Castor oil is a kind of vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of castor oil plant or scientifically known as Ricinus communis. It has a colourless to very pale yellow liquid
with a distinctive taste and odour. Castor oil has been used in the making automotive fluids, coating, dyes, inks, medicine, perfume, plastics, just to name a few.
Nowadays, it has been quite popular in the beauty and cosmetic industry for castor oil is now being used as one of the best alternatives for hair treatments among men and women.
Castor oil contains Ricinoleic acid, a natural compound, which is one of the important amino acids needed in the human body. It is an Omega-9 fatty acid that can penetrate into the pores of the skin and the hair follicles. With this, it can give nourishment that could help enable the hair follicles to restore hair growth to a normal level especially for damaged hair. You have to keep in mind that the goal here is to penetrate the hair follicles since they are responsible for hair growth. The hair shaft itself is dead so we really can’t do anything about it.
So, if you have the desire to have long lush and healthy hair that you can wear with pride and honour then continue reading on.
Types of Castor Oil
There are actually different types of castor oil available anywhere. Although all of them are similar in components, however, they might slightly differ in the benefits that you might be needing. Not only that, not all of them actually are used for hair.
Presently there three types of castor oil available:
1. Organic/Cold Pressed Castor Oil – this oil, which is pale in colour, is directly extracted from the caster seed without using any heat. This can be more beneficial to those who have curly hair and itchy/dry scalp.
2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) – in contrast with organic pressed castor oil, JBCO has a darker colour since it is initially roasted before pressed for oil. JBCO also works better at penetrating and cleansing for the straight and healthy scalp.
3. Hydrogenated Castro Oil (Castor Wax) – mostly used in cosmetics, polishes, lubrication, and such. Definitely not used for your hair.
Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair
“We are what we eat.”
Having a healthy diet and lifestyle definitely contributes in having a healthy body, skin, and hair. In addition to that, we can also add some natural oils that can help boost up our health. The great thing about castor oil is that it covers a lot. Not only does it help us with our immune function, but it serves as an ideal alternative and natural way of enhancing hair health since it tends to different needs of your hair to help it grow thickly and healthily.
Continue reading as we break down to you some of the important benefits of castor oil for your hair.
1. It controls hair loss and boosts hair growth.
According to studies, castor oil contains ricinoleic acid that can help improve blood circulation to your scalp. With this, it will help in improving your hair follicle and scalp, therefore reducing hair fall. Not only that, it helps in strengthening the roots of your hair. In addition to that, the ricinoleic acid is also combined with omega-6 and 9 fatty acids that help boost hair growth.
2. It helps treats dandruff.
Tired of seeing those pesky flakes on your black shirt?
Have no fear, Castor Oil is here!
In addition to some of the awesome benefits aforementioned, castor oil is also a very effective solution for dandruff. Not only that, it also helps with other scalp infections. Castor oil has some antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal components; paired with ricinoleic acid that is also known to balance the pH of your scalp, making it a viable solution for dandruff.
3. It helps reduces split ends and thickens hair.
If you want locks as long and as strong as Rapunzel’s, then it’s time for you to invest in castor oil.
As mentioned above, castor oil helps in re-growth, therefore, it helps in thickening one’s hair. Additionally, castor oil helps fills the damaged gaps of keratin in the hair shaft, so it makes hair stronger and less chances of splitting and breakage.
4. It’s a great alternative to moisturize and condition your hair.
Castor oil is the perfect, natural, and effective moisturizer and conditioner since it’s really rich in moisture. It also has fatty acids that could protect the layer of your hair from the sun and help in restoring from the serious damage it got from dying your hair. It can penetrate deep into the scalp and the hair that you could definitely help in restoring the shine and texture of your locks. This will be a great added benefit as it not only helps with the hair growth, but it makes it look healthier and smoother, as well. Say goodbye to frizzy hair!
5. It helps darken your hair.
If you’re worried about premature graying, then castor oil can kiss all your worries away. The humectant effect of castor oil can help retain your hair moisture, therefore, stops your hair from losing pigment.
How to Use Castor Oil on Hair?
One of the best things about castor oil is that it’s fuss-free. Not only is it cost-efficient, but it’s not even that complicated to apply. It’s natural so you don’t have to worry whether it will damage your hair. You might also add some other oils to help boost the effect of castor oil. One would be jojoba oil, which is also known to help with the restoring and hair growth, as well.
In this section, we will be listing some of the ways that will teach you how to use castor oil on your hair.
1. For Hair Loss
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Castor Oil
Directions of Use:
- Put some oil on your palm and slowly work it through your hair from the roots to the tops. It can also help if you massage your scalp as well to make sure the oil will seep through it. Since castor oil is pretty dense then you should only try to put a little amount as it would be hard for you to wash it afterwards.
- If you’re fully satisfied massaging the oil on to your scalp, then you can leave the oil for 15-20 minutes. If you’re comfortable, then you can even leave it overnight to make sure that your scalp will absorb the oil.
2. For Hair Growth
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of any of the following oil to enhance the smell:
- sweet almond oil
- peppermint oil
- rosemary oil
Directions of Use:
- Mix all the oils, then put some on your palm and slowly work it through your hair from the roots to the tops. It can also help if you massage your scalp as well to make sure the oil will seep through it. One tip that could help make the penetration faster is to warm the oil a little, not too hot as it might burn your scalp.
- If you’re fully satisfied massaging the oil on to your scalp, then you can leave the oil for 60 minutes. If you’re comfortable, then you can even leave it overnight to make sure that your scalp will absorb the oil.
3. For Dandruff
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon castor oil
- 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
- Juice of one-half lemon
Directions of Use:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. As aforementioned, sometimes heating it up can help make the penetration faster. You may do so by warming it up in the microwave or on the stove. Again, you have to be careful not to make it too hot that it might burn your scalp. Afterwards, put some on your palm then slowly work it through your hair from the roots to the tips. It can also help if you massage your scalp as well to make sure the oil will seep through it.
- If you’re fully satisfied massaging the oil on to your scalp, then you can leave the oil for 30 minutes. If you’re comfortable, then you can even leave it overnight to make sure that your scalp will absorb the oil.
4. For conditioning
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon castor oil
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 avocado
Directions of Use:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl of a mixer. Mix on high until it becomes smooth. Then you may start applying mixture to damp hair. You can start on your scalp then slowly spread the mask onto hair. Make sure to include the tips as well.
- After hair is fully covered with the mask, clip the hair on top and cover it with a shower cap. Leave the oil for 40-45 minutes.
When washing castor oil off from hair
This is probably one of the downsides of castor oil. Due to its density, it might be a little hard to wash it off. To solve this problem, you may follow a few of the tips below:
- You can use lukewarm water to help wash off the oil easily.
- When shampooing your hair, make a rich lather to avoid friction. You may also let your shampoo stay for a minute after massaging gently.
- When washing with shampoo, it might take a few times to really wash the castor oil off. In some cases, using your favourite conditioner can help by conditioning it for at least 30 minutes before you take a shower. Chances are, the oil will come off easily. After washing your hair, let it towel or air dry and avoid using any heat styling tools.
Conclusion
To wrap up, people use castor oil because it’s safe and has a lot of easy at-home methods that we can do on our own. There might be a lot of readily available products and treatments at salons that we can always go to help restore our hair. However, nothing really beats the natural way of doing it. Not only does it cost less, but it poses no viable threat to your hair. In fact, it even helps your hair reach its full potential. Therefore, you should start taking care of your hair right now, and you’ll definitely thank your younger self in the future.
Source: howtohairbeauty
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