CASTOR OIL & HAIR
The health of your hair begins at your scalp. If your scalp is not healthy, if it does not have the right nutrients then your hair will not be healthy. Over the past year I have been focusing on the health of my scalp. My hair would only ever grow to a certain length and my hair was falling out. So I started to focus on my scalp and my hair is thicker and longer than it has been and I have lots of new hair growing.
If you think about your scalp like the soil from which you want to plant and grow flowers on. The health and quality of the soil is the most important thing. It is the foundation. Without a good foundation then everything grown from this will not be stable. You need a good foundation, a good base, to start off with. If you start with nutrient poor soil, then it does not matter if you have the best seeds in the world, the plant will not grow as optimally as it could.
The same goes with your scalp. Your hair needs the right nutrients to grow from.
So how can you improve the health of your scalp and hair? Well….with Castor oil!!
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil comes from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant.
It has been used traditionally for a variety of purposes including healing conditions of the skin and hair, as well as internally as a laxative.
Castor oil has been shown to improve scalp and hair health by providing hydration, soothing hair strands, relieving scalp dryness and irritation, boosting circulation, and promoting hair growth.
What components of castor oil are good for hair?
Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant.
The oil is then filtered and steamed to remove ricin, a toxic component that could cause rancidity.
The oil that is left is one that is rich in compounds such as ricinoleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, proteins, antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamin E, minerals, and more.
These compounds, especially the fatty acids, allow for the many castor oil benefits for hair.
What are the benefits of using castor oil on your hair?
When massaged into the scalp and strands, the oil is able to moisturise and smooth the hair.
Improves blood circulation to your hair follicles to help your hair to grow.
Castor oil helps to smooth the outer protective hair cuticle to strengthen hair and help prevent against split ends and breakage, and add shine.
It helps to nourish your hair as castor oil is an emollient.
Helps to improve scalp health. Castor oil has moisturizing and soothing properties which allows it to ease dryness and irritation of the scalp.
Contains anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties to reduce fungal and microbial infections on the scalp. It helps to improve dandruff and helps to ease irritation and itchiness of the scalp.
Reduces dryness and breakage.
Natural detangler.
Helps to promote hair growth. This is due to the ricinoleic acid in the castor oil as it helps to balance prostaglandin D2 production which affects hair growth.
What type of castor oil should you use on your hair?
When choosing the type of castor oil for your hair, always choose organic, cold pressed and hexane free castor oil. This is the least processed castor oil, which is as close to nature as possible. So it still has all of the healing benefits in the castor oil for your hair to absorb.
Castor oil can be used on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes.
What is the best way to use castor oil on your hair?
Castor oil can be used as an oil treatment:
Section your hair so it is easier to apply the castor oil.
Apply a small amount starting at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots. Massage the oil into your hair.
Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap to keep the oil from dripping.
Leave the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes or even overnight.
When you’re ready to remove the oil, wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo and conditioner. You may need to shampoo your hair twice to remove the oil.
Repeat this process once or twice a week for improved scalp and hair health.
Castor oil can be applied to hair as a detangler or frizz smoother.
It can also be applied to eyebrows and eyelashes.
Castor oil can also be combined with other ingredients such as:
Essential oils e.g. rosemary has been shown to also help with hair regrowth.
Jojoba oil - has nourishing and soothing properties.
Coconut oil - moisturising, hydrates hair, and helps to improve shine and softness.
Vitamin E oil: antioxidant and scalp soother, which can help repair damaged hair and improve its texture.
Aloe vera: moisturiser which helps to soothe dry scalp and relieve itchiness or irritation.
Caution
Always do a patch test before applying any new product to your hair or skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
To do this, simply apply a few drops of castor oil to one small area of your skin to ensure there are no adverse effects.
It’s possible to experience an allergic reaction to castor oil used topically, which could result in redness, irritation and swelling. If this occurs, discontinue use immediately, and consult your health care provider if the symptoms don’t improve within a few hours.
Let me know if you have used castor oil in your hair in the comments section below!!