Castor oil, or "castor oil," is a natural remedy that has been prized for generations for its supposed effectiveness on hair, eyebrows, nails, and eyelashes. It is said to be a miracle oil for growth and an excellent anti-hair loss remedy.
Its use is widespread and its benefits are well established if we believe the numerous testimonies, but what does science say on this subject?
In this article, LAO Care explores castor oil in detail, its origins, chemical composition, and the scientific evidence supporting its benefits for hair. We'll also explain how to apply it correctly and what precautions to take.
Castor oil has a fascinating history of medicinal and hair care uses dating back thousands of years. For example, the ancient Egyptians discovered the properties of castor oil and used it to promote hair growth and for its health benefits. Indians also used castor oil in their Ayurvedic practices to strengthen hair and soothe the scalp.
This ethnobotanical tradition has been passed down through the generations, and castor oil is now recognized as a valuable ingredient in natural and holistic hair care.
What is castor oil?
Origin and extraction of castor oil
Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the castor oil plant, a tropical plant native to East Africa that is now cultivated worldwide. Its bright red fruits are inedible; they release their seeds when they dry.
Extraction is done by cold pressing the seeds , which preserves the majority of its active compounds.
Castor oil gets its name from the seeds of the castor plant , scientifically known as Ricinus communis. In English, it's called " Castor oil ," but it has nothing to do with the animal! You can easily recognize it in cosmetic products under this name.
Chemical composition of castor oil
Castor oil is rich in fatty acids , mainly ricinoleic acid (80 to 85%!). It also contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Ricinoleic acid is the key component of castor oil . It is rare in the plant world, making it an exceptional component of this oil. It is known for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties .
When castor oil is carefully extracted, it preserves the high concentration of this precious acid, making it a prime ingredient for hair cosmetics!
Why use castor oil for your hair?
As a reminder, hair, although not living, is a biochemically active structure . Its structure is composed mainly of keratin, a protein that defines its strength and elasticity. Unlike skin, hair cannot be directly hydrated , as it does not have mechanisms to absorb moisture from the environment. However, it is possible to improve the texture, softness and shine of hair by providing it with specific components that strengthen and protect it.
The popularity of castor oil stems not only from experience passed down over time, but also from a solid scientific basis. At LAO Care, we believe in combining traditional knowledge and scientific evidence to offer quality natural hair care solutions !
That's why we've condensed reliable scientific studies to understand the observed effect of castor oil on hair.
Among them, a study published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology" found that topical application of castor oil promotes hair growth . This research found a significant improvement in hair density and hair follicle growth in participants.
Additionally, a study published in "Dermatology and Therapy" highlighted the protective properties of castor oil. The fatty acids in the oil have the ability to bond with the hair's keratin , protecting it from dehydration and breakage. This film-forming effect strengthens the hair's structure , resulting in healthier-looking, softer hair.
Scientific research has also shown that castor oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties , which can help maintain a healthy scalp. This is essential for promoting optimal hair growth.
How to apply castor oil to your hair?
Preparation and dosage of castor oil
Before buying castor oil for your hair and especially for your scalp, make sure it is of good quality and pure . It is recommended to warm the oil slightly to facilitate its application , in your hands for example, because it has a thick, viscous and slightly sticky texture, which distinguishes it from other hair care oils such as coconut oil.
Given its texture, LAO recommends that you systematically mix it with other vegetable oils ... which will facilitate application and can improve its benefits! If you want to use it for its anti-hair loss action, combine it with jojoba oil or sweet almond oil, which are light and will have a complementary effect on the growth of your hair. For storage , choose a glass bottle with a dark tint , as this will prevent the vegetable oils from oxidizing in contact with UV rays, and therefore preserve their quality.
The dosage depends on the length and thickness of your hair, but generally a few tablespoons are enough.
How to Use Castor Oil
Apply the castor oil or the vegetable oil blend to your scalp using a tip or a pipette, sliding the pipette along the head for better diffusion of the oil .
Next, gently massage your scalp with your fingertips in circular motions. Take the opportunity to massage the top of your neck with your thumbs for a moment of relaxation!
