Rediscovering Castor Oil: A Miracle For Hair Health

What is castor oil? Originating from the castor plant in Egypt, this thick oil not only promotes hair growth but also prevents hair loss. The best part is that since it is a natural oil there are no castor oil for hair side effects. But – and there is always a but with these hero ingredients – it is extremely thick. This means it is a pain to wash off. However, this is an extremely small hurdle, making castor oil a favourite for traditional remedies and natural hair care.

Castor oil is an excellent source of fatty acids and vitamins, making it a powerhouse ingredient for haircare. The high concentration of ricinoleic acid in castor oil is responsible for many of its benefits, including hair growth, hydration and strengthening. Other key components of castor oil include oleic acid, linoleic acid and vitamin E. These nutrients work together to nourish the hair and scalp, boost healthy hair growth and protect against damage.

Organic Castor Oil - While it is predominantly for hair, organic castor oil is also good for the skin. It is a natural moisturiser that cleanses skin and hair even if you have an oily surface. It comes in a cold-pressed castor oil version when it is extracted directly from castor seeds, without heating.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil - Used to treat specific skin and scalp-related issues, Jamaican black castor oil is used to treat acne and dandruff. It is collected by roasting castor seeds and is better absorbed by the hair.

Hydrogenated Castor Oil - This is a diluted but thicker form of castor oil. Castor oil undergoes hydrogenation which processes the oil in the presence of a nickel catalyst. It is mostly used in lotions and creams for its thick consistency.

Castor oil is full of humectants which means maximum hair hydration with this wonder oil. It basically draws moisture from the air and seals it in every strand, making it smooth and shiny. This means that you can also use it as part of your deep conditioning treatment to repair curly, dry and brittle hair.

One of the major castor oil benefits for hair is that it helps in hair growth. Since it is loaded with vitamin E and other fatty acids, it strengthens hair roots, stimulates blood circulation needed to grow hair, and regulates the hair growth cycle. Along with hair nourishment, It also acts as a shield against pollution and free radicals that threaten to damage hair.

Castor oil also has the anti-inflammatory ricinoleic acid. This means that it lessens irritation on the scalp which may inhibit healthy hair growth. And – you've guessed it – it also soothes the itchy consequences of dandruff.

Okay, we've already established that castor oil is a super ingredient of sorts. So, don't be surprised if we continue to list castor oil benefits for hair. It not only helps hair growth but also makes sure that it is healthy in the most unconventional way. It dilates blood vessels which leads to better blood flow which supplies oxygen and essential nutrients to the hair roots. So, say goodbye to split ends and brittle strands. The antioxidants in it even stimulate keratin production in the hair, making it stronger.

Why is castor oil a second favourite after the popular coconut oil? It is because it is said to increase hair growth by about four to five times the normal rate, while also encouraging your hair to grow thicker. This is why you must have heard of castor oil as a home remedy for thin eyelashes. There are also decades-old testimonies that it seemingly grows back bald patches.

Castor oil is also an excellent treatment for preventing premature greying. Applying small amounts of castor oil to your hair can help retain its colour for relatively longer, keeping it from turning grey too early.

Castor oil is a natural elixir for your mane. Since it is antifungal and antibacterial, it kills the fungus that causes dandruff and other infections, which reduces flakes and calms itching and irritation. Plus, it maintains the pH balance of your scalp making it the perfect solution for dandruff prevention.

Along with the many castor oil benefits, coconut oil is similarly rich in fatty acids. This means it also strengthens hair, enhances hair growth and prevents damage. It goes deep into the hair cortex and cuticles. It also protects against the damage of chemical hair treatments. So, it only makes sense that one of the most common oil mixtures for hair would be these two together as this mask can do it all from preventing hair fall to getting rid of dandruff.

• Mix two tablespoons of castor oil and coconut oil each in a bowl
• Massage the mixture on your scalp for about five minutes
• Make sure you have applied it to your hair from roots to ends
• Cover your head with a shower cap or towel
• Keep this mask on for two hours
• Wash off with cold or lukewarm water and shampoo Repeat this twice a week and continue for two months to see a difference in hair growth.

Olive oil is known to be rich in mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. This protects and seals the hair's natural moisture barrier. Olive oil also serves as a natural conditioner, reduces hair loss, and helps with hair growth. Together with castor oil, this is a very effective mask for healthy hair.

• Mix two tablespoons of both oils
• Heat the mixture for about 10 seconds on a medium flame
• Apply and massage for about 10 minutes
• Cover your hair with a steamed towel for an hour
• Wash off with a shampoo

If you think aloe vera is only great for skincare, you are in for a surprise. Aloe vera is instrumental in stripping the hair of all the excess oil, dirt and impurities, reducing hair loss and treating dandruff. Being rich in vitamins A, C and E, it also reduces the stress on the scalp.

• Take two teaspoons of castor oil and half a teaspoon of aloe vera gel
• Mix it with a teaspoon of basil powder and two teaspoons of fenugreek powder aka methi
• Blend all the ingredients well to form a thick paste
• Apply it covering the entire scalp and hair length
• Wear a shower cap and let it soak in the hair overnight
• Rinse off with cold/lukewarm water and shampoo

Onion juiceis known to boost hair growth and reduce hair fall. It also provides strength and adds shine to the hair. Together with castor oil, it forms a healthy hair mask that contributes toward fuller and shinier hair.

• Take two tablespoons of castor oil and mix it with two tablespoons of onion juice
• Blend the two and apply the mix
• Massage it and leave it on for about two hours
• Rinse it off with a pleasantly-scented shampoo

Oil, in general, should be used at least once or twice a week for optimum results. If you use castor oil in combination with your regular hair oil, you can use it once or twice a week.

It has been proven that Jamaican castor oil is good for the hair and has more benefits. It is thick in consistency, helps nourish the scalp and treats hair thinning. Cold-pressed castor oil is also loaded with benefits and is more popular because of its easy availability.

Applying castor oil usually does not have any side effects, but with every haircare item, one should use it with caution. You should always carry out a patch test 24 hours before use, especially if you have sensitive skin.