Experts Explain How To Use Castor Oil For Hair

No matter if you're searching on TikTok or running to Google, there’s no shortage of tips across Taylor Swift's internet to remedy your haircare concerns. You can find the best methods to achieve soft hair and unlock viral hair oils that influencers like Alix Earle swear by for hair growth. Then there are trusted ingredients like castor oil that are beloved and expert-approved for improving hair growth and shine and reducing breakage.

A tried-and-true hair and beauty staple for many, castor oil is said to help hair and scalp health and improve skin conditions, but there have also been debates about whether or not castor oil can grow hair. We've tapped two board-certified dermatologists and a cosmetic chemist-turned-clean skincare brand founder to spill the tea on whether or not castor oil can make hair grow and how to apply castor oil to your hair.

What is castor oil?

Castor oil is made from the seeds of the castor plant. According to board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Beverly Hills-based SkinFive Medical Spas, Dr. Ava Shamban, the ingredient was "used for all types of medicine, skin conditions, and health issues" in ancient Egypt. "Fatty acids found within castor oil play a role in increasing circulation to the hair follicles as well as lubricating the hair shaft," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Meena Singh. Enriched with vitamin E and a host of Omega 3,6,9 fatty acids, castor oil also provides additional support to compromised hair by strengthening, conditioning, and nourishing elasticity, bounce, and shine.

Can castor oil grow hair?

Dr. Shamban says that while the oleic acid in castor oil has "antimicrobial and antifungal properties" which may help reduce seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, there are no actual clinical trials proving castor oil's benefits. However, despite the lack of "empirical data," Dr. Shamban says there's "no denying" the "anecdotal powers and prowess" of using castor oil on hair.

How should castor oil be used?

Castor oil is a multipurpose product. "Because it is a natural moisturizer," says Dr. Singh, castor oil "can be applied to the hair shaft to decrease fragility and breakage." Dr. Christine Martey-Ochola, Ph.D., chemist, and co-founder of the clean haircare brand NUELE says, "Some people use castor oil in its native state as an oil treatment prior to shampooing." Very thick in texture, castor oil can also be used to maintain deep hydration. "This is done by first washing the hair and then putting a good amount of castor oil on the hair and letting it soak into the hair," says Dr. Martey-Ochola.

Thanks to its effects on the hair and skin, castor oil can also be used on eyebrows and eyelashes. Dr. Shamban says castor oil can help eyelashes from becoming "brittle and dry," or prone to "breakage."

How long does it take to see results?

Dr. Shamban says castor oil can provide almost immediate results when issued for skin and scalp conditions like redness, itching, or flaking. The ingredient immediately increases shine when applied directly to the hair as well. Hair restoration and breakage prevention usually take about three months. Dr. Singh suggests applying castor oil "daily for efficacy."

Are there side effects to using castor oil?

Like many things when it comes to hair and beauty, there are side effects that occur from castor oil use — but it depends on factors like your skin type and hair texture. "Using a high concentration of pure castor oil in large quantities can cause allergies for people who are allergic to beans which can cause the scalp to scale," Dr. Martey-Ochola explains. She suggests doing a patch test on a small part of the scalp to determine how your skin will react to castor oil.

While castor oil is a trusted hair staple, some people have seen the opposite of growth and a healthy scalp. According to Dr. Martey-Ochola, some people even experience hair breakage and more damaging effects. "There has been discussion about nausea, but this comes from ingesting castor oil. This is something to be watchful for. It can cause allergic contact dermatitis. If you experience any negative side effects, talk to your doctor or dermatologist.

Incorporating castor oil into your hair care routine can improve your hair's health all around. Our experts shared the best products with castor oil to use on hair. Keep scrolling to see their picks below.