Castor Oil for Hair Growth, Skin Care and Digestive Health

Castor oil has existed since the dawn of time and there is a reason why it continues to appear in medicine cabinets and in beauty regimens.This sticky, golden oil is extracted out of the seeds of the plant known as Ricinus communis and is applied to all parts of the body including hair and as a digestive aid. However, here is what most articles will not tell you; the benefits of using castor oil are not entirely unfounded, but some of the arguments that are being discussed in Tik Tok and Instagram are simply scientifically unproven.

Let us unravel the mystery of what castor oil really does, what science claims it does and how to use it without messing your hair.

What Dermatologists and Trichologists Actually Say

It is worth listening to hair and skin professionals to find out how you will solve your hair and skin issues before you pour the bottle of shampoo on your head.

Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and brand president of Philip Kingsley Clinics, makes this point clear: there is no scientific evidence to support claims of direct hair growth by castor oil.She cautions that it may in fact aggravate the condition of the scalp of individuals already having other scalp problems such as alopecia areata.

Penny James, a trichologist and board-certified, has more than 30 years in the business.She warns that castor oil on the head will result in felting a nightmare experience when hair is stuck together in knots that can not be undone.This is not an imaginary case, there are actual cases of this in written records of patients who were forced to shave their heads completely following the application of castor oil.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr Michele Green, in turn, observes that castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which, in its turn, might contribute to the well-being of the hair due to its anti-inflammatory and moisturising effects.It is the phrase could – further studies are required.

Another board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Hadley King, says that castor oil is a natural emollient and its molecules are small enough to enter the hair and skin to leave them softer and smoother.

The consensus? Castor oil will not miraculously make you grow more hair, it may however allow you to keep the existing length of hair as the scalp will remain healthy and the hair will not break.

The Science: What Research Actually Shows

The article was a systematic review of 22 studies concerning coconut, castor, and argan oils published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology in 2022.Specifically, the results of castor oil?The researchers have discovered that there was very little clinical evidence to support its application in hair growth.Coconut oil received a greater number of positive reviews to support the use of the product to treat brittle hair, yet the assertions made by castor oil were mostly anecdotal.

That being the case, there is an interesting thread to follow. The 2012 study by Garza et al., which was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, found that the bald scalp of men with androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) harbored a higher amount of the prostaglandin D2 (PGD2).PGD2 inhibited hair growth when it was applied on mice.

This is where the castor oil comes in: in a study by Fong et al. in 2015, a computer modelling experiment was conducted on the idea that different herbal compounds can inhibit PGD2 synthase -the enzyme responsible for making PGD2.The dominant constituent of castor oil, ricinoleic acid, which constitutes approximately 90 percent of the oil, has proven to have promising inhibitory effects.The paper also reported that ricinoleic acid has a good skin penetration and insignificant side effects when used topically.

However, it has an enormous caveat – this was an in silico study – that is, it was carried out on the computer, rather than real humans.The ricinoleic acid had never been applied to actual scalps.Thus, the theory is intriguing, but there is still no evidence in the field.

A 2024 randomized controlled trial compared rosemary-castor oil extracts in 90 days and observed a faster growth rate, thickening and density of hair in those using rosemary-castor oil as opposed to coconut oil.The rosemary oil probably did the bulk of the work (rosemary has real clinical evidence of promoting growth in hair), but the castor oil seemed to supplement the effects of the rosemary oil.

Realistic Timelines: When to Expect Results

Most articles dodge this question with vague phrases like “over time” or “with consistent use.” Here’s what you’re actually looking at:

For eyebrows and eyelashes:

• Weeks 1-2: No visible changes, but lashes may feel softer and less brittle
• Weeks 3-4: Subtle improvements possible; hairs may appear slightly thicker
• Weeks 6-8: More noticeable results typically emerge
• 3+ months: Full effects, if any, become apparent

One person who tested castor oil on their brows and lashes for 30 nights reported upper lash growth from 0.7cm to 0.9cm — a 0.2cm increase. Results will vary dramatically from person to person.

