Can Castor Oil Really Transform Your Hair?
If you're chronically online and, more specifically, a frequent #HairTok watcher, then you've come across several videos on ingredients like rosemary oil or even Amla oil celebrating their purported growth-inducing benefits in hair growth oils and hair masks. Yet amongst all these buzzy ingredients, one stalwart remains a constant in the hair growth conversation: castor oil. This time-tested treatment has been woven into the tapestry of generations and is likely a familiar presence in your own hair care routine.
'Castor oil is the world's oldest and most popular herbal remedy for hair oiling,' says Nikita Mehta, co-founder and creative director of ayurvedic haircare brand Fable & Mane. It's rich in fatty acids like ricinoleic acid, making it very viscous, nourishing, and moisturizing. It's proven to coat the shaft of the hair, reducing damage and helping it grow longer and stronger.'
With 566 million views dedicated to #castoroil on TikTok and over 258,000 posts on Instagram, users claim the oil does everything from making hair shinier and bouncier to growing it thicker and longer. But are these claims legit? We ask three experts about the benefits of castor oil and exactly how to use it.
Dr. Nikki Hill is a board-certified dermatologist and hair restoration expert.
Bridgette Hill is a certified trichologist, colorist, and scalp therapist.
Nikita Mehta, co-founder & creative director of ayurvedic haircare brand Fable & Mane.
Castor oil, also known as Ricinus communis, is a nutrient-rich vegetable oil made from castor beans. Although it originates in tropical East Africa, it is widely used in India and the West Indies for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Castor oil is usually clear or pale yellow unless derived through roasting or boiling, which is known as black castor oil.
Down to a molecular level, castor oil is a long-chained fatty acid. 'Fatty acids provide essential proteins and nutrients to hair follicles and prevent hair follicle inflammation,' says Bridgette Hill.
Aside from being anti-inflammatory, castor oil has a few other noteworthy properties. 'Some benefits of using castor oil include increased gloss or shine of the hair, increased hair shaft flexibility by coating the hair shaft, [and] providing antimicrobial properties,' says Dr. Hill.
'No studies exist showing castor oil can increase hair growth >1cm/month, which is the FDA standard of hair growth,' says Dr. Hill. 'However, I have patients tell me differently all the time. Additionally, 90 percent of castor oil is made up of the fatty acid ricinoleic acid. [It] is known to stimulate the Prostaglandin E2 receptor, leading to blood vessel dilation. When applied to the scalp, increased blood vessel dilation increases the flow of oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood to the powerhouse of your follicle, the dermal papilla, or the root of the hair.'
Bridgette Hill agrees that castor oil indirectly promotes hair growth. 'Because of the nutrients in castor oil, it protects the hair follicle from outside cellular and tissue invaders that destroy the health and vitality of the hair follicle.'
The short answer is yes to the eyebrows, but be cautious with the eyelashes. 'If there isn't an allergy to castor oil after patch testing, it is safe to use on the eyebrows,' says Dr. Hill. There is no safety data about castor oil and eye health, so I would be cautious and speak with an ophthalmologist about applying castor oil in close proximity to the eye.'
Although castor oil is widely used, it is not meant for everyone. Therefore, it is important to perform a patch test before applying it to your scalp. 'Apply a small amount behind the ear or the inner upper arm for a week,' says Dr. Hill.
Once you determine that castor oil is compatible with your scalp, the next step is selecting the right amount. 'Hair oiling can work for all hair and scalp types, but the secret to how much [ingredients] lies in the formula,' says Mehta. Her rule of thumb: the purer the oil, the heavier it'll be. Here, Dr. Hill also goes into more detail:
The best way to use castor oil is on dry hair and scalp. 'Warm the oil between your palms first, then work it through the roots and massage onto the scalp, focusing on the crown chakra (the top of your head) to relieve tension and feelings of stress,' Mehta says. After combing the excess through to the lengths of your hair, let it sit in for 20 minutes or even overnight. 'Rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm water and then shampoo out. You may need to double cleanse to ensure you remove all traces of the oil, and I usually skip the conditioner after hair oiling as the oils provide so much hydration. You'll notice a difference in hair hydration and, if done consistently, you'll see hair growth in length and volume.'
All of our hair experts recommend cold-pressed castor oil.
'Cold-pressed castor oil can be used on the hair shaft,' Dr. Hill says. Mehta describes it as pale gold in appearance, adding that since 'castor oil is so thick and can 'stick' to hair, it's best used when diluted with a lighter carrier oil, such as coconut or almond.'
