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Castor oil is a vegetable oil manufactured by extracting oil from the seeds of Ricinus communis plant. In ancient Egypt, it was used as a fuel for lamps ans also as a home remedy for eye irritation, labour stimulant for pregnant women, so on and so forth. Now, food and beauty brands have castor oil as an additive. It is also a favourite of pharmaceutical companies, thanks to its medicinal values, for which it is being used traditionally to cure various ailments. Castor oil is also one of the most effective home remedies for dry scalp, hair thinning, split ends and hair loss. Owing to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it is also a common ingredient in many cosmetics and beauty products. Being rich in proteins, minerals and vitamin E, castor oil works as a magic potion for your hair. Here's how it benefits your hair and ways you can use it:
Castor oil carries ricinoleic acid and omega 6 essential fatty acids, which accelerate blood circulation to the scalp, hence increasing hair growth. It works on nourishing the scalp and strengthening the roots with the help of essential nutrients.
Tip: Mix some coconut oil with castor oil in a small bowl. Take some quantity onto your hands and begin with massaging the scalp well. Once done, cover your head with a shower cap and leave overnight, if possible. Rinse your hair completely, the next day.
Since castor oil possesses anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties, it is the perfect remedy to tackle scalp infections and issues such as bald patches, itchy scalp. These properties reach out to fight pathogens and micro-organisms. Additionally, it clears off the most common hair problem dandruff.
Tip: For an effective remedy to help curb your dandruff problem, take 1 tablespoon of castor oil along with olive oil and mix with juice out of half a lemon. Apply this well and wash after half an hour.
Split ends are another common problem and a natural remedy like castor oil tackles split ends in such a way that the oil penetrates deep into the scalp and helps smoothen rough hair cuticles.
Tip: Castor oil is rather heavy in consistency and hence could do with some olive oil or jojoba oil for better application. Olive oil helps taming down frizzy hair and helps manage split ends better. Apply this on all sections of your hair thoroughly and wash after half an hour.
Castor oil is moisture rich and penetrates deep into the scalp and conditions the hair immediately. This oil is hence, an easy way to regain lost shine and hair texture. With its exceptional moisturising and conditioning properties, this oil leaves a coating on the hair shaft to lock the much-needed moisture in.
Tip: Apply some castor oil in your hair at least 15 minutes before using a shampoo. You could also mix a tiny drop of this oil into your preferred leave-in conditioner and apply it. Another natural way to condition your hair could be with some castor oil, aloe vera gel, honey and lemon juice. Mix these and apply to your roots. Leave this on for half an hour before a thorough wash. You could also curb hair loss with some hibiscus hair packs.
It should be cold-pressed and processed, 100% pure, virgin castor oil. Similarly, any oil stating that it is cold-pressed, simply means that it has retained the ingredient s natural value.
Some brands that offer castor oil (in India) are Pure Castor Oil Ricinus Communis, Sunflower Cold-Pressed Pure Natural Carrier, Aloe Veda Cold-Pressed Hexane Free Castor Oil. Watch: How to choose the right hair care product
Please note: This is not an attempt to endorse any product and the effectiveness of said product may vary among different individuals.
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