Castor oil vs cold-pressed castor oil: Which one's better for hair regrowth?
If you have been trying to grow your hair back or just want it to look thicker and healthier, you've probably heard about castor oil. It's one of those age-old beauty hacks passed down by grandmothers, beauty bloggers, and Ayurvedic practitioners alike.
But walk into a store or scroll online, and suddenly you're stuck choosing between regular castor oil and cold-pressed castor oil. What's the difference? And more importantly, which one actually works better for hair regrowth?
Let's clear that up.
The basics: What even is castor oil?
Castor oil is extracted from castor beans and has been used for ages in skincare, digestion, and of course haircare. When it comes to your hair, castor oil's biggest strength is something called ricinoleic acid, which improves blood flow to your scalp and nourishes the hair follicles.
That means better conditions for hair to grow.
It's also full of vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants. All of that makes it one of the best oils for people dealing with thinning hair or just looking to boost growth naturally.
So, what's the difference between the regular and the cold-pressed kind?
This part trips a lot of people up. The difference is in how the oil is extracted.
Regular castor oil is made using heat. Sometimes even chemicals are involved. It's faster to produce, cheaper, and has that sticky, dark look and feel.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice
Grammarly
Install Now
Undo
Cold-pressed castor oil, on the other hand, is made without heat. The seeds are pressed slowly and gently, which helps preserve all the natural nutrients in the oil.
That's why cold-pressed oil tends to be lighter in colour, less thick, and usually a little pricier.
But which one's better for hair regrowth?
If you're serious about getting results, cold-pressed castor oil is your best bet. Here's why:
1. It keeps more of the good stuff
Because it isn't heated, cold-pressed oil holds on to more of its nutrients - like fatty acids, vitamin E, and those scalp-stimulating compounds that help with hair growth.
Regular castor oil loses some of that in the heat.
2. It's gentler on your scalp
Some people find that regular castor oil can irritate their scalp or even clog pores, especially if it's been processed with additives. Cold-pressed versions are usually purer and more soothing, especially if you're already dealing with a sensitive scalp or dandruff.
Want lustrous hair like Malaika Arora? This is what the actress does to keep her hair shiny and healthy
3. It absorbs better
Cold-pressed oil isn't as thick and sticky, so it spreads more easily and gets absorbed by your scalp more quickly.
That means less of it just sitting on top, and more of it doing what it's supposed to, nourishing the roots.
How to use it
Using cold-pressed castor oil is pretty straightforward. You don't need a fancy routine.
Warm a teaspoon or two (it's super thick, so a little goes a long way).
Gently massage it into your scalp using your fingertips. Take your time with this, it boosts circulation.
You can leave it on for a couple of hours, or overnight if you're okay with sleeping in a shower cap.
Wash it out with shampoo. You might need two rounds to get it all out.
Do this 1–2 times a week and be patient, hair growth takes time, but it's worth the wait.
If the oil feels too heavy on its own, you can always mix it with coconut or almond oil to lighten the texture a bit.
Any downsides?
Honestly, the only real downside is that cold-pressed castor oil is a bit more expensive than regular. But the results usually make up for it. Also, it can still feel sticky, so mixing it with a lighter oil can make the application (and washing) a lot easier.
Oh, and don't expect overnight miracles. Hair growth is a slow process, but with consistent use, people often start seeing baby hairs and less hair fall within a couple of months.
Between the two, cold-pressed castor oil wins hands down when it comes to hair regrowth. It's purer, more effective, and kinder to your scalp. If you're dealing with hair thinning, post-partum hair loss, or just want stronger, shinier hair, it's a simple, natural remedy worth adding to your routine.
