Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Published : October 1, 2025 9:01 PM IST
A receding hairline is one of the most common issues that affects men especially once they enter their 30s but it may begin as early as their late teenage years or early 20s. Several factors contribute to a receding hairline in men. Most people experience hair loss due to ageing but experts suggest that this may occur when your hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes your hair follicles to shrink.
Over the years castor oil and coconut oil have been used for centuries to treat poor hair health. Remember getting "champi", a traditional hair oiling ritual from your mother or grandmother for better hair health? Let's delve deeper into how this treatment can boost hair growth in men and which one is better, either castor oil or coconut oil.
Castor oil is a thick substance that is loaded with natural components like anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties apart from other essential fatty acids and nutrients. These properties are believed to support scalp health while strengthening hair growth. Massaging your men's hair with castor oil may help stimulate blood circulation, ultimately supporting hair growth. Other benefits of applying castor oil to your hair include fighting dandruff and thickening your hair while reducing the risk of hair breakage. Despite its many benefits always make sure to wash off your hair after applying castor oil. Leaving this thick substance on for too long may clog scalp pores and cause buildup.
Unlike castor oil, the substance of coconut oil is lighter in texture. This allows it to penetrate your hair shaft easily while keeping your scalp nourished for healthier hair. Coconut oil is loaded with antimicrobial and antifungal properties which can soothe irritation and protect against minor fungal infections on your scalp. The National Institute of Health (NIH) suggest, "The pore surface area data clearly show the benefit of introducing coconut-based hair oils (CBHO) into the hair by preventing an increase in hair porosity. A statistically significant decrease in break stress and toughness was observed, and the same were reversed by the application of CBHO. A pronounced colour protection effect was also recorded with the application of CBHO."
While castor oil and coconut oil offer some benefits for hair health, researchers claim that more research needs to be done to narrow down on which is best for hair growth in men.
After analysing 22 articles that met the inclusion criteria, the National Institute of Health (NIH) published a study titled "Coconut, Castor, and Argan Oil for Hair in Skin of Color Patients: A Systematic Review." It concluded, "Coconut oil has been shown to treat both brittle hair and hair infestation clinically, with limited evidence regarding its impact on hair growth. There is weaker evidence for castor oil improving hair quality by increasing hair luster, and no strong evidence supporting its use for hair growth or treatment of infestation."
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Yes, combining the two can offer complementary benefits.
Castor oil and coconut oil are generally considered safe but some men may experience allergic reactions or clogged pores with castor oil.
Coconut oil is better suited to treat dry scalp or dandruff because of its rich antimicrobial and moisturizing properties.
2–3 times a week is generally effective to reap the benefits of castor oil or coconut oil.
