5 Amazing Benefits Of Castor Oil For Hair

Introduction

Hair and scalp issues are common, affecting people of all ages. Many of us try multiple, often costly, products with little or no visible improvement. This has led to a growing interest in natural remedies, which may offer benefits with fewer potential side effects. 

One such option is castor oil, a familiar name in many Indian households and a traditional remedy that has been passed down through generations. We have been hearing about this oil since childhood, granny’s favourite oil for many problems. Castor oil is believed to offer a gamut of health and beauty benefits, sorting out any problem from the root.  

Traditionally, castor oil has been used as a laxative¹. Its natural antimicrobial (germ-fighting) properties may also support skin health. Additionally, it is often considered beneficial for promoting healthy hair growth^2,3.

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is made from the seeds of the plant Ricinus communis. Although it originated in tropical East Africa, it is now widely used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes in India and the West Indies^4,5.

The oil is typically clear or pale yellow in colour and viscous. While the oil may offer certain benefits, it is important to note that the seeds and beans contain ricin, a highly toxic substance^5,6.

Castor oil is known for its pH balancing, anti-dandruff qualities, saving you from tangled hair and dryness, and bringing a cooling result to hair. For ages, castor oil has been serving as a shield against dirt and impurities and protecting the hair from damage. I strongly recommend the regular use of castor oil to keep your tresses lustrous and healthy¹⁴. 

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair

1. Hydrates and moisturizes the hair strands

Like many natural oils, castor oil may help hydrate the hair and scalp. It contains ricinoleic acid, an essential amino acid that acts as a natural emollient (moisturising agent) for hair. It is also rich in omega-6 (linoleic acid) and omega-9 (oleic acid) fatty acids, which can help reduce hair dryness. 

By trapping moisture and natural oils in the hair, castor oil helps seal hydration into the hair strands, potentially nourishing them and improving their texture^7,9.

2. Makes hair healthy and shiny

Castor oil contains oleic acid and linoleic acid, which act as natural conditioners and may help keep hair soft, shiny, and healthy. It provides moisture to the hair and scalp and may also support in managing dandruff. 

Some animal studies suggest that castor oil could help improve hair growth and regeneration. However, more research in humans is needed to confirm these effects^10,12.

3. Has antibacterial and antifungal properties

Scalp infections are more common during the rainy and winter seasons. Poor scalp hygiene can increase the risk of such infections, which may lead to dandruff, itching, and small eruptions. 

Castor oil contains fatty acids with natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. These may help slow down or prevent the growth of certain bacteria and fungi that can cause scalp problems. It may also be an effective treatment for dandruff^2,8,9.

4. Is rich in vitamin E 

Castor oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, which can help nourish hair follicles with essential nutrients and proteins. This may support healthy hair growth and reduce hair breakage, which can, in turn, minimise hair loss^5,8.

5. Boost hair growth

Your scalp contains hair follicles, and their health is directly influenced by how well the scalp is nourished and maintained. Poor hygiene and lack of hydration may contribute to a dry scalp and affect follicle health. 

If you have a dry scalp, regular oiling it once or twice a week may help keep it moisturised. Massaging the scalp with castor oil can help improve blood circulation, which may in turn support healthy hair growth. Using warm oil may enhance its absorption^3,5,8.

Other Benefits of Castor Oil

• Apart from its potential hair and scalp benefits, castor oil also helps: 
• Hydrate and soften skin^7,8.
• Treat constipation¹.
• Promote wound healing⁸.
• Reduce pimples¹¹.
• Treat wrinkles⁸.

Researchers have found that castor oil not only reduces hair fall but provides lustre as well. Castor oil is known for its benefits for hair growth. Regular use of castor oil in combination with coconut oil may enhance the volume of hair¹³.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Precautions With Castor Oil

While it is considered safe in most cases, there are a few things you need to be mindful of if you plan on using castor oil.  

• Castor oil is a thick, viscous liquid. Mixing it with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil can make it easier to apply and may help reduce its strong smell^1,3.
• Castor oil can stain clothing and fabrics. Use caution during application. 
• The potential hair benefits of castor oil come from its natural components, such as fatty acids and antioxidants, which may support hair health. However, these effects have not been confirmed in large clinical studies. If you have an underlying condition affecting your hair, consult a doctor or dermatologist to address the root cause. 

