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Dr. Rebecca Marcus is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She has nearly two decades of experience and completed her residency along with a clinical research fellowship at Columbia University. Since then, in addition to practicing dermatology, she has founded her own skincare line, Maei MD. This product is a great option if you love the fresh, soothing scent of lavender.
What are the side effects of using castor oil for hair?
A dermatologist will help to diagnose the cause of your hair loss and come up with a treatment plan to help restore your tresses. And, as with all ingredients and products, there’s always a chance for irritation and allergic reactions, so patch-test your castor oil on your neck before slathering it over your scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin. So if you’re serious about trying castor oil for hair growth, you’ll need to add it to your regimen for at least three months, and stick to consistent weekly applications. And hey, if after three months you still aren’t seeing a significant change, at the very least you’ll have hydrated, shiny-as-hell hair.
Hot Castor Oil Hair Treatment
Just remember that the skin around your eyes is thin and prone to clogging, so “using castor oil around your eyes can exacerbate milia, blackheads, and acne,” says Dr. Talakoub. That goes for all skin types, btw, not just folks who are oily or acne-prone, so it’s best to approach this DIY with caution if you’re especially prone to clogged pores and bumps. Reviewers love this cold-pressed castor oil from Briogeo, but several warn that, as with most hair oils, a little goes a long way. This may not be a large jar, but rest assured that it will last you for months to come.
Eye health
We don't have enough research to know whether it's safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Don't use it for long-term constipation relief because you could have side effects like cramps and bloating. Castor oil isn't considered an edible oil, and it has a very unpleasant taste.
"[Castor oil] is widely used in haircare for its supposed benefits as a hair growth stimulant and moisturizer," says Snehal Amin, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York. While there is a lot of speculation that it can help with hair thickening and growth, the jury is still out — currently, more scientific data is needed to prove any of these benefits. Here, the lowdown from experts on what castor oil can — and can't — do for your hair. If you have a collection of shampoo bottles lining your shower walls, or are simply looking for a more sustainable alternative, you might want to consider a shampoo bar. The pros of using jojoba oil in a haircare as well as skincare routine are plentiful, mainly because of its intense moisturizing effects.

How do you apply castor oil to hair?
Why Rosemary Oil Makes Hair Grow Faster And Thicker (And All The Best Products To Use) - British Vogue
Why Rosemary Oil Makes Hair Grow Faster And Thicker (And All The Best Products To Use).
Posted: Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:49:18 GMT [source]
Then, massage it on your hair, comb it through, and let it sit for a few hours. (You can wear a shower cap to protect your clothes or sheets.) Then, rinse thoroughly. Here’s a look at some of the most commonly touted skin and hair benefits of castor oil, whether they’re worth trying, and any side effects to consider. “First and foremost, I love the shape of this shampoo bar because it fits great in my hand and doesn’t slip,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio.
Does Castor Oil Work for Hair Growth? Experts Explain
To create a natural heat protector, “apply a castor oil mixture on semi-dry ends, then heat style as normal to protect against high heat appliances and prevent frizzy results and split ends,” Yates adds. Studies indicate that the ricinoleic acid in castor oil protects the scalp and shaft of the hair from fungal and microbial infections. Castor oil has moisturizing and soothing properties, allowing it to ease dryness and irritation of the scalp. It also works as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and healing agent.

However, it’s important to visit a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing frequent or chronic constipation that doesn’t seem to improve. It can be a sign of an underlying medical condition and can become dangerous if it goes untreated. Castor oil - it's not just for your grandma's medicine cabinet anymore. This unassuming little oil packs a serious punch when it comes to skin and hair health. I'm talking moisturizing, nourishing, and even promoting hair growth.
Still, there are some science-backed reasons to consider adding castor oil to your routine, like the following. Castor oil’s claim to fame may be anecdotal evidence of hair growth, but there are plenty of other reasons to add this oil to your hair care routine. Castor oil can also potentially make your hair look drier if it’s already lacking moisture, because it seals off extra hydration from penetrating your hair, explains Hill. So to prevent accidental dryness, make sure to hydrate your hair with a routine filled with other moisturizers, like shea butter, glycerin, and panthenol before you add castor oil. You can also incorporate castor oil into your routine with a deep conditioner (whether a formula made with castor oil, or by adding a few drops to your favorite) to keep your hair from looking dried out.
When using castor oil, “some people may experience an allergic reaction or skin irritation,” says Dr. Rodney. For this reason, experts recommend a patch test before applying castor oil to the hair or scalp. Castor oil may also worsen scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis (a form of eczema on the scalp), Dr. Garshick warns.
FWIW, rosemary oil has also been studied for hair growth and loss, showing promising results (but more research def needs to be done on humans to prove anything). Dr. Cheung pointed to a 2015 study that compared rosemary oil extract to minoxidil when used on men with genetic androgen-related hair loss and the effects at three and six months had very few differences. Patients also noticed less irritation and itchiness with rosemary oil, since it's naturally anti-inflammatory. Consider dripping a few drops of a rosemary oil-based scalp serum once a day to help soothe your scalp and potentially boost hair growth over time.
If you struggle with dry skin, he recommends applying castor oil to your skin before bed, or mixing with your go-to moisturizer to use once or twice a day. If you’re looking to add pure castor oil to your hair care routine, Dr. Green suggests using it as a pre-shampoo treatment. But because castor oil is so thick, Dr. Green suggests diluting the castor oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil. You can also swap your regular shampoo for a clarifying formula, to ensure you thoroughly wash the castor oil from your scalp and strands.
She’s loved all things health and wellness since starting her bi-weekly podcast Pancreas Pals—a series all about the highs and lows of living life with type 1 diabetes. When not podcasting, she spends most of her time curled up with a good book or watching a period piece on BBC. From helping hair grow to increasing its density, it seems there’s nothing castor oil can’t do, but what does the science say? Even though castor oil won’t magically grow your eyelashes or eyebrows, it can help, uh, do the exact opposite. According to celebrity eyelash extensions expert Dionne Phillips, castor oil works well at removing eyelash extensions home, as she previously told Cosmo. Just use the same Q-tip technique above to loosen the adhesive and remove the extensions, while simultaneously moisturizing your own lashes.
A number of bacteria and fungi, including Candida fungi, commonly grow on dentures. This can create oral concerns if dentures aren’t properly cleaned and stored. Castor oil has been a trusted remedy for centuries, with its roots tracing back to ancient civilizations.
It's best to It'ste castor oil with other natural oils like coconut or jojoba. If you’re new to solid shampoo and looking to try it out, we spoke to experts about the benefits of a shampoo bar and how to shop for the best one for your hair. We also compiled a few expert-recommended options to consider, as well as NBC Select staff favorites.
Castor oil is commonly used to address various concerns, either by ingestion or topical application. While generally safe, it may cause adverse reactions in some individuals. It's always best to start with a small amount and gradually increase as needed to avoid any potential side effects. Vitamin E neutralizes these harmful molecules, helping to keep your skin looking young and radiant. It also promotes cell regeneration, which can help to fade scars and dark spots over time. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.