Craving longer, healthier locks? Hair growth is a surprisingly common problem, and there are a variety of products – from vitamins to serums to oils – that promise to deliver those Rapunzel-like locks.
One of the most commonly touted today is castor oil. This inexpensive and widely available oil is a vegetable oil derived from the castor seed, says Audrey Kunin, a board-certified dermatologist. “It’s rich in ricinoleic acid, which is a nourishing, moisturizing fatty acid.”
William Gaunitz, an FWTS-certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology, says that despite its growing popularity, especially in applications such as hair growth, it’s been an oil used for thousands of years for a variety of topical and cosmetic applications.
But is it worth picking up a bottle and applying it regularly? Does it really help stimulate hair follicles to deliver the real, tangible results you’re looking for?
Will castor oil promote hair growth?
The short – and, admittedly, rather unsatisfying – answer? Maybe.
There’s no evidence that castor oil applied to the scalp or hair will directly help promote hair growth, says Kunin. Instead, Gaunitz says, castor oil can help hair growth indirectly.
“It has many anti-inflammatory properties, including high levels of omega 6 and 9 and vitamin E,” he explains. Because of this, regular use – especially in conjunction with other proven products offered by dermatologists or trichologists – can produce positive hair growth results, Gaunitz says.
But it shouldn’t be relied upon in all cases. While castor oil is great for helping regrow hair in people suffering from inflammatory hair loss, it has little to no effect on severe male or female pattern baldness and nutritional hair loss, he explains.
How often should you apply castor oil?
Gaunitz says that if you fall into the former category, or simply want to use the oil to reap the benefits of improved scalp health and smoother, healthier-looking hair, then apply the oil 2 to 3 times a week. He adds that in some severe cases, you can use castor oil daily, but it should be mixed with 50% coconut oil because the product creates sticky buildup.
It’s a simple process: simply put a few drops into your hands and gently massage the oil into the scalp. Let the oil sit for 45 minutes to an hour. Then, wash your hair and scalp with your favorite shampoo and conditioner.
Can you leave castor oil on your hair overnight?
The biggest benefit, please! Gaunitz says that while you can technically leave castor oil on your hair overnight, leaving any oil on your hair overnight or for more than four hours should only be done intermittently. “After four to six hours, the oil will break down and start collecting dead skin cells and debris, leading to possible inflammation.”
How long does it take for castor oil to work?
Within 15 to 30 minutes of application, Gaunitz says, castor oil begins to reduce inflammation and imbalance of microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria, and provides moisturizing omega fats.
But when it comes to hair growth, you’ll have to dig deeper for more patience. “For those who will benefit, I usually see positive results after six to eight weeks of use,” he says.
That said, it’s important to note that results won’t last forever. Gaunitz adds that consistent use is needed to maintain the benefits of castor oil.