If you're interested in trying black castor oil, Dr. Hill notes: 'It should be applied only to the scalp. If black castor oil is applied to the hair, a cuticle-sealing technique should be used afterward. Both forms will provide sufficient components of ricinoleic acid.'
If you have dandruff, it is best to avoid using castor oil on your hair. Both of our experts say it can make the condition worse.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
17 minutes ago
- Buzz Feed
30 Walmart Products That Make Sense For Summer
A one-piece swimsuit, because you know you're due for a new one. So why not make it this adorable ruffled number? It'll also look perfect paired with shorts while you get lunch after your beach trip. Promising review: "I love the ruffle detail. It adds some personality to an otherwise simple design. I also love how I feel in this suit, which is a big deal. The adjustable straps are a plus!" —MommyEvansPrice: $13.42+ (available in sizes XS–3X and four colors) A pair of oversize Christian Siriano sunglasses, so you can give classic movie star vibes all summer (yes, even when you're doing lawn maintenance). Promising review: "These are some very nice sunglasses. They have the perfect tint on them. I love the rim style on them; they are just awesome. They fit perfectly without hurting your ears. They are some very cool sunglasses. They are durable. They look gorgeous on you. I was out and about and got several compliments on them." —FrankiePrice: $9.75 A foldable camp chair, because summer presents no shortage of events where you'd like to sit, but nary a seat can be found: outdoor concerts, Little League games, trips to the beach, a three-hour line outside a bakery to get a croissant-bagel hybrid you heard about on get the idea. This chair is lightweight and folds into a carrying case, so you might want to get a few and throw 'em in the back of your car for the whole season. Promising review: "This is a great camping chair! The quality isn't lacking so far, so no rips and it's super sturdy. It's easy to unpack and unfold, and just as easy to get it back in the bag. It's a good, comfy, universal size. The cupholder is deep, although I wish it were a little wider to fit modern day phones better. This has held up well with a various amount of weight ranging from 30-250 pounds, and still hasn't given out. These are an absolute life saver for outdoor events and lake days!" —SunshinePrice: $6.96+ (available in 10 colors) A handheld fan, for days when the temp is so high, you barely dare to leave your AC cave (aka bedroom). Luckily, this three-speed fan has all your cooling needs covered as you venture out into the hot, sticky world — it runs for 21 hours on one charge, plus, it doubles as a flashlight and USB power bank. Promising review: "I love this fan! It stays charged for soooo long! It isn't super loud. I love that I can bend and move it to my liking. It also comes with a flashlight built into it and it is pretty bright. Three speeds, just buy it." —anonymousPrice: $7.88 (available in two colors) And a stroller fan, so the littlest members of your fam can also stay cool on trips and errands. Plus, it doesn't just hook on to strollers — it can be used on tabletops, too! Useful for when you make it to your favorite taco place, and they only have tables open on the patio. Promising review: "Battery life lasts all day on the highest setting. Used at an amusement park and it was perfect for our little one's stroller." —BriannaPrice: $19.94+ (available in one and three-packs) A bottle of Sun Bum SPF 50 spray, because with traditional lotion, you always end up missing a spot (and if you're dealing with kids who are wiggling around the entire time you're lotioning them up, you end up missing a few spots). This spray makes it quick and easy to thoroughly coat yourself and your fam in SPF, so you can get back to what summer is really about: trying every single different type of ice cream available from your local ice cream truck. Promising review: "This is my family's go-to brand of sunscreen. We find that it works best for us and keeps us from burning if used properly. The smell is nice, it's easy to apply, goes on great with no white residue, and great coverage. Would highly recommend this product to anyone to try." —anonymousPrice: $17.48 A gorgeous textured waterproof outdoor pillow, so you can be prepared the next time you forget to bring it inside from the patio before one of those unpredictable summer rain storms. Price: $19.55+ (available in two sizes and two colors) An 8-foot patio and beach umbrella that comes with its own travel case, so you won't have to spend any time on your beach days wondering, "how the heck do I carry this thing???" Promising review: "Love the look and function of this umbrella. Provides nice shade and is easy to set up. I bought it with a sandbag to help steady it and prevent flyaways. We have had two successful trips to the beach so far on windy days. Highly recommend." —KarelixPrice: $118.20 A Degree 72-hour deodorant so you will no longer need to carry around a deodorant and, uh, covertly re-apply throughout the day. (It's fine, we've all been we DON'T have to be there anymore.) Promising review: "This is the only antiperspirant deodorant product that actually works. It works very well. I do not sweat under my arms much at all, and if I do, the clean, crisp scent of this product is all you smell. As if that wasn't great all by itself, this product