11 of the best castor oils for hair growth and a healthy scalp
Organic pure castor oil: Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil
Pre-shower scalp treatment: Fable & Mane HoliRoots Prewash Hair Treatment Oil
No-rinse conditioning blend: Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Scalp and Hair Oil Helping to keep strands hydrated and soothe the scalp, castor oil is commonly found in many hair care products and standalone treatments. Rumors have swirled in online communities that castor oil, much like rosemary oil, not only helps hair look and feel healthier, but it can make it grow faster too. To help investigate these claims, we tapped board-certified dermatologists to better understand castor oil's benefits, how it works and whether it can truly help with hair growth.
Keryòl Essence Haitian Black Castor Oil
Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana, said you can use this richly textured oil as a deep conditioner to treat damaged hair. Harvested and hand-processed in Haiti, this oil can be used on the scalp, hair, skin and beard for adding extra moisture.
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
Made with a combination of rosemary, mint, castor and other essential oils, this Mielle treatment helps boost circulation to the scalp, which Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, said helps stimulate hair follicles, aiding in hair growth and thickening. Though your results may vary for hair growth, this under-$10 oil is an affordable option for those curious to try castor oil for themselves.
Fable & Mane HoliRoots Prewash Hair Treatment Oil
Made with castor oil and ashwagandha, an antioxidant and adaptogen that's believed to lower stress hormones, this Fable & Mane oil is a favorite of Dr. Michele J. Farber, a board-certified dermatologist from Philadelphia. Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, is also a fan, noting that the blend also contains dashmool — a combination of Indian herbs that help to calm the scalp.
Nioxin Night Density Rescue Treatment
Garshick recommends this clinically proven hair treatment for those looking to thicken their hair. It contains castor oil, along with a blend of antioxidants, biotin and hydrating panthenol. Use it as an overnight leave-in treatment and with consistent use, you should notice less shedding and hair fall.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
While you can use standalone castor oil, you'll see it formulated into other hair care products, like this serum from The Ordinary. The water-based formula is lightweight but packed with peptides, antioxidants, vitamins, humectants and conditioners that work to support overall scalp and hair health. In addition to castor oil, this blend also contains caffeine, which Garshick said aids in boosting the scalp's circulation.
Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil
Farber likes this pure cold-pressed castor oil from Sky Organics, which is made for the scalp, hair and other uses. Beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw is also a fan of this organic castor oil and likes the eyelash serum kit that comes with applicators for the brows and lashes.
ArtNaturals Organic Rosemary & Castor Hair Growth Oil and Scalp Massager Set
This scalp set from ArtNaturals comes with a blend of castor and rosemary oils, and a scalp massager that Spearman said can help further enhance circulation to the head.
Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Scalp Oil
Suitable for all hair types, this silicone-free scalp oil is made to treat common scalp concerns like dryness and itchiness. You can use it one to two times a week as a pre-shower treatment, or if you have an extra-dry scalp, you can leave the oil on overnight and wash it out in the morning.
Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil
Infused with 13 oils, including castor, sea buckthorn, baobab, argan and sweet almond, this nourishing hair oil from Beyoncé's Cécred hair care line comes recommended by Camp for its ability to seal in moisture, ensuring hair stays hydrated, soft and flexible.
Briogeo Curl Charisma Organic and Cold-Pressed 100% Castor Oil
'This cold-pressed castor oil contains humectants, vitamin E and omega fatty acids, which work together to keep the hair healthy and hydrated,' Garshick said. 'It can be used on the hair, as well as eyebrows and eyelashes.'
Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Scalp and Hair Oil
With a no-rinse application, this Carol's Daughter hair oil is made to be spread over the scalp after hair washing. The lightweight formula is gentle enough to use daily, and the nozzle-tip applicator makes it easy to apply the seven oil blend directly to the scalp. Unlike some oils that are composed mostly of fats, castor oil is rich in protein, antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. 'As a result, it can be helpful for the skin, scalp and hair,' Garshick said. 'Castor oil provides hydration and conditions the hair since it's rich in ricinoleic acid and fatty acids, which serve as natural emollients for the hair.'
Spearman added that the ricinoleic acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help keep the scalp clean while the emollients in castor oil prevent dryness and improve hair texture.
