Psst…we are gonna tell you about a star ingredient that can work wonders on your hair! Castor oil has been around for a while and has held on to its reputation of being a mane saviour with good reason. This super sticky, pungent oil extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis is quite popular not only for hydrating the skin from within but also for promoting the growth of stronger hair.

Being a nutrient-dense vegetable oil, castor oil is a time-tested remedy used extensively in Ayurveda and many cosmetic products in India. This pale-yellow oil is used for treating the damaged scalp, regenerating the growth and making your hair smooth and lustrous.

It is no wonder then that Bollywood celebrities like Kareena Kapoor use this amazing oil as a part of her champi session once a month. She gets herself a hair massage comprising of 4 oil blends – olive, coconut, almond and castor, to promote hair growth and prevent hair fall.

How Does Castor Oil Work?

Castor oil is a great source of ricinoleic acid – a type of fatty acid well-known for combating inflammation. When applied to the scalp, it improves the health of hair follicles, prevents hair loss and promotes hair growth. Some of the striking benefits of using castor oil include increased hair shine and hair shaft flexibility. Thanks to the strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of castor oil, problems such as the irritated scalp, bald patches, excess oil and dandruff are tackled effectively. The dense oil-packed is with vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that combats oxidative stress which is considered to be a common cause of hair fall.  Castor oil is your best bet if you are looking for lustrous, smooth, longer and faster hair growth.

Also Read Castor Oil: Therapeutic Benefits, Uses For Skin And Hair Health

How To Care For Your Hair With Castor Oil?

• Take a few drops of castor oil and gently massage it into your scalp, hair’s midsection and ends which may ultimately stop breakage and enhance hair texture.
• Allow the oil to sit for about two hours which provides enough time for the oil to nourish the scalp, hair follicles and hair shaft.
• To prevent the oil from dripping and staining your clothes, it is best to cover your head with a shower cap. Rinse your hair well with shampoo and use a conditioner after two hours.

Recommended Usage:

• Hair experts recommend using castor oil only once a week, as frequent usage may cause oil build-up and result in issues like matting.
• Castor oil is naturally heavy and may be hard to remove from hair, hence it is suggested to dilute the oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Besides this, blending oils also helps to dilute the fragrance of castor oil, which is unpleasant to some.

Pro Tip:

Beauty experts suggest that you use organic cold-pressed castor oil because of its superior quality and nutrient content when compared to processed ones. Jamaican black castor oil is the most popular variety and is made with roasted castor beans. It can help you manage dry, thick or coarse hair.