Conclusion

Castor oil has been valued for generations for its potential hair, scalp, and skin benefits, along with other traditional uses. While its natural components such as fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants may support overall hair and skin health, more scientific evidence from clinical trials is needed. Always use it safely, follow recommended precautions, and seek professional advice before starting any new treatment.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Alookaran J, Tripp J. Castor Oil. 2024 May 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31869090/  

2. Fitranda MI, Sutrisno S, Marfu’ah S. Physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity of castor oil and its derivatives. IOP Conf Ser Mater Sci Eng. 2020;833(1):012009. doi:10.1088/1757-899X/833/1/012009. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342563806_Physicochemical_Properties_and_Antibacterial_Activity_of_Castor_Oil_and_Its_Derivatives  

3. Aburjai T, Natsheh FM. Plants used in cosmetics. Phytother Res. 2003 Nov;17(9):987-1000. Available from:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14595575/  
4. Elkousy RH, Said ZNA, Abd El-Baseer MA, Abu El Wafa SA. Antiviral activity of castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) leaf extracts. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021 May 10;271:113878. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113878. Epub 2021 Jan 27. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33515683/ 
5. Tiwari R, Tiwari G, Yadav A, Ramachandran V. Development and evaluation of herbal hair serum: a traditional way to improve hair quality. Open Dermatol J. 2021;15:52-61. Available from: https://opendermatologyjournal.com/contents/volumes/V15/TODJ-15-52/TODJ-15-52.pdf  
6. Patel VR, Dumancas GG, Kasi Viswanath LC, Maples R, Subong BJ. Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Production. Lipid Insights. 2016 Sep 7;9:1-12. doi: 10.4137/LPI.S40233. PMID: 27656091. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5015816/  
7. Dias MFRG, Loures AF, Ekelem C. Hair Cosmetics for the Hair Loss Patient. Indian J Plast Surg. 2021 Dec 27;54(4):507-513. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1739241. PMID: 34984093. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8719955/ 
8. Tessema SS. Physicochemical characterization and evaluation of castor oil (R. communis) for hair biocosmetics. Am J Appl Chem. 2019;7(4):110-115. doi:10.11648/j.ajac.20190704.11. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335517508_Solomon_Sime_Tessema_Physicochemical_Characterization_and_Evaluation_of_Castor_Oil_R_communis_for_Hair_Biocosmetics 
9. Mysore V, Arghya A. Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited. Int J Trichology. 2022 May-Jun;14(3):84-90. doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_189_20. Epub 2022 May 24. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9231528/ 
10. Ogunniyi DS. Castor oil: a vital industrial raw material. Bioresour Technol. 2006 Jun;97(9):1086-91. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2005.03.028. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15919203/ 
11. Goyal A, Sharma A, Kaur J, Kumari S, Garg M, Sindhu RK, Rahman MH, Akhtar MF, Tagde P, Najda A, Banach-Albińska B, Masternak K, Alanazi IS, Mohamed HRH, El-Kott AF, Shah M, Germoush MO, Al-Malky HS, Abukhuwayjah SH, Altyar AE, Bungau SG, Abdel-Daim MM. Bioactive-Based Cosmeceuticals: An Update on Emerging Trends. Molecules. 2022 Jan 27;27(3):828. doi: 10.3390/molecules27030828. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8837976/ 
12. Kesika P, Sivamaruthi BS, Thangaleela S, Bharathi M, Chaiyasut C. Role and Mechanisms of Phytochemicals in Hair Growth and Health. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2023 Jan 30;16(2):206. doi: 10.3390/ph16020206.. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9963650/
13. Ruchi Tiwari, Gaurav Tiwari, Ajeet Yadav, Vadivelan Ramachandran. Development and Evaluation of Herbal Hair Serum: A traditional way to Improve Hair Quality.The Open Dermatology Journal.11 Aug 2021.Research Article.DOI: 10.2174/1874372202115010052..Available from: https://opendermatologyjournal.com/VOLUME/15/PAGE/52/FULLTEXT/
14. Sandhya Maurya, Shashikant Maurya. A Review on Activity of Herbal Hair Mask on Hair Fall. World Journal Of Pharmaceutical Research.07 May 2022. Research Article. DOI: 10.20959/wjpr20226-24102..Available from: https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/a9ef6602ef3fb51591e6396fc972d76d.pdf

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof. 

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