Can castor oil thicken hair? Mmm…
I really like me some castor oil. I combine a number of drops with olive oil to make a smooth make-up remover. Takes the whole lot off rapidly and leaves my pores and skin tremendous clean. Generally, I exploit the combination on my hair, too. It makes it silky smooth and tremendous shiny.
These days, I’ve heard rumours it could possibly thicken hair, too. However I’m afraid this can be a feat it could possibly’t pull off… Let’s see what science says:
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil’s that thick, sticky oil your grandma most likely swore by for the whole lot. Castor oil comes from the seeds of the castor plant (sure, the one with the scary ricin factor, however don’t fear, the oil is completely secure and has nothing to do with Breaking Dangerous).
It’s full of one thing referred to as ricinoleic acid, which is only a fancy approach of claiming it’s acquired anti-inflammatory and antibacterial powers. That’s why folks love slathering it on their scalp, lashes, brows… you identify it. It sounds just like the type of factor that might flip you into Rapunzel in a single day… however maintain that thought.
Can Castor Oil Thicken Hair?
Right here’s the factor: hair thickness is set by genetics. That’s why it’s so troublesome to extend it.
I’ve scoured scientific journal after scientific journal and might discover NO proof that castor oil thickens hair. None. Nada. Niente.
Sorry, girls! In relation to hair thickness, you’re nonetheless caught with what you have been born with.
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How Did This Fable Originate?
There’s a little bit kernel of fact in each fable, isn’t there? Castor oil can’t make your hair develop thicker. However it could possibly idiot you into believing it made your hair develop thicker. Huh?
Castor oil is form of like a glue. It’s thick. When you apply it, it stays put. This alone could make your hair look thicker. Add the small particles of mud the oil attracts and your locks look even thicker.
However… there could possibly be one more reason. Lots of people mistake hair thickness for hair density. Hair density is the variety of hairs in an space of the scalp.
Castor oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that may deal with follicles infested with micro organism. As soon as that’s handled, extra hair will develop in that space.
Yet one more factor. You often therapeutic massage castor oil into your scalp. Therapeutic massage can stimulate blood circulation, bringing vitamins to your hair quicker. It’s one other trick that helps your hair develop again quicker. Bu you don’t want castor oil for this. The therapeutic massage alone can do it.
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So What Can Castor Oil Truly Do for Your Hair?
Alright, so it’s not going to show child hairs into Beyoncé-level quantity in a single day. However earlier than you toss it out, it does have a number of issues going for it. Listed below are the castor oil advantages for hair:
- Moisturising: It’s a moisture magnet. Castor oil’s full of ricinoleic acid (fancy identify, good vibes). Which means it pulls moisture into your strands and seals it in. In case your hair’s feeling dry, straw-like, or snappy, these items makes it really feel smooth, clean, and far more put-together.
- Soothing: It calms a cranky scalp. Received flakes? Itchiness? A scalp that throws tantrums each different day? Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can assist calm issues down, particularly if dryness is behind it.
- Cleaning: It provides your scalp a reset. Between product buildup, dry shampoo, and no matter else we pile on, your scalp can get a bit… congested. Massaging in a little bit of castor oil can assist clear that up and provide you with a cleaner base for brand spanking new progress to occur. It’s the like attracts like precept in motion.
Ought to You Even Be Utilizing It?
Truthfully? In case your scalp’s flaky, your ends are breaking, or your hair looks like hay, sure, give it a go. Just some heads-ups:
- Patch take a look at first. It’s uncommon, however some folks might be delicate to castor oil. Attempt a little bit in your inside arm earlier than diving in scalp-first.
- Go straightforward. These items is thick. Like… molasses thick. You do not have to coat your entire head in it. Just a few drops will do.
- Combine it with one thing lighter. Like I mentioned earlier, I like to combine it with olive oil, however jojoba, almond, or argan oil work too. It makes it simpler to unfold, simpler to scrub out, and simply usually much less gloopy.
Which Castor Oil Ought to You Truly Be Utilizing?
As a result of yeah, not all castor oils are the identical – and a few of them are mainly the wonder aisle equal of a tragic salad. Right here’s the lowdown:
- Chilly-pressed castor oil: That is the good things. It’s extracted with out warmth, so all of the vitamins keep intact. Search for one which’s 100% pure and hexane-free. Bonus factors if it is available in a darkish glass bottle (fancy and practical).
- Jamaican black castor oil (JBCO): Similar plant, completely different vibe. This model’s roasted first, which makes it thicker, darker, and kinda smoky-smelling. Folks with coarse, curly, or textured hair often like it as a result of it’s a bit heavier and provides deeper nourishment.
- Refined castor oil: Meh. It’s often been bleached and deodorized, which sounds about as enjoyable as it’s. Many of the good things will get stripped out through the course of, so until you’re making DIY cleaning soap, you possibly can most likely skip this one.
Fast tip: All the time learn the label. If the ingredient record seems to be like a chemistry examination, again away slowly. You simply need pure castor oil, nothing additional.
The Backside Line
Hair thickness is set by genetics. Castor oil gained’t have an effect on it. It’ll simply provide the phantasm of thicker hair.