Coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil… Several oils are commonly used for their many beauty care virtues. But how familiar are you with the benefits of castor oil? Learn how your hair can enjoy all that castor oil has to offer, along with the best ways to use it.
What is Castor oil?
Castor oil is a vegetable oil. It is extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, which is mainly grown in Asia and Africa. Its benefits have long been used in traditional oriental medicine. More recently, some hair care brands have included this EWG-approved substance in their formulas because of its nourishing properties.
Who should use castor oil?
Castor oil is an ingredient that is especially suitable for people with dry and damaged hair. Since it is a particularly dense oil, it might be too rich for those with oilier hair.
The benefits of castor oil for your hair
1. Nourishes your hair… as well as your skin!
Castor oil is a powerful nourishing agent that helps reduce the loss of moisture from the surface of the skin or scalp by strengthening the natural moisture barrier. Thatʼs why, among other factors, itʼs used in various shampoos, conditioners and even in some sun care products for dry skin.
Interesting fact:
Studies have yet to prove castor oilʼs effectiveness against dandruff. However, there are several products designed to rid the scalp of dead skin cells that do contain castor oil.1.
Also, fatty acids found in castor oil provide essential protein and nutrients for hair… and the skinʼs most sensitive areas. When combined with ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil in a lip balm or deodorant, the results are especially smooth and silky. Thanks to the benefits of castor oil, itʼs a cinch to have the softest lips and armpits!
Does castor oil help hair grow?
If youʼre asking that question, itʼs probably because you know of someone who uses castor oil to help grow their eyebrows, eyelashes or hair. Well, you can let them know that although beauty industry experts claim castor oil can greatly accelerate hair growth, there is no clinical data to prove this is true. However, what we do know is that well-nourished and hydrated hair is much more likely to be shiny and healthy!
2. Protects fragile hair
Castor oil helps to strengthen your strands by providing hair with many of the nutrients it needs, retaining hydration and preventing the dryness that can cause those undesired split ends.
What is the best way to use castor oil?
To properly enjoy the benefits of castor oil for hair, itʼs not necessary to apply it every day. Itʼs a very rich oil, so use it sparingly – a few drops once a week are enough when used in its pure state.
Beauty tips
To enjoy the benefits of castor oil without experiencing any unpleasant surprises, here are a few precautions to take before you start using it.
- Irritation: Castor oil can create skin irritation for some people. Before using it, apply a very small amount to your skin and see how your body reacts 2.
- Messy hair: Since castor oil is thick and sticky, it can cause hair to clump. This is one of the reasons why it is recommended to use it sparingly or as an ingredient of proven hair care.
- Smell: Castor oil has a strong odour! To mask it, dilute it with shea butter and coconut oil.
Finally, the best way to maximize the benefits of castor oil is by choosing EWG VERIFIED™ products in which castor oil is carefully mixed with other clean ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil and grapeseed oil for optimal results. Youʼll be confident in knowing the appropriate quantity to use and youʼll be able to nourish your hair and your skin with peace of mind every day!
The dream team to fight dry and damaged hair
Our hydrating shampoo and conditioner bar duo is formulated with powerful, naturally derived ingredients such as castor oil to gently cleanse and nourish hair from root to tip. Our conditioner also contains shea butter to help weak and brittle strands regain suppleness.
Thanks to its eco-innovative biodegradable cardboard packaging, the duo can easily be integrated into your plastic-free hair care ritual! Hereʼs a video that demonstrates its proper use and how to enjoy its many benefits.
Now that you know the benefits of castor oil for hair, you might be interested in discovering even more beauty tips! Take a look at our 8 tips for beautiful, healthy hair!