When you think of castor oil, you probably think about your grandma, or great grandmother, who recommended it for just about every ailment and remedy under the sun. While it’s often been made fun of, there’s a reason it’s so beneficial – it offers potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can be utilized to treat a host of problems.
Castor oil is made from the castor plant, or Ricinus communis, which is native to India and Africa, though it’s used around the world. You’ve probably seen it in many different types of soaps, cosmetics, massage oils and even medicines.
Surprisingly, castor oil is also one of the best things you can do for a hair if you want to have more lustrous, healthy looking locks, as it’s rich in protein, minerals, and vitamin E, in addition to providing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds.
When purchasing castor oil, remember that quality is the key to effectiveness. Look for cold-pressed, 100% pure and organic castor oil. This bottle of Essential Living Pure Natural Castor Oil fits all the criteria.
5 Remarkable Benefits Of Castor Oil For Hair
1. Promotes hair growth and helps control hair loss
Castor oil is one of the best things you can do for promoting hair growth and controlling hair loss. It can give you thicker and even longer hair as it contains ricinoleic acid and omega-6 essential fatty acids that improve blood circulation to the scalp, encouraging hair growth. Thanks to its rich essential nutrients, it also nourishes the scalp and strengthens the roots of the hair as well. It protects existing hair follicles to keep hair from shedding to quickly, and even lessens the impact of environmental factors, like pollution and the sun.
Follow this favorite recipe for promoting hair growth and limiting hair loss:
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp castor oil
- 1 tbsp jojoba oil
- Amber or dark colored dropper bottle
Add the oils to the dropper bottle and then shake well to mix. Use the dropper to apply the oil to your scalp by parting your hair right above the ear on one side, and then applying the oil, and then moving about a half-inch from that area, continuously working, adding the oil until the entire scalp is coated thoroughly. Once the oil is spread across the scalp, massage it in using circular motions which will further boost circulation. Place a shower cap over your hair and leave it on overnight. In the morning, rinse your hair well and then wash as normal.
2. Fight dandruff and other scalp infections
Thanks to castor oil’s antimicrobial properties, it has the ability to fight bacteria that causes dandruff. It also contains ricin that serves as a fungicidal and germicidal. The ricin and the oil’s antimicrobial properties work together to protect the scalp from infections that can lead to dandruff and conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. As it’s also packed with rich nutrients, it helps to moisturize the scalp to fight both the itch and the flakes.
To get rid of flakes and dandruff using castor oil, follow this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp castor oil
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of one-half lemon
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and the warm it up in the microwave or on the stove top. Be careful to not let it get too hot or it could burn your scalp. Pour it in your hands and massage the oil into your scalp for several minutes. Leave it on for 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for maximum benefits. Afterwards, rinse well and wash as normal.
3. Tame frizzy hair and split ends
Castor oil can also be used to prevent the hair from becoming dry and brittle, as well as to tame frizz and split ends, making it healthy, soft and bouncy after just a few treatments as it’s able to penetrate deep into the scalp and smooth rough hair follicles.
By combining castor oil with other oils, as in this recipe, you’ll have the ultimate frizz/split end fighter. The jojoba oil penetrates deep into the hair shaft and moisturizes hair follicles making then stronger and healthier, while rosemary also strengthens the hair roots, preventing hair from breaking and splitting. Coconut oil also serves a similar purpose, while smoothing the hair to prevent frizz.
Ingredients:
- 5 drops castor oil
- 10 drops jojoba oil
- 3 drops coconut oil
- 4 drops rosemary oil
Mix the oil in a small bowl and then massage it into your scalp and roots, working through all sections of your hair, and then, using a comb, distribute it to the ends. Cover your hair with a shower cap and allow it to stay on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deep conditioning.
4. Prevent premature graying
If you’ve just discovered a gray hair or two, applying castor oil can prevent your hair from losing more pigment. According to best- selling book “The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies,” by Vasant Lad, a combination of mustard seed oil, jojoba oil and castor oil applied to the roots can even help reverse gray hair.
To make your own gray hair fighter follow this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp castor oil
- 2 tbsp jojoba oil
- 1 tbsp mustard seed oil
Combine all of the oils in a small bowl or other container and stir well to combine. Gently massage the mixture into wet hair and then allow it to soak in for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, rinse your hair well with warm water and then wash as normal. You can use this treatment as often as once per day.
5. Moisturizing and conditioning hair
Castor oil makes a very effective natural moisturizer and conditioner as it’s extremely moisture rich and is able to penetrate deep into the scalp and the hair, helping to restore shine and texture. It leaves a coating on the hair shaft that helps lock moisture in and make it appear smoother and healthier.
You can use castor oil as part of a recipe for the ultimate conditioner and moisturizer, or simply add a few drops to your favorite products.
To make your own shampoo, follow this recipe:
- 3 tbsp castor oil
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp coconut milk
- 2 tbsp + 2 tsp Castile soap
- 1 tbsp raw honey
Combine all ingredients together in a bowl, and then pour the mixture into a glass container. Use as you would normally use shampoo.
To make your own conditioner, follow this recipe:
- 1 tsp castor oil
- 1 tsp vegetable glycerin
- 1 tbsp emulsifying wax
- 2 capsules vitamin E
- ½ cup distilled water
- 5 drops grapefruit seed extract
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 drop each ylang-ylang, clary sage, chamomile and geranium essential oils
- 1 8-ounce dark or blue glass bottle
In the top part of a double boiler, stir together the oil, emulsifying wax and glycerin. Warm it slowly over low heat until the wax is melted. Remove from heat and add the vitamin E. Slowly pour in the water, stirring constantly using a wire whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It may not thicken immediately, but it will when it begins to cool to room temperature. Add the essential oils and the grapefruit seed extract and then pour the conditioner into your bottle. Allow it to cool before putting the lid on.
Use it like you would a traditional conditioner, applying it after shampooing and paying special attention to the ends. Allow it to sit for several minutes before rinsing.
Where To Buy Castor Oil
Ready to try using castor oil on your hair? Pick up a bottle of Essential Living Pure & Natural Castor Oil from this page on Amazon.