Is Castor Oil Good for Hair? Experts Explain Once and for All
Adding the best hair oil to your routine is a great way to level up your strands. And while you may have heard of Moroccan oil, it’s not the only one that can elevate your mane. Castor oil for hair has been around for a long time—and many claim that the pale yellow oil derived from castor beans boasts a slew of benefits for your tresses. From helping hair grow to increasing its density, it seems there’s nothing castor oil can’t do—but are these anecdotal claims backed by scientific evidence?
We tapped board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, M.D. and Sophia Emmanuel, an I.A.T. certified trichologist and hairstylist, to get to the root of it all. Ahead, our experts reveal the true benefits of castor oil for hair, how to (and if you should) incorporate it into your routine, and if castor oil for hair growth really works.
Benefits of castor oil for Hair
Castor oil’s claim to fame may be anecdotal evidence of hair growth, but there are plenty of other reasons to add this oil to your hair care routine. Both Dr. Green and Emmanuel tout the oil’s moisturizing and nourishing properties.
“Castor oil works well as a moisturizing agent when found as an ingredient in conditioners and shampoos. It helps to soften and hydrate the hair and skin when it is an ingredient in your cosmetics,” Emmanuel says.
More benefits of castor oil for hair, per the experts, are:
Can help to moisturize dry scalp and hair
Stimulates circulation, allowing oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to the hair follicles
Can add shine to hair
Antioxidant properties help to protect the scalp and hair from free radicals and oxidative stress caused by UV rays and environmental toxins such as pollution
Castor oil for hair growth—does it work?
There is no current scientific evidence to support the claim that castor oil can help hair grow. However, Dr. Green says there is evidence that castor oil can support hair health.
“Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to improve circulation and stimulate hair follicles. Improving circulation allows oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to the hair follicles to maintain scalp and hair health,” she explains.
Hair loss is a very complex condition that can be caused by a myriad of things. If you are dealing with hair loss, we recommend making an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in hair loss and scalp conditions. A dermatologist will help to diagnose the cause of your hair loss and come up with a treatment plan to help restore your tresses.
How to use castor oil on hair
Whether you’re looking to use the oil for its moisturizing properties or want to challenge growth claims for yourself, there are plenty of ways to incorporate castor oil into your hair care routine. Before you run out and purchase a gallon of castor oil, consider looking for hair products formulated with it to get a feel for whether your hair responds well to the ingredient.
While castor oil can be used on various hair types, Dr. Green says there are certain ones that benefit more. “Castor oil is best for those with dry scalp and brittle, frizzy hair. Those with oily hair may find castor oil to be too greasy and heavy. “
If you’re looking to add pure castor oil to your hair care routine, Dr. Green suggests using it as a pre-shampoo treatment.
“Castor oil can be used as a 20-minute treatment once a week, applying through the roots and brushing it out toward the ends. Leave in for 20 minutes, then use shampoo to wash it out,” she explains.
Because castor oil is so thick, Dr. Green suggests diluting the castor oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil. You can also swap your regular shampoo for a clarifying formula, to ensure you thoroughly wash the castor oil from your scalp and strands.
Can you use castor oil on eyelashes and eyebrows?
The claims that castor oil can help your hair grow don’t just stop at the follicles on your head. Many people credit castor oil for helping them grow long and thick eyelashes and eyebrows—but is castor oil safe to use on other areas of the body? Much like the claims that castor oil can help to grow the hair on your head, the evidence that it can enhance your eyebrows and eyelashes is purely anecdotal.
If you’d like to add castor oil to your grooming routine, Emmanuel recommends looking for eyebrow and eyelash products formulated with castor oil, rather than applying castor oil directly to the areas.
“If castor oil is an ingredient in a cosmetic, it is okay to use it. I don’t recommend using castor oil on the body, eyebrows, or eyelashes because it is too heavy,” she says.
If you’re considering applying pure castor oil to your eyebrows and eyelashes, Dr. Green advises using caution when applying it to delicate areas such as your eyes. If you’re set on using the oil in any of these areas, a cotton swab is an easy way to control the amount.
“Castor oil can cause eye irritation if it gets into the eyes,” she explains.
What are the side effects of using castor oil on hair?
Before you take the leap and add castor oil to your hair care routine, it’s important to be aware of any possible side effects.
Both Dr. Green and Emmanuel agree that less is more when it comes to using the oil. Because it’s so thick, it can clog pores, cause build-up, and even lead to scalp irritation.
If adding castor oil to the mix, be sure to keep an eye out for these possible side effects:
Can cause build-up on the scalp and strands
May clog pores
May cause dandruff and itching
Can be difficult to remove from your scalp and strands
Can cause scalp irritation.
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