Does Castor Oil Help With Hair Growth?

Cold-pressed castor oil: This less processed oil is lighter in color and best for fine hair and scalp deep conditioning. The castor beans are pressed without any heat, preserving their natural properties.

Choose This If: You have fine hair and an oily scalp

Choose This If: You have thick or coarse hair or want to focus on hair growth

Castor oil and rosemary oil are the most popular oil options for hair growth, but these oils work differently. Here’s an easy breakdown of three:

What it does: Nourishes the scalp and creates a healthier environment for new hair to grow

Active ingredient: Ricinoleic acid

Consistency: Thick, viscous

Scientific evidence: No significant evidence that it stimulates hair growth

What it does: Stimulates blood circulation to hair follicles

Consistency: Thin, runnier

Scientific evidence: Said to be as effective as Minoxidil

What it does: Helps balance oil production on scalp and moisturizes hair strands

Consistency: Lightweight

Scientific evidence: Limited evidence for hair growth, but effective for scalp hydration and sebum regulation

Stimulates the scalp via ricinoleic acid: Improves blood circulation to hair follicles, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal. This supports growth conditions, but it doesn't directly cause new hair to sprout.

Deeply moisturizes and reduces breakage: Humectant and emollient properties draw moisture in and seal it. It also reduces split ends and snapping that make hair look like it stopped growing.

Combats dandruff and scalp buildup: Antifungal properties help with flaking and irritation for better scalp health. Healthy scalp conditions means a better environment for growth.

Adds shine and strengthens strands: Fatty acid content coats the cuticle, reducing frizz and improving light reflection.

Increases the absorption of other products: If used regularly in your hair care routine, castor oil will keep your scalp clean and clear so your other products, such as the Davines Nourishing Oil, can get to the hair shaft more effectively.

Looking to nourish split ends, tame frizzy hair, or prevent hair loss? We’re breaking down how to use black castor oil for hair growth below.

When it comes to castor oil for hair growth, go for Jamaican castor oil. Because it opens up the hair's cuticle, using this on your scalp has the best absorption of the growth-happy ingredient ricinoleic acid.

It's best to dilute castor oil with a carrier oil, like jojoba oil or coconut oil, to thin the consistency and make it easier to use. Warm the mixture in your hands and use your fingers to massage it into your scalp and hair follicles.

Next, work it through your hair from the root to the tip, squeezing it into your strands with your hands. Wrap your hair in a silk scarf after smoothing the castor oil onto your hair for deeper penetration and to protect your surroundings. Castor oil can stain anything it comes in contact with, so we suggest using a shower cap after you've applied it.

Make the most of your hair treatment with these stylist tips and tricks to enhance castor oil’s benefits for hair.

Stimulate blood flow: Use a scalp massager before applying oil. This increases scalp circulation and exfoliates the skin so that the oil can absorb more effectively.

Add other oils: You don’t have to choose between castor oil and rosemary oil. Mix in rosemary or jojoba oil. These oils contain the ingredients to stimulate hair growth, while the castor oil provides the ideal environment for it to grow.

Use heat: Use a hair steamer for 20 minutes after applying the hair strengthening oil. The heat opens the hair cuticle for deeper penetration and gets the maximum benefits.

Eat nutritious food: Eat high-protein and antioxidant-rich foods like eggs and salmon. Other foods like Brazil nuts and sweet potatoes contain vitamins and antioxidants needed for a healthy scalp and optimal follicle health.

Like with any product, it’s important to do patch tests before introducing it fully into your hair care routine. Here are some common side effects and precautions to take when you start using castor oil for hair growth.

Allergic reaction or contact dermatitis: An allergic reaction or seborrheic dermatitis is rare but still possible. Do a patch test before using castor oil on your entire scalp and hair shaft.

Scalp buildup and clogged follicles: If you don’t wash the castor oil out fully, it can cause buildup on the scalp. Periodically, use the clarifying SOLU shampoo to deep clean your scalp.

Acne: If you have sensitive skin, the castor oil can cause breakouts. Carefully apply it to your scalp and avoid too much product near your forehead and temples.

If you’re looking to add shine, prevent hair fall, and condition your hair, try adding castor oil to your hair care routine. This age-old Jamaican beauty secret has been used for centuries to moisturize the scalp hair and improve smoothness and strength, but it won’t make your hair grow on its own. Castor oil can nourish and strengthen long hair, combat dandruff and manage fungal infections of the scalp, detox and exfoliate, protect against breakage and hair loss, and make your other products work harder. These things all lead to a healthier scalp and the ideal environment to encourage hair growth. The bottom line is that with consistent use of castor oil, you should start to notice smoother, softer, stronger hair.

To speak to a professional about adding castor oil to your routine, book an appointment with a Davines stylist. And remember to use only high-quality hair products to care for and style your hair.