Castor Oil for Hair: Simple Steps Most People Skip

Strong research doesn’t yet show castor oil grows hair. Even so, many people put this long-used remedy on the scalp to moisturize skin, reduce dandruff, and boost smoothness, strength, and shine. Some also try it on eyebrows and eyelashes.

Castor oil is pressed from castor beans and is rich in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid with anti-inflammatory activity.

Key Takeaways

• Evidence for castor oil regrowing hair is limited, with mostly moisturizing benefits reported.

• Ricinoleic acid content provides anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects that support scalp health.

• Topical use is generally safe, but rare acute hair felting can occur.

• Recommended method dilutes with carrier oil, applies to damp scalp, leaves 1 to 2 hours weekly.

What Is Castor Oil?

It’s a plant-based oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant.

Ricin, a poison made from byproducts of processed castor beans, is highly toxic to cells. As noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), research has explored ricin as a way to eliminate certain cancer cells and as a potential chemical warfare agent.

Castor oil is a clear, lightly scented liquid. Its use for hair-related benefits may date back to ancient Egypt. Modern processing removes any remaining ricin.

The chemical makeup of castor oil includes:

• Ricinoleic acid

• Dihydroxy-stearic acid

• Stearic acid

• Eicosanoic acid

• Linolenic acid

• Palmitic acid

What Is Cold-Pressed Castor Oil?

Not all castor oil is the same. The kind you find in most hair-care aisles is usually cold-pressed, meaning the beans are mechanically crushed to make a lighter, cleaner, thinner oil that retains many nutrients and vitamins.

Castor oil that isn’t cold-pressed is commonly used as a preservative or in cooking oils. It’s produced through high-heat roasting or refined by bleaching and filtering. Those steps remove impurities, but they can also affect the oil’s moisturizing and antioxidant qualities.

Discover the difference between Castor oil vs Black Castor Oil.

How Castor Oil May Support Hair Growth

Castor oil is high in ricinoleic acid, a compound linked to anti-inflammatory effects.

It may also offer other hair-friendly actions. Castor oil can moisturize and nourish strands and help protect the scalp and hair shaft from fungal and bacterial issues.

1. Adds Moisture and Shine

Thanks to its ricinoleic acid content, castor oil acts as a natural sealant for your hair’s own oils. The fatty acids can reach your hair and scalp to deliver nourishment to follicles.

It can lubricate strands and add shine, which may also help reduce split ends and breakage.

2. Helps Prevent Scalp Infections and Irritation

Castor oil shows antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Findings suggest it may protect the scalp and hair from fungal and bacterial infections.

Applying it to the scalp may also calm irritation. Many people believe a healthier scalp environment can support better growth.

3. May Help Eyebrows and Eyelashes Grow

Topical castor oil on brows and lashes may support their appearance. Ricinoleic acid might also stimulate hair growth in these areas and lessen thinning. You might choose this if you want to enhance how your eyes or face look.

4. Offers Antioxidant Protection

Castor oil has notable antioxidant activity, which can support hair health. Antioxidants help guard healthy cells against oxidative stress, the cell damage caused by unstable free radicals.

Using it on the scalp may help defend against loss. Oxidative stress has been tied to hair loss, though more studies are needed to confirm this benefit.

5. May Help With Androgenetic Alopecia

Evidence is limited, but castor oil might help with androgenetic alopecia, or male- and female-pattern thinning. Elevated levels of prostaglandin D2 synthase (PGD2) have been implicated, and ricinoleic acid may block PGD2 to promote growth.

Can Castor Oil Promote Hair Growth?

Some people claim monthly use speeds growth, but there’s no solid proof for that. While research is sparse, castor oil has been used since Ancient Egyptian times and in East African traditions with reported benefits.

Topical use is generally considered safe. If you’re concerned about loss or thinning, talk with a healthcare provider. They can check for causes such as lupus or thyroid disorders, both linked to hair thinning or increased shedding.

Potential Side Effects and Risks Of Using Castor Oil

There’s a concern that using castor oil as a treatment could trigger acute hair felting, a rare condition where hair tangles into a hard, matted mass. Because it can’t be reversed, the only fix is cutting off the affected hair.

Swallowing large amounts can also be harmful. Hair application shouldn’t cause these effects, but make sure no one in your home ingests it by accident.

Possible side effects of ingesting castor oil include:

• Abdominal cramps

• Diarrhea

• Dizziness

• Fainting

• Hallucinations

• Nausea

• Shortness of breath and chest pain

• Skin rash

• Throat tightness

How to Use Castor Oil Effectively

If you want to try castor oil for hair health, technique matters. I noticed a lighter blend rinsed easier and kept my roots from feeling coated. Here’s a simple approach to maximize benefits and avoid common pitfalls.

Preparation Steps

Choose the right type:

• Go for cold-pressed castor oil to retain more nutrients

• Pick Jamaican Black Castor Oil for thick or coarse textures

• Always do a patch test before full use

Application Method

Mix and dilute:

• Blend one part castor oil with two parts carrier oil (coconut or jojoba)

• Dilution makes it easier to spread and less sticky

Apply correctly:

• Start with clean, slightly damp hair

• Put a few drops on your fingertips

• Massage the scalp gently first

• Smooth any leftover oil down the lengths

Timing and Frequency

• Leave on 1–2 hours (skip overnight to reduce matting risk)

• Use once a week at most to prevent buildup

• Cover with a shower cap or old T-shirt while it sits

Removal Tips

• Rinse with warm water and shampoo twice if needed

• Handle gently to avoid tangles

• Pat dry with a clean towel

Start a Safe Castor Oil Routine Today With Keyoma

Castor oil can help with moisture, slip, and scalp comfort, but proof for regrowth is limited. Technique matters: dilute with a lighter carrier, apply to a damp scalp, leave on for 1 to 2 hours once a week, and patch test first.

Skip overnight use to lower matting risk, and keep expectations modest while you track changes. Follow Keyoma’s hair care blog and social channels for clear hair care tips and the latest regrowth research.