Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a nutrient-dense oil extracted from castor beans. It contains high amounts of ricinoleic acid, a type of omega-9 fatty acid believed to contribute to its anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties. 

How is Castor Oil Useful?

Castor oil is widely believed to support scalp health, enhance moisture retention, and improve hair texture. While it does not directly stimulate hair follicle growth, it may create a healthier scalp environment conducive to hair growth by reducing inflammation, fighting infections, and strengthening hair strands.

Benefits of Castor Oil on Hair

1. Anti-inflammatory

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid is an anti-inflammatory compound which decreases the irritation on the scalp, which tends to inhibit hair growth.

2. Nourishing and strengthening the scalp

The oil is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants, which may help nourish hair follicles and enhance scalp health. This contributes to hair that feels stronger and appears more resilient. Castor oil also functions as an occlusive, sealing in moisture and preventing dryness.

3. Growth of hair

One of the most important benefits of castor oil is that it promotes hair growth. Since castor oil is loaded with vitamin E and fatty acids, it tends to strengthen the roots of hair follicles. This also increases the blood circulation needed for hair growth, which may improve scalp circulation and strengthen roots, creating a healthier environment for growth.

4. Helps get rid of Dandruff

Castor oil possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties. Due to this reason, it kills the microorganisms that cause dandruff and other scalp infections. It can soothe itchiness and flaking, although it may not be effective for chronic or severe dandruff that requires medicated shampoos.

5. Prevent hair loss

Since castor oil has strengthening properties, it prevents further hair loss.

6. Provides thicker hair

While users may observe hair appearing thicker due to increased moisture and reduced breakage, no clinical studies confirm such significant growth acceleration. 

7. Shiny hair

Castor oil’s moisture-sealing ability can help smooth the hair cuticle, making hair look shinier and less frizzy. Its antioxidant content may support keratin production, although direct effects on keratin synthesis in humans have not been conclusively proven.

8. Prevents hair breakage

By locking in moisture and improving hair elasticity, castor oil may help reduce breakage and improve hair texture, especially in dry or curly hair types. Its humectant properties attract water into the hair shaft, helping it stay hydrated and strong.

9. Beneficial for eyelashes and eyebrows

Castor oil is often applied to eyelashes and eyebrows with the hope of encouraging thickness. While it may help by moisturising hair and reducing breakage, there is no scientific consensus that castor oil can directly stimulate lash or brow growth. Use near the eyes with caution to avoid irritation.

What Are The Types Of Castor Oil?

1. Organic Castor Oil

It is predominantly used for hair but has shown good results for the skin. A natural moisturiser, it cleanses hair and skin. It is processed without heating and extracted directly from castor seeds.

2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil

It is most commonly used for scalp-related issues. It is formed by roasting castor seeds and is absorbed by hair easily.

How Do I Use Castor Oil?

Castor oil itself is a very thick and sticky oil. The direct application makes it difficult to remove oil from hair.

It’s best to dilute it before application, either with coconut oil or with any other oils like jojoba oil, or olive oil. Castor oil has a characteristic scent, which is unpleasant to some people. Diluting the oil with other oils also solves this problem.

Castor oil with coconut oil

Coconut oil similar to castor oil, is highly rich in fatty acids. This also helps strengthen and enhance hair growth. It helps the mix go deeper into the hair cortex and cuticles.

1. Mix two tablespoons of castor oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl.
2. Massage the mixture on your scalp for five minutes.
3. Apply it from your roots to your ends.
4. Cover the head with a shower cap or towel and keep it for at least two hours or overnight.
5. Wash off with lukewarm water and shampoo
6. Repeat it twice a week and for two months and then STOP it.

It is believed that leaving castor oil for a long time should be avoided. Longer use of castor oil can make hair and scalp dry out.

What Are The Side Effects Of Castor Oil?

Castor oil side effects are usually very rare. But since excessive use of it can cause serious complications, it should be used with precautions.

Castor oil can lead to acute hair felting, which is a rare disorder in which hair becomes tangled into a hard mass. Since it is irreversible, it can be cured only by cutting your hair.

Avoid ingesting castor oil—it can cause stomach upset, dizziness, and other side effects. Always do a patch test before applying to the scalp to avoid allergic reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

• Tiwari, R., Tiwari, G., Yadav, A., & Ramachandran, V. (2021). Development and Evaluation of Herbal Hair Serum: A traditional way to Improve Hair Quality. The Open Dermatology Journal, 15(1), 52–58. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874372202115010052
• EXTRACTION AND PURIFICATION OF CASTOR OIL FROM CASTOR SEEDS TO STUDY ITS NUTRITIONAL AND BIOMEDICAL IMPORTANCE. (2025). Thermsr.com. http://www.thermsr.com/index.php/Journal/article/view/400 
• Parsons, C. (2024, December 21). Best oils for hair growth. XYON. https://xyonhealth.com/blogs/library/best-oils-for-hair-growth
• Alookaran, J., & Tripp, J. (2022). Castor Oil. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551626/ 
• Patel, V. R., Dumancas, G. G., Viswanath, L. C. K., Maples, R., & Subong, B. J. J. (2016). Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Production. Lipid Insights, 9, LPI.S40233. https://doi.org/10.4137/lpi.s40233