is invisible." —LisaPrice: $7.98+ (available in a two-pack or eight-pack) A 12-can soft-side cooler bag, because why pay for drinks and snacks at the beach snack bar when you can easily pack all your faves from home? This cooler even has a special shelf to separate food and drinks, so your sandwich won't accidentally get drenched with soda can condensation. Promising review: "I love this little cooler. Holds a 12-pack with no ice. The insert easily removes for cleaning. Made well. I can't say enough good things. I have a few very expensive coolers but find myself grabbing this little lightweight guy to use 99% of the time." —BexPrice: $26.97 (available in two colors) An ingrown hair and razor bump roller for folks who may be shaving extra body hair during shorts-tank-tops-and-swimsuit-season and want to avoid the painful little ingrown nubs that often come with it. Apply right after shaving, and the formula can help soothe existing bumps and possibly prevent new ones from forming. Promising review: "I put this on straight out of the shower or bath after shaving while still damp. I use it under my arms and my bikini line. I applied three days in a row with not a single bump in sight! It also helps keep ingrown hairs at bay. Huge believer in Megababe." —CassEPrice: $13.97 A five-piece set of waterproof packing cubes with compression capabilities, so you can actually fit all your stuff in your bag for once (instead of panicking as you pack and trying to stuff an extra set of pants into your purse). Price: $19.96 A pack of Clean & Clear oil-absorbing sheets to help you no longer have to deal with the "glow" (aka layer of sweat) you have hanging around your face from now until the fall. Promising review: "I have used these things for many years now, and they are the one product I can count on to reduce oil and shine on my face. Powders can get cakey, and other products have a tendency to irritate my sensitive, acne-prone skin. These sheets suck up the oil without adding any product or residue. The package is small and convenient, easy to keep in a pocket, purse, or even a wallet (one thing my brother does with his, which is also a non-makeup alternative for oily skin for men, too). Overall, I love these things." —JammyDieselbugPrice: $6.78+ (available in single or three packs) A tube of Foot Glide anti-blister balm because whether you're breaking in a new pair of sandals or spending hours exploring a new city on foot, summer can be rough on your dainty lil' hooves. This easy-to-roll-on gel creates a non-greasy barrier between your foot skin and your shoes, preventing blisters, chafing, and that horrible thing your flip-flops do to your big toe. Promising review: "A great product for my feet, it helps prevent skin irritation on my feet, well worth the price." —anonymousPrice: $9.98 A 30-ounce stainless-steel mug with a built-in reusable silicone straw, so you can make this the first summer you actually stay well hydrated (instead of just thinking about it, and then going for more iced coffee). Promising review: "I wasn't sure I'd like the rubber straw, but now that I've used it for a few days, Took some getting used to because it's very flexible, so you can't use it to break up ice, etc. But it feels really nice in your mouth. The mug itself is great. Tall, but fits in the car cup holder. Lightweight, but keeps drinks cold even in our summer heat. Would recommend this item." —JoycePrice: $13.66+ (available in five colors and in one or eight packs) A combination bladeless fan/air purifier that's especially useful for anyone who is battling the twin ordeals of sticky heat and seasonal allergies. The HEPA purifier has 10 speeds, a programmable timer, four different fan modes, and smart control options. Promising review: "I just got this fan today and was worried it wouldn't put out enough cool air but I'm pleasantly surprised because it is so far exceeding my expectations. I don't know how it does it but the air from the fan is very cool, similar to an air conditioner, I'm looking forward to using this during upcoming hot summer nights as sleeping without a fan is next to impossible where I live. I highly recommend this fan/purifier." —jennaPrice: $149 A seat-back organizer with drink and tablet holders, to minimize the number of "hey, I spilled my juice!/ hey, my toy rolled under your seat!/ hey, Big Sibling stole my iPad and said they'll only give it back if I eat this potato chip we found on the ground" moments on your next family road trip. Promising review: "Used on a road trip. Plenty of room for a three-year-old's books, snacks, and tablet. Kept him well entertained." —NitPrice: $12.96+ (available in one or three packs) A set of two Bluey ice pop molds, because making ice pops of your favorite Blue Heelers is more fun (and much, much cheaper) than buying them from the store. Plus, when you're DIYing it, you can actually sneak some fruit chunks in there (shhh, I won't tell if you don't). Promising review: "Absolutely love these! Easy storage — the sticks are stored behind the molds so they don't get lost and come out so easily. They fit in the freezer without taking up too much room! Perfect for little freezers." —Mama DPrice: $3.98 A stick of Megababe's Thigh Rescue so this can finally be the year when shorts, mini-skirts, and sundresses don't mean chafed thighs screaming in agony. This anti-friction stick will help your thighs glide like buttah. Promising review: "This was a lifesaver during