5 things that can go wrong when using castor oil on hair

Side effects of castor oil Castor oil has emerged as a miracle remedy in the beauty industry and it has been particularly used by individuals seeking longer and thicker hair. This nutrient-dense oil is available everywhere as DIY hair masks to overnight scalp treatment. But it is important to note that just because something is natural does not necessarily imply that it is safe. Here are five side effects Dr. Amit Prakash Singh, Consultant, Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi pointed out about natural oils and how they may cause damage depending on your skin type and usage.Tangled hair Among the side effects that are lesser known is hair matting a situation when your hair gets tangled into a stiff and matted mass. According to Healthline excessive or inappropriate usage of castor oil may cause hair to become tangled which could even necessitate trimming the hair.Allergic reactions Although castor oil can rarely cause allergic reactions there is a possibility of people experiencing swelling, rashes or intense itchiness. To prevent complications due to this popular hair care remedy, experts suggest that you do a patch test first on your scalp before applying it completely.Build-up on scalp Due to its thick consistency, castor oil may easily accumulate in the head if you don’t do a proper hair wash. Over time this can block the hair follicles resulting in a dull appearance of hair and an unhealthy scalp environment.Scalp irritation and itching Castor oil is very thick and concentrated which is why it may not suit everyone. According to Dr. Singh some users may complain of itching, redness or burning sensation following application of castor oil, indicating of sensitivity or mild allergy.Greasy hair Castor oil is a popular hair care remedy for faster hair growth but due to its thick consistency if you don’t wash it properly then it can leave your mane too greasy and heavy. It is important to note that this not only has an impact on styling but can also draw dust and dirt ultimately leaving your scalp uncomfortable. The content on TheHealthSite.com is only for informational purposes. It is not at all professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for any questions regarding your health or a medical condition.