Why and how to use castor oil on hair?

The virtues of castor oil are many. We use it on eyelashes to grow them, on nails to strengthen them or even on our eyebrows to give them the density we want to achieve. But if there’s one area where this wonder ingredient excels, it’s here in the art of sublimating the hair while maintaining the fragile balance of the scalp. Want to know more about this oil whose reputation is second to none? Slide!

What is Castor Oil?

Coming from tropical Africa, castor oil (also called castor oil in English) is a vegetable oil from the seed of a shrub called ricinus communis. Very rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, it is slightly viscous or even sticky and its yellow color can put off more than one in the beginning. Very moisturizing and nourishing, it is known to be Queen Cleopatra’s favorite oil, who used it daily to remove make-up.

What are the benefits of castor oil on hair?

If castor oil has many benefits, it is above all its capillary virtues that have made it essential for the general public. But do you know the extent of his powers? Here they are in more detail.

Castor oil soothes the scalp

Antibacterial and antifungalcastor oil has the power cleanse the scalp to avoid the formation of dandruff. Soothing, it calms the itching and tension of this often undertreated area. from unsuitable shampoos and calcareous water. But what are its antifungal properties? Quite simply, a prevent the onset of an inflammatory skin disease called seborrheic dermatitis caused by the growth of yeast naturally present on the skin.

Castor oil nourishes the hair

Do you have dry and brittle hair and don’t know how to solve this problem? Know that castor oil can be of great help. Rich in Vitamin E and “good” fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-9), it is soothing, repairing and (most importantly) nourishing. To take advantage of all its benefits, just apply a few drops on the palms of your hands, warm them up and “smooth” the product over the lengths without drowning them.

Castor oil strengthens the fiber

Since castor oil brings softness to the fiber, its recurring application allows for this to avoid the phenomenon of breakage affecting all hair types. Another plus in favor of castor oil: it is rich in ricinoleic acid, which allows it to enhance blood microcirculation at the level of the scalp, which can help fortify the fiber.

As for the legend that castor oil makes hair grow faster, know that no scientific study can confirm itas dermatologist and professor Adam Friedman explains rhythm :

“Its antimicrobial properties may be useful for fighting the overgrowth of bacteria or fungi on the scalp, which can lead to inflammation and damage the hair, but there is no evidence [montrant] which is helpful for hair growth. »

When and how to use castor oil on hair?

Since castor oil is very viscous, it can be difficult to apply. To make this process easier, feel free to do this dilute it up to 50% in another extracted vegetable oil cold as coconut, baobab, argan or sweet almond oil. To be applied directly to dry hair, it is first deposited on the scalp with circular movements (to stimulate the microcirculation of the area) before spreading on the ends.

For maximum results, it is recommended to leave the mixture on for at least 3 hours (or even overnight) under a cap or towel. After this time, place the shampoo.

How to choose your castor oil?

As is the case with all vegetable oils, choosing your castor oil is important with the highest possible percentage of pure ingredients. Preferably cold extracted, to maintain all its properties, it must be mixed with few or no ingredients to maintain its virtues.

Our Castor Oil Purchases

An image credit: @Ogo via Pexels.