Does castor oil help with hair loss

Hair loss or thinning of hair is not as uncommon as you may think. From men to women, anyone can experience hair loss, and the reasons may vary. 

As someone who’s passionate about hair styling, I come across many people facing the issue of hair loss and wondering: is it because of the chemicals in their hair products, or is it their lifestyle? Is it their health or any other reasons?

Studies have shown that about 40% of women in America suffer from hair loss. On the other hand, two-thirds of American men experience some form of hair loss by the age of 35. So, if you’re dealing with hair loss, know that you are certainly not alone. 

However, one more particular question people ask me is, “can Castor Oil cause hair loss?” It is a baffling question because castor oil is considered by many to be a great natural remedy for hair growth and caring for long hair. It is packed with fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that aid hair growth. So, I looked into it and was surprised to find some studies blaming castor oil for hair issues such as hair felting. Let’s look a little deeper into it for better understanding:

Table of Contents:

  • What is Castor Oil, and what are its Common Uses?
  • Can Castor Oil Cause Hair Loss, or Does it Promote Hair Growth?
  • But can Castor Oil cause hair loss?
  • How to Apply Castor Oil to Your Hair?
  • Conclusion: Can Castor Oil Cause Hair Loss?

What is Castor Oil, and what are its Common Uses?

Castor oil is extracted from castor beans, so it is a vegetable oil. For decades, castor oil has been used for its various benefits for skin, hair, and overall health. Famous as a powerful laxative, this oil also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It helps alleviate skin troubles such as acne and fungal infections and also works as a natural moisturizer. You can apply castor oil to your wounds for faster healing. As it is naturally emollient, castor oil makes an ideal ingredient for hydrating conditioners and face masks. 

Does castor oil help with hair loss

Besides all these benefits, using castor oil promotes the health of your hair and scalp. The anti-microbial and anti-fungal nature of castor oil makes it suitable for treating dandruff and irritated scalp. 

However, the usage of castor oil for hair has come under a cloud of speculations. Can Castor Oil cause hair loss? Does it aid hair growth? Let’s see what we can say here:

Can Castor Oil Cause Hair Loss, or Does it Promote Hair Growth?

It’s time for the truth! Does castor oil promote hair growth? 

Being anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal, castor oil aids the health of your hair and scalp and makes your hair shiny. For better hair growth, you need a clear and healthy scalp, and castor oil helps you achieve that. Thus, using castor oil indirectly plays a role in hair growth. 

But can Castor Oil cause hair loss?

No, there is no evidence that using castor oil can cause hair thinning or hair loss. However, using castor oil for your hair incorrectly might lead to some problems. For instance, Castor Oil is quite astringent and might not be suitable for all skin types. So, if you have sensitive or allergic skin, run a patch test on your arm before applying castor oil directly to your scalp. 

Additionally, castor oil is very thick and many people find that it’s better if they dilute it with lighter oils, such as almond oil. Also, it should be used sparingly, otherwise you might end up using too much shampoo to get the oil out of your hair or rubbing your scalp and hair too hard, which ultimately may lead to thinned or damaged hair. 

So the answer to “can Castor Oil cause hair loss?” is: No! It doesn’t, if you use it the right way. On the contrary, you can use castor oil for hair growth - it can make your scalp and hair healthier, which can help boost hair growth. 

How to Apply Castor Oil to Your Hair?

Does castor oil help with hair loss

You can use it as an overnight hair mask, or apply it just one or two hours before washing your hair. You can also apply it sparingly just on your hair ends, after you wash your hair. 

Please be patient! Castor oil is no magic formula! Experts recommend that castor oil for hair growth be applied once or twice a week for about three months to achieve the desired results. 

Conclusion: Can Castor Oil Cause Hair Loss?

Does castor oil help with hair loss

To conclude, you can use castor oil to provide your scalp the nourishment it needs for healthy hair growth. So don’t shy away from giving that extra tender loving care to your hair with castor oil for hair growth! And, of course, if it irritates your skin, stop using it. Otherwise, it can become your hair’s best friend. 

Get our WOW Castor oil if you’re looking for a 100% pure product, or go for Onion Black Seed Hair Oil with Almond, Castor, Jojoba, Olive & Coconut Oils, if you prefer a hair oil blend!

Explore the WOW website for more natural hair care products. 

Can castor oil regrow lost hair?

The tl;dr: no. "Castor oil will not grow hair," says Perry Romanowski, a cosmetic chemist and the author of Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry. "There is no evidence for it and no scientific theory supporting that it would work. So yes, it's a total myth."

How do I use castor oil for hair loss?

To use castor oil for hair growth, apply a few drops to your scalp and massage it in. You can also apply castor oil to dry hair as a hair mask. Rub the oil into your hair, then cover your head with a shower cap for around two hours. Wash well with shampoo and style as usual.

How long does it take castor oil to regrow hair?

“There is no standard as far as how often you should use castor oil, but I'd recommend one or two times a week for at least three months, as that's typically how long before you'll see new hair coming in,” says Blaisure.

How often should I use castor oil for hair loss?

How often can you use it: Use once per week for 20-30 minutes as a treatment. It is an oil, so a little goes a long way. Works well with: Carrier oils such as coconut (or other ingredients that impart moisture to hair). Don't use with: There are no known ingredients that negatively interfere with castor oil.