Does Castor Oil Make Your Hair Grow Faster? Leave a comment

Castor Oil, which comes from castor beans, otherwise known as an over-the-counter laxative, is now a hair product many women can’t live without.

The Myth:

If you’ve ever heard the term “Castor Oil Challenge” then you’ve probably heard something along the lines of: Castor oil makes your hair thicker/longer/stronger, etc.

Castor oil is used as a hair and scalp moisturizer. It comes in two popular forms: dark tinted black and yellow colored. Black castor oil or “Jamaican Black Castor Oil” is typically thought to be the strongest, and more natural form.

Black Castor Oil vs. Yellow Castor Oil

Black castor oil is actually the least pure form of castor oil. Yellow castor oil is typically cold pressed, which means it is extracted from the castor bean without heat, keeping most of its natural properties in tact. Black castor oil comes from heating & cooking the castor beans then mixing in other additives to give it the dark color. So, it’s safe to say that you’re getting less of the natural benefits to your hair with black castor oil.

The Science

Natural castor oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. It also has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. However, there is no real scientific evidence suggesting that castor oil actually thickens the hair strand or makes it grow faster.

The Verdict

Weeeeeeeeell…For women suffering with Alopecia caused by traction and scarring in the scalp, applying castor oil directly on the scalp can help reduce the inflammation there, which may contribute to promoting growth and thickening the weakened strands. Maybe.

Otherwise, the answer is no. Applying castor oil to your hair will not affect the rate your hair grows or make your hair any thicker. Castor oil can make your locks shinier, more moisturized and stronger, since moisture protects the hair from the elements.

So why does it seem as if everyone and their mother using castor oil is getting longer hair faster? Chances are the same people who who use castor oil for hair growth are just likely to be doing everything right to optimize their hair growth. Everything right means: eating healthy and getting vitamins, moisturizing, using sulfate-free shampoos to prevent moisture/nutrient loss, and getting plenty of sleep and exercise.

See our Article: Biotin: Will it Make Your Hair Grow Faster

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