Ranked among the most popular natural ingredients for hair care, castor oil brings a host of benefits to the hair. Some studies even suggest that applying this vegetable oil to the hair plays a role in combating gray hair. Learn more.
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Castor oil to delay the appearance of white hair?
Summary
- The formation of white hair, a natural hair phenomenon
- Castor oil to prevent the onset of white hair?
- Restoring your natural hair color with castor oil?
- Sources
Published May 20, 2023,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Pauline, Chemical Engineer
—
4 min read
The formation of white hair, a natural hair phenomenon.
The appearance of white hair is a natural process that occurs with age. It is due to the decrease in melanin production by pigment cells, the melanocytes, located at the base of hair follicles. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the coloration of hair and skin. The hair pigmentation process is regulated by a number of genes, including the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), which plays a key role in melanin production by melanocytes. Studies have shown that genetic mutations in the MITF gene are associated with a decrease in melanin production and an early onset of white hair.
In addition to age and genetics, other factors can contribute to the onset of gray hair, such as oxidative stress and autoimmune diseases, like vitiligo. Oxidative stress is a biochemical process that occurs when cells are exposed to high levels of free radicals, unstable molecules that damage cells and tissues. Oxidative stress can thus damage melanocytes and lead to a decrease in melanin production, which contributes to the emergence of gray hair.
Castor oil to prevent the onset of white hair?
Thecastor vegetable oil is a natural hair care product known for its numerous benefits for the hair. Its high content of essential fatty acids makes this oil nourishing and hydrating. Indeed, the structure of saturated fatty acids is similar to that of lipids in the cuticle, which allows them to insert themselves and strengthen it. In doing so, castor oil promotes the impermeability and cohesion of this layer, as well as the overall protection of the hair fiber. When solidified, it reflects more light, which gives shine to the hair.
When it comes to white hair, regularly applying castor oil to the scalp may potentially slow their onset. Indeed, castor oil contains Vitamin E, an antioxidant, which neutralizes free radicals, species involved in hair color loss. Vitamin E works by donating an electron to these reactive species and notably allows the transformation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water (H2O). However, caution is advised: no study on castor oil itself has demonstrated its ability to slow the appearance of white hair.
Restoring your natural hair color with castor oil?
The depigmentation of hair related to aging, leading to the gradual appearance of white hair, is a natural and irreversible phenomenon. No ingredient can restart the production of melanin from melanocytes that have ceased to produce it. Therefore, castor oil will not allow individuals with white hair to regain their natural color, its benefits are limited to hydration, nutrition, and proper hair care.
Sources
SEIBERG M. Age-induced hair greying - the multiple effects of oxidative stress. International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2013).
MARWAT S. K. & al. Review - Ricinus communis - ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2017).
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