Can castor oil thicken hair? Mmm…
I like me some castor oil. I mix a few drops with olive oil to make a sleek makeup remover. Takes every little thing off rapidly and leaves my pores and skin tremendous clean. Generally, I take advantage of the combination on my hair, too. It makes it silky delicate and tremendous shiny.
These days, I’ve heard rumours it will possibly thicken hair, too. However I’m afraid this can be a feat it will possibly’t pull off… Let’s see what science says:
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil’s that thick, sticky oil your grandma in all probability swore by for every little thing. Castor oil comes from the seeds of the castor plant (sure, the one with the scary ricin factor, however don’t fear, the oil is completely secure and has nothing to do with Breaking Dangerous).
It’s filled with one thing known as ricinoleic acid, which is only a fancy approach of claiming it’s acquired anti-inflammatory and antibacterial powers. That’s why individuals love slathering it on their scalp, lashes, brows… you identify it. It sounds just like the form of factor that would flip you into Rapunzel in a single day… however maintain that thought.
Can Castor Oil Thicken Hair?
Right here’s the factor: hair thickness is set by genetics. That’s why it’s so troublesome to extend it.
I’ve scoured scientific journal after scientific journal and may discover NO evidence that castor oil thickens hair. None. Nada. Niente.
Sorry, girls! In terms of hair thickness, you’re nonetheless caught with what you have been born with.
Struggling to place collectively a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents untimely growing older, and offers your complexion a youthful glow? Obtain your FREE “Greatest Anti-Growing old Skincare Routine” to get began (it options product suggestions + proper utility order):
How Did This Fantasy Originate?
There’s just a little kernel of fact in each fantasy, isn’t there? Castor oil can’t make your hair develop thicker. However it will possibly idiot you into believing it made your hair develop thicker. Huh?
Castor oil is type of like a glue. It’s thick. When you apply it, it stays put. This alone could make your hair look thicker. Add the small particles of mud the oil attracts and your locks look even thicker.
However… there may very well be another excuse. Lots of people mistake hair thickness for hair density. Hair density is the variety of hairs in an space of the scalp.
Castor oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that may deal with follicles infested with micro organism. As soon as that’s handled, extra hair will develop in that space.
Yet another factor. You normally therapeutic massage castor oil into your scalp. Therapeutic massage can stimulate blood circulation, bringing vitamins to your hair sooner. It’s one other trick that helps your hair develop again sooner. Bu you don’t want castor oil for this. The therapeutic massage alone can do it.
Cease losing your money and time on stuff that doesn’t work. Click on on the picture under to obtain “Skincare That Works” and eventually get your finest pores and skin day – day by day.
So What Can Castor Oil Really Do for Your Hair?
Alright, so it’s not going to show child hairs into Beyoncé-level quantity in a single day. However earlier than you toss it out, it does have a couple of issues going for it. Listed here are the castor oil advantages for hair:
- Moisturising: It’s a moisture magnet. Castor oil’s filled with ricinoleic acid (fancy identify, good vibes). Which means it pulls moisture into your strands and seals it in. In case your hair’s feeling dry, straw-like, or snappy, these things makes it really feel delicate, clean, and far more put-together.
- Soothing: It calms a cranky scalp. Received flakes? Itchiness? A scalp that throws tantrums each different day? Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties might help calm issues down, particularly if dryness is behind it.
- Cleaning: It provides your scalp a reset. Between product buildup, dry shampoo, and no matter else we pile on, your scalp can get a bit… congested. Massaging in a little bit of castor oil might help clear that up and offer you a cleaner base for brand new development to occur. It’s the like attracts like precept in motion.
Ought to You Even Be Utilizing It?
Actually? In case your scalp’s flaky, your ends are breaking, or your hair appears like hay, sure, give it a go. Just some heads-ups:
- Patch take a look at first. It’s uncommon, however some individuals will be delicate to castor oil. Strive just a little in your internal arm earlier than diving in scalp-first.
- Go straightforward. These things is thick. Like… molasses thick. You do not must coat your complete head in it. Just a few drops will do.
- Combine it with one thing lighter. Like I stated earlier, I like to combine it with olive oil, however jojoba, almond, or argan oil work too. It makes it simpler to unfold, simpler to clean out, and simply usually much less gloopy.
Which Castor Oil Ought to You Really Be Utilizing?
As a result of yeah, not all castor oils are the identical – and a few of them are mainly the sweetness aisle equal of a tragic salad. Right here’s the lowdown:
- Chilly-pressed castor oil: That is the great things. It’s extracted with out warmth, so all of the vitamins keep intact. Search for one which’s 100% pure and hexane-free. Bonus factors if it is available in a darkish glass bottle (fancy and practical).
- Jamaican black castor oil (JBCO): Identical plant, totally different vibe. This model’s roasted first, which makes it thicker, darker, and kinda smoky-smelling. Folks with coarse, curly, or textured hair normally like it as a result of it’s a bit heavier and offers deeper nourishment.
- Refined castor oil: Meh. It’s normally been bleached and deodorized, which sounds about as enjoyable as it’s. Many of the great things will get stripped out through the course of, so until you’re making DIY cleaning soap, you may in all probability skip this one.
Fast tip: At all times learn the label. If the ingredient checklist seems to be like a chemistry examination, again away slowly. You simply need pure castor oil, nothing further.
The Backside Line
Hair thickness is set by genetics. Castor oil received’t have an effect on it. It’ll simply provide the phantasm of thicker hair.
About Gio
Hello, I am Gio. I am a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is pores and skin coach and author on a mission that will help you obtain your finest pores and skin day ever – day by day. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising jargon that will help you work out what’s definitely worth the splurge and what’s finest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally provide skincare consultations that will help you create the most effective skincare routine on your distinctive wants.