Sometimes, going back to basics really is the best thing you can do for your hair.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Health dept distances itself from rape accused
Gaya: The health department has clarified that the ambulance driver and technician accused of raping a home guard job aspirant in Gaya are not its regular employees but were hired through a private agency. The alleged incident took place on July 24 when the woman was raped inside a slow-moving ambulance between the Bihar Military Police (BMP) ground and Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College Hospital. Speaking to reporters, Gaya civil surgeon Dr Raja Ram Prasad said, "Both the driver and the technician are not regular employees of the health department. Their recruitment was done by a private agency engaged at the state level. Therefore, the question of departmental action against them does not arise." When asked whether background checks had been conducted before the duo were deployed, the civil surgeon said, "It is for the agency to explain." On the medical report of the survivor, Bodh Gaya SDPO Saurav Jaiswal said it was expected to be made available soon. "The sealed report will be received by the investigating officer, Rinku Kumari," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Gaya SSP Anand Kumar said the survivor's statement would be recorded before a judicial magistrate. "The statement will be taken under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which is the amended version of Section 164 of the CrPC," he said. Meanwhile, questions have been raised over possible administrative lapses at the recruitment venue. Authorities have yet to clarify whether a doctor was present at the site or who authorised the woman's hospitalisation without standard precautions, such as ensuring a woman attendant accompanied her.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
The best time to drink apple cider vinegar (and when you should not)
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has become a popular home remedy known for its potential health benefits, from aiding weight loss to stabilizing blood sugar levels. But like most supplements, timing matters. When and how you take ACV can make a difference in its effectiveness and in avoiding unwanted side effects. What is Apple cider vinegar? Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting the sugars in apples into acetic acid — the primary active ingredient responsible for its sour taste and health benefits. ACV comes in two main forms- filtered and unfiltered. Sometimes, other fruits such as raspberries are added to create flavored versions, but the base remains apple. Potential health benefits of apple cider vinegar Research suggests that apple cider vinegar may support health in the following ways: Improves blood sugar and insulin levels after high-carb meals Boosts satiety, helping you feel full and consume fewer calories Aids weight loss and reduces body fat May support heart health by improving cholesterol and blood pressure Offers anti-microbial effects, similar to other vinegars While some of these findings are promising, most studies are small, and more research is needed to draw firm conclusions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Flexible MBA by SRM—Apply Now! SRM Online Apply Now Undo Best times to drink apple cider vinegar In the morning Taking ACV in the morning may be effective for those looking to manage weight and blood sugar. In one clinical trial , participants who consumed up to one tablespoon of ACV daily for 4–12 weeks experienced reductions in: Blood sugar levels Body weight (average 6–8 kg loss) BMI (up to 3-point drop) Waist and hip circumference Total cholesterol and triglycerides Though results are encouraging, more large-scale studies are needed to confirm these benefits across different groups. Before meals Some evidence suggests that drinking ACV before meals may: Decrease appetite Help you feel full faster Improve blood sugar response after eating For example, a small study found that ACV slowed stomach emptying in people with type 1 diabetes. Another trial in overweight adults noted reduced appetite and increased weight loss. While promising, these studies had limited sample sizes and may not apply to everyone. When you should avoid taking ACV While generally safe in small amounts, apple cider vinegar can cause side effects if misused: ACV's acidity may cause stomach upset or nausea if taken undiluted or on an empty stomach. Always dilute ACV in water, as the acid can damage tooth enamel. ACV may interfere with diuretics, insulin, or heart medications. Consult your doctor if you're on regular prescriptions. Taking it too close to bed might cause reflux or throat irritation, especially if you lie down shortly afterward.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Hidden heart attack: Why they are dangerous, and how to identify one
Myocardial infarction (MI), most commonly known as a Heart attack, is caused by decreased or complete shut-off of blood flow in the portion of the Myocardium. Now, it can be 'silent' and often go undetected until it's too late, resulting in a sudden death. Most of them are due to underlying coronary artery occlusion when the myocardium is deprived of oxygen. Some patients complain about discomfort in the chest or pressure in the neck, jaw, and shoulders. According to the clinical findings summarized by the NCBI ( study titled: Myocardial Infarction) , coronary artery disease remains the most common underlying cause of heart attacks. Symptoms that people often ignore, but should take note of Chest pain or pressure Shortness of breath Sweating, nausea, light-headedness Pain in left arm, jaw, or back Why does a heart attack often go unnoticed? People often don't learn they had a heart attack until they get an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a stress test, and the doctor notices signs consistent with heart damage. Silent heart attacks involve a blockage of blood flow to the heart. Silent MIs have nonspecific symptoms like fatigue, indigestion, or a brief episode of shortness of breath. some of us may take them for minor ailments or signs because they lack dramatic warning signs; silent heart attacks often remain undiagnosed. You might be sitting around casually, not knowing your heart is troubled. Who is the most at risk? According to a study published back in 2023, titled Myocardial Infarction, certain groups that are the most vulnerable to silent heart attacks are: Women, who may experience subtler symptoms Older adults, aging, might be a cause Diabetics, who often have damaged nerve endings People with High Blood Pressure What are the lifestyle modifications one can adopt to prevent heart attacks? Control your cholesterol: There have been several studies that correlate heart attacks with high cholesterol. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Paras Sector 59 Gurgaon | Luxury Awaits at Paras Floret Paras The Florett Book Now Undo One of the best methods to prevent a heart attack is by keeping your cholesterol levels under control. If your high cholesterol is not controlled over time, it can result in clogged or narrow arteries, which can completely close up, resulting in a myocardial infarction. Lead a healthy lifestyle: Have balanced meals high in fiber and low in trans fats, remain physically active, stop smoking, and keep a healthy weight. Besides exercising every day, you also require quality sleep to be able to withstand the day. Get screened : Keep track of your blood pressure and get periodic check-ups. If there is a history of overweight or obesity in your family, make sure that you adopt a healthy regimen to prevent heart attacks Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Excess alcohol consumption can increase triglyceride levels and blood pressure, both risk indicators for heart attacks. Silent Myocardial ischemia occurs more frequently than you realize. Of individuals with coronary artery disease, about 70-80 percent of ischemic events take place with no symptoms like chest pain, as described in the study issued by the National Library of Medicine in 2024, entitled "Silent Myocardial Ischemia." In the general middle-aged group, treadmill testing has indicated that about 2-4 percent of men have silent Ischemia. In all, silent heart attacks comprised an estimated 20-30 percent of total myocardial infarctions. Remember, heart attacks don't always arrive in a flash. Occasionally, they sneak up slowly and have a lasting effect. Don't wait for something to occur to alter the way you live, listen to your body and attend regular check-ups.