For scalp hair:

• Most experts suggest 8-12 weeks of consistent use before noticing improvements in texture and scalp health
• Within 15-30 minutes of application, castor oil begins reducing inflammation and delivering fatty acids
• For people who respond positively, trichologist William Gaunitz notes results typically appear after 6-8 weeks
• Benefits require ongoing use — they don’t persist once you stop

Important: these timelines relate to hair health and appearance, not new growth. Castor oil isn’t growing new follicles where none exist.

How to Dilute Castor Oil Properly

Pure castor oil is thick, sticky, and notoriously difficult to wash out. Mixing it with a carrier oil makes application easier and removal far less painful. Here are the ratios that work:

Standard ratio: 1 part castor oil to 1 part coconut oil (50/50) Good for general scalp treatments and those new to castor oil.

Stronger ratio: 60% castor oil to 40% coconut oil Use this if you want more castor oil concentration but still need the coconut oil to thin the texture.

Lighter ratio: 2 parts coconut oil to 1 part castor oil (roughly 70/30) Better for fine hair that gets weighed down easily, or if you’ve struggled to wash castor oil out previously.

You can substitute coconut oil with jojoba, sweet almond, or olive oil based on what you have and your hair type. Jojoba works particularly well for oily scalps since it closely resembles natural sebum.

For eyebrows and eyelashes: Use pure castor oil sparingly — just a tiny amount on a clean mascara wand or cotton bud. The small surface area doesn’t require dilution.

How to Actually Wash It Out (The Practical Guide)

This is where most people get stuck. Castor oil’s thick consistency means water alone won’t touch it, and regular shampooing often leaves hair still greasy after multiple washes. Here’s what works:

The dry shampoo method (most effective):

1. Apply shampoo directly to dry, oily hair — don’t wet it first
2. Massage the shampoo thoroughly into your scalp and through your hair
3. Add small amounts of water gradually while continuing to massage
4. Once lathered, rinse completely
5. Repeat if needed

This works because water and oil don’t mix. When you wet your hair first, the water creates a barrier that prevents shampoo from reaching the oil. Applying shampoo to dry hair lets it break down the oil directly.

The conditioner-first method:

1. Apply a generous amount of conditioner to dry, oily hair
2. Leave it for a few minutes — the conditioner helps emulsify the oil
3. Rinse with warm water
4. Follow with shampoo as normal

If standard shampoo isn’t cutting it:

• Use a clarifying shampoo designed to remove product buildup
• Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with your shampoo to boost the grease-cutting power
• Apple cider vinegar rinse (equal parts ACV and water) before shampooing can help break down the oil

What to avoid:

• Using dish soap should be a last resort only — it works, but it’s harsh and strips natural oils
• If you use dish soap, follow immediately with a deep conditioning treatment

Pro tip: Don’t overdo the castor oil. A little goes a long way. Using too much makes removal exponentially harder.

Skin and Hair Care Applications

It all boils down to ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid which has been shown to be anti-inflammatory and moisturising to the skin and hair, and is the primary reason castor oil is effective on the skin and hair. When used, it works as a humectant, where it attracts moisture into the skin and assists in sustaining the moisture.

In the case of dry and split skin: DOTS to areas of concern such as cracked heels, dry elbows, or scaly skin. The sticky substance forms a protective layer and the fatty acids hydrate the skin.

To maintain a healthy scalp: Castor oil instead of growing hair can help maintain a healthy scalp by creating optimal conditions to promote healthy hair. It has anti-bacterial and antifungal effects which can be used to treat dandruff and irritation. Apply a watered down blend to your head and sit back and leave between 30 minutes to two hours (or keep the scalp covered with a shower cap and leave overnight).

To treat nails and cuticles: It is possible to massage a little on the dry cuticles each day to restore moisture and make brittle nails stronger. Eyelashes and eyebrows: use clean mascara wand before going to bed. Apply only a small amount of it – you do not want to oily your eyes. Wash off in the morning.

