulated with castor seed oil to stop lashes from feeling dry, crispy and uncomfortable, even after hours of wear. It thickens and lengthens in one swipe. We love.
Super-fine pigments suspended in this nourishing brow gel cling to existing hairs and beef up scant-looking brows, while the added castor oil grooms and softens without stickiness.
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