Hair Coloring: Does Castor Oil Fade Color?

Whether it's for a change of look or to conceal gray hair, hair color treatments are increasingly popular. Full color, highlights, or streaks, the options are numerous and allow everyone to bring some creativity to their hair. However, hair dyes are controversial due to their composition and the potentially harmful effects they could have on hair, health, and the environment. Indeed, by opening the scales of the hair fiber cuticle, a necessary step to replace melanin, certain chemical agents found in permanent hair dyes are likely to weaken the fibers. That's why it's recommended for people with colored hair to carefully choose the hair care products they use.

Among the vegetable oils favored for hair care, castor oil holds a prominent place. Indeed, in addition to hydrating and nourishing the fibers, this ingredient could potentially promote hair growth, a hypothesis that however requires further scientific research. Nevertheless, despite the numerous benefits of castor oil for hair, it is generally advised against using it on colored hair. Indeed, according to some testimonies, a loss of coloration and a yellowing of the hair has been observed in individuals with colored hair. It is supposed that this effect could be caused by the weakening of the strands during hair dyeing. The quality and quantity of castor oil, as well as the quality of the dye itself, could also be implicated. However, it should be noted that this decolorizing action of castor oil has only been observed in individual experiments by private individuals.

No scientific study to date has shown that castor oil can strip hair dye. However, as a precaution, it is advisable to opt for another vegetable oil or a hair oil to care for colored hair.

Castor Oil and Colored Hair: A True Incompatibility?

If you still wish to enjoy the unique hair benefits of the castor oil, particularly its potential effect on hair growth, and you have colored hair, know that there are a few tricks. Indeed, to minimize the risk of altering your hair color, you can dilute the castor oil in a more suitable vegetable oil, such as argan oil or hibiscus oil. A 20% dilution, for example, could be beneficial. In addition to protecting your color, this will reduce the high viscosity of the castor oil and make its application easier.