Product Spotlight: Viva Naturals Organic Castor Oil

If you’re looking for a reliable castor oil option, Viva Naturals castor oil is one of the more popular choices on the market. Here’s what you’re getting:

The specs:

• USDA Certified Organic
• Non-GMO Project Verified
• Cold-pressed and hexane-free
• Sourced from India
• Single ingredient: Organic Ricinus communis (Castor) Oil
• 16 fl oz bottle

What makes it unique: The selling aspect is the 5-piece beauty kit that comes with it, that is, you will be getting a mascara wand, a 10ml mascara vial, a brush stopper, a brow brush, and a liner brush.This is the solution to the practical difficulty of having to actually apply thick castor oil to small parts of the body such as lashes and brows without a mess.Other products competing do not include their own applicators.

The reason why the cold-pressing process is important is that it does not involve heat or chemical solvents involved in the refined production of castor oil.Some of the fatty acids and nutrients are degraded by heat and cold-pressed versions will preserve more of what made castor oil even useful to begin with.The certification of being hexane free is also worth mentioning, hexane is a petroleum solvent that is occasionally utilized in extracting oil, which certainly cannot be desired on your skin.

User review patterns: Reviewing the reviews, it is clear that they all tend to respond as to the thickness of oil (which is what is desired of castor oil), how it is effective in moisturising skin and hair, and that the applicator kit is included.The thing that complains most is the natural nutty smell, some may consider it distasteful but others do not see any problem in it.Some users have stated that they store the oil in a dark glass bottle and this is in fact a good idea because light causes oils to degrade with time.

Use: Viva naturals recommends using it in the bottle form or blending it with essential oils as a perfume.In case of hair, put on to scalp and ends as a mask, or drop a few in your shampoo.On lashes and brows, apply with the provided spoolie brush a little dab prior to going to bed.With skin, it acts as an all-over moisturiser or treatment of dry places.

What it will not do: Like any castor oil, it will not miraculously make the hair grow where the follicles are already dead, and the claims about the traditional use of the same to promote hair growth that are placed on the packaging are hedged, since there is still a lack of clinical evidence of direct hair growth.What it will do is condition, moisturise and possibly assist in healthier scaled conditions.

Significant safety alert: A patch test should always be done on any new area before oil is applied using castor oil.put some drops to the inside of your arm and wait 24 hours to see whether there were any reactions.Expectant mothers are advised to stay well away of castor oil which has been in the past held as a labour inducer and it does get absorbed by the body.

Digestive Uses

Castor oil is an ancient laxative. The ricinoleic acid also causes intestinal movement which will assist in occasional constipation relief. Nevertheless, it is powerful material – its effects may be rather violent and cramping.

If using for digestive purposes:

• Stick to very small doses
• Follow the recommended guidance on the product label
• Don’t use regularly — it’s meant for occasional use only
• Consult a doctor if constipation is a recurring problem

Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil packs are used in the holistic wellness circles to treat inflammation, menstrual pain as well as general detoxification.The procedure includes wetting a piece of flannel cloth in warm castor oil, and applying it to the skin (typically the abdomen), and enwrapping it with a heating pad during the next 30-60 minutes.

Although this has been documented to make many people feel relaxed and experience less tension when using it regularly, there is limited controlled clinical evidence backing certain health claims.The perceived benefits can be attributed by the warmth and even the ritual itself as much as the oil.

The Bottom Line

Castor oil is a truly useful ingredient that has valid moisturising, anti-inflammatory and conditioning effects.It is inexpensive, is easily obtainable and when applied well can enhance the health and looks of hair and skin.

What it is not: a miracle hair growing product.The science just does not help in making claims that it restores hair or drastically boosts growth.The hair regrowth topical treatment is minoxidil (Rogaine) that is the only FDA approved.In case you suffer a lot of hair loss, visit a dermatologist instead of using oils.

With that said, castor oil can most definitely make your already-existing hair look better, decrease breakage, ensure the health of your scalp, and possibly provide the conditions that would help the healthy growth.Use it with realism, do not over fill it, and most importantly in the sake of your shower drain, know how to wash it out.