our Caribbean honeymoon! It applies very pleasantly: easy like deodorant, but silky smooth like a good lotion. Amazing how a morning application lasted all day long. I even put it on the sides of my feet to keep my cheap water shoes from giving me blisters. Who knew?" —KatPrice: $13.97 A set of reusable water balloons because your children will love the poo shape (sorry, but they will!) and you'll love not having to pick pieces of exploded balloon out of your grass for the next three months. Magnetic seals mean they can be used again and again, and that they burst much less forcefully than traditional balloons. Have you ever been this happy to have poo on your lawn??!!?? Promising review: "So much fun! Wasn't expecting a lot, but they definitely blew my mind! My kids can fill them up with no problem, so I can just sit back as they have a blast! They're soft and don't hurt when you get them by them. My kids just enjoy them so much, and we've just given them many times, and they still work great! Plus, no little balloon bits to pick up off the ground! Definitely buying a few more packs for the summer!" —RobertPrice: $16.99 for a 10-pack A bug-bite suction tool that sucks the venom right out of your skin before you can have a reaction to it — so that means no swelling, no bumps, no lotions, and no furiously scratching every single second when you think no one is looking. Promising review: "I got unexpectedly attacked by a lot of mosquitoes, and I am allergic to the bites. So, I was grateful to have the Bug Bite Thing on hand! I used it on the mosquito bites I found. I couldn't see anything come out, so I didn't know if it had done any good at all. But, the bites that I used this on didn't swell up. However the bites I missed swelled up a LOT! So it had worked really well! Later, I used it on a very fine splinter of glass that I could barely see and it got it right out! I highly recommend this tool!" —OstracaPrice: $9.98 A single-serve iced coffee maker, because have you seen how much coffee shops are charging these days? If you're a fan of ice-cold caffeine, this will pay for itself in a matter of weeks. Plus, it uses regular coffee grounds and a reusable filter — so no need to buy any special pods here. And when the weather turns cool again, you can easily use this to make hot coffee, too! Promising review: "If you're an iced coffee lover like me, you need this! Basically no set up at all really once you pull it out of the box. I love that it's a single serve , and includes the tumbler to go with it for when you're on the go. Simple instructions on how to use, it has two buttons for the iced or hot coffee functions. Love this product!" —BrittanyPrice: $19.98 A package of Terro liquid ant baits, so you can change the travel plans of summer's most unwelcome visitors. My home used to be Ant Central Station, but now that I put these out like clockwork every May, I never see those little troublemakers anymore! Promising review: "I had tiny ants coming out of my wall over my kitchen sink. Terro saved this infestation! It took a few days, so be patient. They eat the Terro liquid then go back to their nest and die. I had tried other brands, but none worked. I will always go to Terro as needed." —BarblsPrice: $4.28+ (available in packs of two, four, and 12) And a Zevo flying insect trap, for anyone whose summer bug woes are more of the flying variety. The blue light lures flies and gnats, and the sticky pad catches and hides them until they're ready to be disposed of. Promising review: "Do it! Buy it! If you're reading this to see if it will help with gnats in your house, this is your confirmation to buy it. We had a gnat-apocalypse last year and bought one of these way into the infestation, and it VASTLY decreased them within hours. This year I went ahead and bought the two-pack and placed all three I had in three different locations of my home as soon as I saw a few showing up. I checked the backs after a few days because I hadn't really seen anymore since. Each were covered with about 50 or more so it seems I got ahead of the problem. Smartest move is just get it." —MkPrice: $33.29 for two A 3-in-1 portable evaporative air cooler, because we all have a space that gets hot as the dickens, but simply cannot accommodate a traditional AC unit. (Helloooooo, stifling screened-in porch!) This air cooler operates by remote control and also works as a regular fan and humidifier, so it'll help you out all year round. Price: $78.95 (originally $109.99) A mini trash can so that Road Trip Season doesn't have to turn into Ridiculous Car Mess Season. Use this handy little can for food wrappers, receipts, and all the other random stuff that seems to wander into the far corners of your car and establish a permanent home. Promising review: 'I bought four of these for stocking stuffers. One of them is for me. I never have a place to put trash and this is ideal. It's small and it fits in my door. Love it and it holds a lot more than you would think." —JudyPrice: $3.98 A can of antifungal foot spray because no one wants to talk about it, but between wearing flip-flops 24/7, walking on damp surfaces at the pool, or just not toweling down properly after a trip to the feet can get kinda funky. This spray can help put a stop to all that. Promising reviews: "My husband is a farmer so he's outside in any kind of weather. He prefers this over any name brand and not just for the lower price. Great product for an even better