Despite all of its great features, there's no concrete clinical evidence to support castor oil's ability to grow hair. However, because of castor oil's antimicrobial and antifungal properties, it can help to nourish the scalp and create a healthy environment for hair to grow, which is why Garshick said there are some anecdotal tales of people noticing an improvement in their hair after using it. Farber added that castor oil is also humectant, meaning it helps to reduce moisture loss that can lead to hair breakage.
Though there are medications like minoxidil and finasteride that can help increase hair growth, some people prefer natural treatments like oils since they're more affordable, more accessible and made without synthetic chemicals. Though, Camp said you should see a board-certified dermatologist if you're experiencing hair loss that does not respond to over-the-counter treatments or is negatively impacting your quality of life.
After drying and detangling your hair, section it and apply castor oil to the scalp and hair using your finger or a small applicator. If you're new to castor oil, Farber recommends starting with a small amount of oil and leaving it on for only 15 to 20 minutes to prevent clogging pores around the hair follicles. Depending on the specific formulation and what your hair and scalp can tolerate, you can leave castor oil on for several hours or even overnight, according to Garshick.
Spearman said some people prefer to leave the oil on overnight for better absorption into the scalp, but she recommends covering your hair with a towel or shower cap to protect your bedding. If you're applying oil during the day, Spearman said to leave it on for one to two hours in order to reap the benefits without risking irritation or buildup. 'The frequency of applying castor oil typically depends on your hair type, but usually applying one to two times per week is enough to benefit from its effects without causing excessive buildup,' Spearman said.
The following FAQs have been answered by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Brendan Camp, Dr. Dara Spearman and Dr. Joshua Zeichner.
What is castor oil?
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is created by cold-pressing the seeds or beans of the castor plant, which is commonly found in regions of Africa, India and South America. 'Castor oil is loaded with ricinoleic acid, a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage that causes collagen damage and wrinkles,' Zeichner said. 'It contains fatty acids [that] naturally have emollient benefits to hydrate and soothe the skin.'
How long will it take castor oil to grow hair?
How long will it take castor oil to grow hair?
Camp said you might notice softer, more hydrated or flexible hair after one to two weeks of using castor oil or castor oil-based hair care products. For hair growth, you should use castor oil regularly for at least three to four months before deciding whether or not it's an effective treatment for you. Remember, hair grows slowly at around a half-inch per month.
Results can also depend on hair type. Spearman said some people might see improvements in hair health and texture after just a few weeks, but more noticeable changes usually occur after around three to six months of consistent application.
What are the disadvantages of castor oil on hair?
What are the disadvantages of castor oil on hair?
Castor oil is generally well-tolerated by most people, but any topical treatment risks irritating the skin. 'There have been some allergic reactions to castor oil noted, which may lead to a chance of getting allergic dermatitis,' Garshick said. 'Overuse and improper hair washing of the castor oil may also lead to buildup, which may contribute to irritation and breakouts.'
With this in mind, it's always a good idea to patch test some product on a small area of skin before using castor oil all over your scalp. You should also deeply wash your hair and scalp to make sure no oil is left behind post-treatment. Spearman said that if you have fine hair, you may want to be careful of thick oil formulations that can be more likely to clog pores and weigh hair down.
What will happen if I leave castor oil on my hair for too long?
What will happen if I leave castor oil on my hair for too long?
Overuse of castor oil can lead to clogged pores, greasy hair or scalp irritation, according to Spearman. She also said that in some cases, castor oil can lead to hair felting, where the hair becomes irreversibly tangled and matted. Other risks include redness, itching, rashes and allergic reactions. Camp also cautions that any oil-based product may exacerbate acne in those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Is it safe to use castor oil on eyebrows?
Is it safe to use castor oil on eyebrows?
Spearman said it's common for people to use castor oil for eyebrow and beard hair, though you should patch test beforehand to check for signs of skin irritation. If you are applying castor oil to your eyebrows, you only need to use a small amount and should avoid any contact with the eyes or eye area. A Q-tip or clean brow spoolie can be helpful for getting a more precise application.
For this article, we consulted the following dermatologists to gain their professional insights.
Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Michele J. Farber, a board-certified dermatologist from Philadelphia.
Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City,
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy consulted five dermatologists to better explain how castor oil can benefit your hair and scalp.
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