Oils were once regarded as things we would never want to put on hair. Why would we want to add even more oil to greasy roots? Innovative oil-based shampoos have made us reconsider our stance. They prove that the right oils can actually be lightweight and help rebalance the scalp and nourish hair. Argan oil, olive oil and coconut oil are some of the most popular hair care oils. Castor oil for hair also belongs on everyone’s radar, especially those who want to grow longer hair.
Castor oil may be relatively new to a lot of people, but WEN founder Chaz Dean explains that it has actually been widely used in beauty products for years. The reason it is such a popular ingredient is because it’s rich in proteins, minerals and vitamin E. What also makes castor oil for hair so great is that it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This makes it able to fight itchy scalps and dandruff, condition dry strands and reduce split ends. Castor oil even helps boost shine.
Because it balances the scalp, castor oil can also help hair grow longer. CURLS founder and CEO Mahisha Dellinger explains that castor oil also carries ricinoleic acid and omega-6 essential fatty acids, which accelerate blood circulation to the scalp and help increase hair growth.
It can be tempting to slather on the castor oil after hearing about all of its benefits, but Dean states that it should be used on all hair types sparingly. A little bit of castor oil for hair goes a long way because the oil can sometimes be heavy. Because of this, castor oil is best for those who have dry, thinning or damaged locks.
Castor oil for hair can be purchased as a pure oil or it can be found as an ingredient in hair products, including shampoos, conditioners and even styling products. Dellinger explains that pure castor oil can be applied to the scalp to prevent dandruff and increase hair growth. It can also be used on the ends of hair to treat and prevent split ends.
For those who prefer to incorporate the oil into the hair products they already own, Dean recommends mixing a small amount with conditioner, a hair serum or a styling cream. And for those who don’t feel like mixing their own products, there are lots of premixed ones that feature nourishing castor oil. Try some of the products above.
Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO)
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #1
Want nothing but pure, extra dark castor oil? This is the stuff. The versatile oil can be applied to scalps and locks on a daily basis as a pre-shampoo treatment, moisturizer or even a hot oil treatment. When used on hair, castor oil reduces flakes and dryness while stimulating the scalp for hair growth. It's just as good on dry strands thanks to its nourishing properties.
Sunny Isle Extra Dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil, $9.49 at Sally Beauty
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #2
This versatile cream can be applied to wet or dry hair. Comb it through wet strands, leave on for a few minutes, then rinse off. Alternatively, it can be applied directly on dry hair then washed out. No matter the application, the no-lather cream cleanses, moisturizes and conditions hair and scalp. Castor oil and mallow root deliver softness and smoothness, while a lipid barrier helps lock in moisture.
Phyto PhytoSpecific Cleansing Care Cream, $29 at Sephora
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #3
This product may be very affordable, but it combines the benefits of multiple oils. Jamaican black castor oil, olive oil, soybean oil and safflower seed oil moisturize the scalp and hair without clogging pores. The result is silky strands and a healthy scalp with increased hair growth. Stock up on a few bottles.
Hollywood Beauty Jamaican Black Castor Hair Oil, $2.99 at Target
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #4
Weak, brittle hair can be transformed with a bit of this hydrating conditioner. It is jam-packed full of good-for-hair ingredients, including aloe vera juice, bamboo fibers, neem oil, coconut water and castor oil. What it doesn't contain is silicone, mineral oils, gluten, SLS and parabens. Use it like any other conditioner.
Maui Moisture Thicken & Restore Bamboo Fibers Conditioner, $6.29 at Ulta
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #5
There are a myriad of castor oil products for hair, including shampoos, masks and styling gels, like in this case. This lightweight gel is formulated with black castor oil and flaxseed oil. The combination helps stop flakes and itchiness and boost growth. Of course, it also sculpts strands without any sticky residue or product clumps.
Ecoco Eco Style Black Castor & Flaxseed Oil Styling Gel, $5.69 at Sally Beauty
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #6
Fact: Jamaican black castor oil is renowned for its nourishing properties because it's packed with omega-9s. This easy-to-apply oil only contains black castor oil and an essential oil blend of amber and musk. Apply a few drops into hands, then work through hair. The oil will tame frizz while defining curls. It also helps to promote growth thanks to castor oil's high fatty acid content.
Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Scent & Shine Jamaican Black Castor Oil, $26 at Sephora
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #7
Whether hair is short or long, this solid stick styler will help. It can be used to mold shorter locks or it can be applied to longer lengths to tame frizz. It's formulated with a nourishing blend of hydrogenated castor oil, castor seed oil, beeswax and organic aloe vera leaf. A bit of product goes a long way, which means it will last a surprisingly long time.
WEN Fig Texture Balm, $26 at Chaz Dean Studio
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #8
Locks in need of some TLC? Indulge in an at-home spa day with this hydrating hair mask. It demonstrates why castor oil for hair is such a miraculous ingredient. Apply a bit of the rich formula to lengths and it will boost hair growth while reducing shedding and breaking. Peppermint oil provides a refreshing sensation to the scalp. Shea butter and keratin work alongside castor oil to provide hydration. The mask is a must-have for anyone with Afro-textured, color-treated or chemically-processed hair.
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque, $13.49 at Ulta
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #9
One of the miracle ingredients in this styling serum is castor oil. It's combined with noni fruit oil and argan oil to deep condition hair and repair damage. It also encourages hair growth and protects locks during heat styling. It's suitable for all hair types and can be applied before using heat tools or to add definition to tresses.
It's a 10 Miracle Styling Serum, $25.73 at Ulta
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #10
Start enjoying the benefits of castor oil from the start of your hair regimen with this castor oil-rich shampoo. It's suitable for all hair textures and types. Plus, it's even gentle enough to be used on colored and chemically-treated tresses. It's free of alcohol, sulfates, parabens, petrolatum and mineral oils. Lastly, it provides a gentle-yet-effective clean that won't irritate sensitive scalps.
Proclaim Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hydrating and Reparative Shampoo, $6.99 at Sally Beauty
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #11
Turn an upset, itchy scalp into a soothed one with this pure, unrefined black castor oil. A couple of drops massaged into the scalp will provide moisture and banish flakes. The rich formula also nourishes dry and damaged hair. Try it on cuticles to keep nails looking as good as your hair.
Jamaican Mango & Lime Black Castor Oil Tea Tree, $7.99 at Walgreens
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #12
Grab this bottle of castor oil for hair and get spraying. The Jamaican black castor oil has been infused with rosemary, which helps to revitalize unbalanced scalps and dry locks. For a deeper conditioning treatment, place the bottle in heated water before carefully applying the oil to the scalp and strands. Cover strands, then let the treatment soak in for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
African Royale Jamaican Black Castor Oil, $6.59 at Sally Beauty
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #13
This oil is more than just OK; it's downright brilliant. It is 100 percent pure Haitian castor oil. Like Jamaican castor oil, the hydrating oil promotes scalp health and nourishes dry locks. Apply a few drops of the oil and feel the difference.
Okay Haitian Castor Oil, $7.81 at Walmart
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #14
This natural shampoo leaves out the chemicals and packs in nourishing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, olive oil and Jamaican black castor oil. The combination provides necessary hydration to curls. It gently cleanses but doesn't leave behind a greasy residue. Follow it with a hydrating conditioner for a healthy scalp and hair.
Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo, $12.99 at NaturallyCurly
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #15
Looking for longer hair? Then try some of this Jamaican black castor oil. It nourishes heads from the scalp to the ends of hair while creating an optimal environment to encourage growth. Try it as a hot oil treatment for an indulgent experience. It's also suitable for use on faces and bodies.
Taliah Waajid Original Jamaican Black Castor Oil, $7.19 at Sally Beauty
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Why Castor Oil Is the Secret for Hair Growth (SEO) #16
Serums aren't restricted to skin. This hair serum contains a blend of castor and moringa oils to hydrate parched, brittle hair. The pure moringa oil gives a silky feel, while the pure castor oil adds shine, softness and hydration. Citrus essential oils give the serum an intoxicating, zesty scent. Try the product on wet, damp or dry hair and enjoy the deep conditioning effects without having to wash it out.
Qhemet Biologics Castor & Moringa Softening Serum, $13 at Sephora
