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Anastassiya Bezhekeneva / Getty Image
Medically reviewed by Deeptej Singh, MDMedically reviewed by Deeptej Singh, MD
Castor oil, which is a type of oil that is extracted from the castor bean, contains a compound known as ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid is known for its inflammation-fighting properties and is believed to contribute to hair growth when applied to the scalp. However, there is very little scientific evidence to support this claim.
There are some other potential benefits of castor oil that may contribute the hair health as well. For instance, some research shows that castor oil may moisturize and nourish hair. It also may protect the scalp and hair shaft from fungal and microbial infections.
Here is what you need to know about castor oil for hair health.
Provides Moisture
Because castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, it serves as a natural moisturizer that helps seal in your hair's natural oils. The fatty acids in the oil are able to penetrate your hair and scalp effectively and can provide nourishment to the hair follicle.
Castor oil also can help lubricate your hair boosting its shine while helping prevent split ends and breakage.
Helps Prevent Scalp Infections
Castor oil also has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties which researchers have found may protect your scalp and hair from fungal and microbial infections.
Applying castor oil to the scalp also may help soothe your scalp, especially if it's irritated. Many people believe this improvement in scalp health can create the right environment for hair growth.
Serves as an Antioxidant
Castor oil has significant antioxidant properties, which could contribute to your hair's health. In general, antioxidants like castor oil help protect the body's healthy cells from damage from free radicals.
Applying castor oil to your scalp could protect your scalp from hair loss because it can reduce oxidative stress, which is often linked to hair loss. It's important to note that this is currently theoretical, and more studies are needed to back up this claim fully.
Does Castor Oil Help Hair Grow?
Although there are countless claims that castor oil can help promote hair growth, there is limited scientific evidence to back that up. Evidence that it can improve the texture and appearance of hair and boost hydration is also limited. That said, there are some cultures—like Ancient Egyptian and other East African cultures—that use castor oil for these very reasons with positive results.
Because castor oil is relatively safe when applied topically, there is little risk in experimenting with it for hair growth. However, if you are concerned about hair loss, you should talk to a healthcare provider first. They can help diagnose the cause of your hair loss, including determining if an underlying health concern like lupus or a thyroid condition contributes to your thinning or shedding.
How to Use Castor Oil For Hair Health
Most people recommend using cold-pressed castor oil for hair health, but because using this oil isn’t a science-backed hair loss treatment, there’s no right or wrong type of castor oil to buy. There's also no one way to apply it. You may want to follow basic guidelines when trying something new on your skin and hair by testing a small amount on your wrist to check for irritation before applying it to your entire scalp.
After you have confirmed that using castor oil is not going to cause skin irritation, you can start by mixing a few drops with another oil, like coconut oil, and massaging it into your scalp prior to shampooing. Not only will this tone down the strong scent, but it also will reduce the likelihood of irritation. Depending on your hair texture, castor oil could cause hair matting or other similar issues. When starting, limit its use to about once a week, unless you have curly or coily hair that needs moisture. Using castor oil 2-3 times a week can be healthy for these hair textures.
Risks of Castor Oil
Castor oil is generally safe to use topically. Research has shown that some may experience contact dermatitis from castor oil, especially if you are allergic to the castor bean plant.
Castor oil can also cause a rare disorder known as acute hair felting. When this occurs, hair becomes tangled into a hard mass that cannot be seperated. Instead, it must be cut off.
Though most people only use castor oil topically for hair health, it's still important to know that accidentally ingesting too much castor oil can cause a number of gastrointestinal issues. Signs of a castor oil overdose include:
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Throat tightness
- Skin rash
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Hallucinations (rare)
Other Ways to Stimulate Hair Growth
Although not every cause of hair loss can be treated with home remedies, there are things that can be done to reduce the amount of hair lost and even boost growth. Here are some things to consider, though you should talk to a healthcare provider to ensure an underlying health condition is not contributing to your hair loss.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about minoxidil: One of the best ways to stimulate hair growth is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication known as minoxidil. However, this is a long-term commitment to hair regrowth, meaning if you stop using the drug, the results will be lost. It's important to talk to a dermatologist to ensure this is right for you.
- Try scalp massage: While more research is needed to determine the exact role of scalp massage on hair growth, one study found that a scalp massage four-minute per day with a mechanical massager for 24 weeks resulted in thicker hair.
- Determine nutrient deficiencies: There are a number of vitamins and minerals that can contribute to hair loss, like low vitamin D or vitamin B levels. A blood test can check for deficiencies and help you determine which supplements to add to your diet.
- Manage your stress: Research shows that stress can impact hair loss, so keeping stress under control can promote hair growth. Look for ways to reduce stress like breathing techniques or mindfulness.
- Use caffeine-infused products: Though limited, some research shows that caffeine may promote hair growth. You can find shampoos and other products that contain this stimulant.
- Experiment with essential oils: Even though research is preliminary, a few promising studies indicate essential oils may help promote hair growth. For instance, one study found that rosemary essential oil was as effective as minoxidil in promoting hair growth. Likewise, another study of pumpkin seed oil had a similar result.
A Quick Review
Castor oil is an oil extracted from the castor bean containing a fatty acid known as ricinoleic acid. This compound is thought to help promote hair and scalp health, improve moisture, reduce oxidative stress, and prevent scalp infections. It may even boost hair growth, though limited research supports this claim.
It's important to talk to a healthcare provider if you're interested in trying castor oil for hair growth to make sure no underlying medical conditions contribute to your hair loss.
It's relatively safe to use castor oil topically once in a while. Just be sure to test it on a small area first to make sure it does not cause any irritation or an allergic reaction. You should also mix the oil with a carrier oil to reduce the chance of irritation and thin out the oil.
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