price." —marieinscPrice: $5.97+ (available in one and two packs) A Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreen stick so you don't have to worry about a bottle of traditional sunscreen spilling in your bag and getting goop on everything. Plus, since it's a solid, it's TSA friendly, so you can take it on all your summer travels. Promising review: 'I use this for quick application to my face and shoulders when I'm out in the sun for extended periods of time. My eyes are very sensitive to most products but this sunscreen doesn't irritate my eyes. I will buy this again!" —KatePrice: $14.88 An 11-quart portable cooler that has a carrying strap that you will be SO grateful for when it comes time to bust out the drinks at your next softball game or lake expedition. Keeping both of your hands free — what an innovation! Promising review: 'This small cooler is perfect for carrying a few items with a nice pink outer color. Everything I wanted to take fit nicely inside. Handy strap carrier was also a plus. Instead of tying up one of my hands, it freed it because the strap fit right on my shoulder." —DebbiePrice: $39.98 (available in two colors) A set of acupressure anti-nausea wristbands because there sure are a lot of fun summer activities that can make us kinda wanna barf: cruises, theme park rides, boat rides down the these wristbands a try — you may finally be able to go on the Tea Cups, worry free. Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer review: "Excellent non-drug alternative for motion sickness. Went on my first cruise and used these for the first two days. Removed them for our beach day and never had to put them back on. The ship was rocking more at the end of the trip, but I had my sea legs! I will keep them handy for future use. Loved that they worked! Follow the instructions to make sure they are putting pressure in the right place." –GAmom26Price: $8.54+ (available in single or multi-packs) Need ingredients for all your new recipes? Shop each recipe directly through the app, or check out Walmart's grocery selection to get veggies, meat, seafood, and more delivered right to your door. Reviews have been edited for length and clairty.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
TikTok is adding features for songwriters to its app
TikTok is adding new features to its app to let songwriters highlight their works. These features, rolling out in beta, include a 'Songwriter' label and a new tab on their profile to show off their musical works. This can help songwriters market themselves better to potential clients. The company said a limited number of publishing partners and songwriters have access to the new label and the music highlight section. Songwriters and publishers who want to be part of the program will have to join a waitlist for now. TikTok said that it surveyed over 870 songwriters and interviewed a bunch of them to understand their needs on social media in relation to profile building and the creation of monetization opportunities. The company also pointed to an independent survey, which indicated that more than half of songwriters use social media to raise their profile use TikTok to do it. The Bytedance-owned apps said that outcome of these surveys drove the decision to build these features. 'We are passionately committed to supporting songwriters at TikTok, which is why we built these tools to celebrate and elevate songwriters and their work on our platform,' TikTok's Global Head of Music Publishing Licensing and Partnership said in a sentence. 'TikTok is unique in its ability to offer songwriters a way to highlight their musical works alongside their own content, helping them to tell stories about their music, their craft, and their lives, and to raise their profile and build their audience on TikTok, as hundreds of thousands of artist creators already do.' Notably, Spotify has been releasing features to let songwriters highlight their work for years now. Last year, Tidal went beyond just highlighting songwriter works and launched a tool to track their royalties and manage their work for which they have songwriting credits. While TikTok decided to shut down its music streaming service TikTok Music last year, the platform still remains important for users to discover new music and for artists to promote their tracks. Earlier this year, the company released a TikTok for Artists tool to let artists monitor the performance of their campaign and tracks. 擷取數據時發生錯誤 登入存取你的投資組合 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Mikie Hara surprises fans with marriage news
17 Jul - Mikie Hara has broken the hearts of many men after announcing that she is now married. Sharing the news on social media on 15 July, the "Kamen Rider" actress posted, "I'm truly grateful to be able to share this milestone with you directly. Thanks to your constant support, I have been able to continue to face each day of work with dedication." "Moving forward, I will continue to stay true to myself and give my best, as always. Thank you for your continued support," she added. Prior to her Instagram post, Mikie shared the news on the variety show "Dancing Sanma Palace". When the host asked whether she is married, she responded in the positive, adding that even her relatives and friends were not aware of the marriage as she has been keeping it a secret. Asked why she kept it a secret from them, she responded, "I couldn't really trust my relatives and friends." (Photo Source: Mikie IG)