This massage will spread the oil over the entire surface, but also activate blood circulation , which will promote irrigation of the hair follicles, therefore of the roots of your hair. This can help you have stronger and healthier hair in the future!
For the lengths, separate your hair into several sections , and apply the castor oil strand by strand. This vegetable oil is best suited for thick, curly, frizzy, frizzy and dry hair , as it can be a little too rich and heavy for fine and straight hair. Applying castor oil to wet hair can help spread it better and optimize its absorption.
Recommended frequency and duration
Castor oil, pure or blended, can be used once or twice a week, either as a "cure" from time to time or regularly . For best results, it is recommended to stick with it for a few months.
Once you've applied the oil to your hair or scalp, it's best to let it soak in for a few hours before rinsing it out. You can apply it at night, or a few hours before shampooing, while you watch a movie or an episode of your favorite TV show!
Be careful, if you leave the vegetable oil on your hair overnight, don't forget to put a towel on your pillow to avoid staining it !
Maintaining a healthy scalp
You're probably interested in castor oil because you read somewhere that it helps you have healthy hair and promotes hair growth.
Have you already had a LAO diagnosis ? In just a few clicks, you'll have access to an assessment of your scalp and hair, as well as recommendations for natural products, lifestyle, and diet.
Have you thought about your shampoo?
Shampoo is THE essential product in any hair care routine . It's the one that will either help you maintain a healthy scalp, or it will undo all your efforts! A bad shampoo, one that's too harsh, will counteract the positive effects of the rest of your routine...
This is why at LAO we spent 2 years developing 100% natural shampoos , with proven effectiveness , which are much more than ordinary soaps, but real scalp treatments!
To do this, we first chose to use only very gentle washing agents, unlike the stripping sulfates found in most shampoos, under the name "Sodium Laureth/Lauryl sulfate". LAO favors gentle washes such as glucosides, derived from sugar, such as "Decyl glucoside" or "Capryl/caprylyl glucoside".
Washing your hair with a gentle, natural shampoo is essential for preserving the health of your scalp , and therefore having stronger, denser hair in better overall condition!
The care part of LAO shampoos is provided by the oils and hydrosols used. In the Purifying Shampoo , we find nettle hydrosol, known for its sebum-regulating action on the scalp. The Nourishing Shampoo Contains a high concentration of soothing lemon balm hydrosol, coupled with hemp oil, making it perfect for sensitive scalps.
For a quick assessment of your hair and scalp, lifestyle and nutrition advice, and product recommendations, take the new LAO Hair Diagnosis !
Finally, to restore shinier lengths, combine the LAO shampoo of your choice with our Conditioner , ideal if you have fine to normal hair and struggle with knots on a daily basis!
Precautions and contraindications
Who should avoid castor oil?
Although castor oil is generally considered safe, some people may be sensitive to its compounds . If you have a history of castor oil allergy, it is best to avoid its use. Also, if you have an underlying scalp medical condition, consult a healthcare professional before using castor oil.
Potential side effects
Castor oil is thick and sticky , which can make rinsing difficult. It is important to remove it thoroughly to avoid residue buildup. In rare cases, excessive use or sensitivity may cause skin irritation. If you experience irritation, discontinue use.
Conclusion
In short, castor oil is more than just a beauty trick passed down through generations . Its unique biochemical properties, backed by scientific research, make it a valuable asset for the health of your hair.
From stimulating hair growth to reducing breakage and improving scalp health, this natural oil has a lot to offer!
However, it's essential to use it wisely. Follow the recommended dosages, adhere to best application practices, and be on the lookout for any adverse reactions. For optimal results, combine castor oil use with a balanced diet and healthy hair care.
Sources
Zahalka, J. (2022). Complete dictionary of vegetable oils: 90 vegetable oils 10 oily macerates. DAUPHIN.
Lelief-Delcourt, A. (2020). Vegetable Oils (Large Book) (French Edition). LEDUC.
Hairinfluencer social media trends every dermatologist should know in 2021 [online], (June 21, 2022). PubMed Central (PMC) . [Accessed October 22, 2023]. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10083897/
Role and Mechanisms of Phytochemicals in Hair Growth and Health [online], (January 30, 2023). PubMed Central (PMC) . [Accessed October 22, 2023]. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9963650/
Leave a comment