Associated with significant hair loss, baldness is a hair problem that primarily affects men. Known for stimulating hair growth, could castor oil be a solution to slow down baldness?
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Is castor oil effective in slowing down baldness?
Summary
Published May 20, 2023,
updated on November 8, 2024,
by
Pauline, Head of Scientific Communication
—
7 min read
What is baldness?
Baldness is characterized by excessive hair loss. This phenomenon is marked by the weakening of the activity of hair follicles. As a result, hair decreases in certain areas of the scalp. Generally, baldness occurs between one's twenties and forties. This hair issue primarily affects men and is quite widespread. It is estimated that about 30% of men exhibit alopecia at 30 years old, 50% at 50 years old, and 80% at 70 years old.
Also known as androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of baldness is linked to a hormonal cause. Both women and men produce androgens, steroid hormones, but the amount synthesized is greater in men. Androgens bind to specific receptors located in the hair follicles of the scalp. This leads to a shortening of the hair growth cycle, a miniaturization of the follicles, and a gradual reduction in hair density. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a derivative of testosterone that is particularly involved in androgenetic alopecia. DHT is formed from testosterone through the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase.
It is interesting to note that hair loss does not occur uniformly across the scalp. Indeed, those located at the top of the forehead and the crown are most affected by baldness, while those on the sides are often protected. These latter are actually insensitive to androgens, and are even referred to as "eternal hairs". Finally, although these hormones play a major role in baldness, other factors can cause hair loss. These include genetic susceptibility, stress, and diet, particularly a deficiency in vitamin D.
Is castor oil a solution for baldness?
The castor oil (INCI: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil) is one of the most commonly used vegetable oils in cosmetics. It is derived from the cold pressing of the seeds of the common castor (Ricinus communis), a shrub mainly cultivated in China, India, and Brazil. This plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Castor oil presents itself as a thick, even viscous, liquid. It is renowned for its nourishing, strengthening, and purifying virtues, and is a friend to hair, eyebrows, eyelashes , and nails.
Castor oil can be used as a preventive measure against baldness. Indeed, several studies have recently explored its potential to combat alopecia and have discovered that it has an effect on hair loss. Its properties come from the ability of ricinoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid, to inhibit the activity of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). This protein, in synergy with its metabolite 15-dPGJ2, interrupts hair growth by binding to the GPR44 molecular receptor. Scientists have also noticed that prostaglandin D2 is about three times more present in the bald areas of the scalp than in the hair-bearing areas.
Furthermore, a recent study conducted on rabbits has shown that the daily application of castor oil and shea butter could stimulate their fur growth. After 28 days of daily application, the results showed a more significant fur growth in both males and females on which the oil mixture had been used. The results are presented in the table below and seem to indicate a beneficial effect of castor oil and shea butter.
| Rabbit Group | Average hair growth after 28 days |
|---|---|
| Males with Castor Oil | 20 mm |
| Males without Castor Oil | 0.43 inches |
| Females with Castor Oil | 0.61 inches |
| Females without Castor Oil | 8 mm |
Effet d'un mélange d'huile de ricin et de beurre de karité sur la pousse des poils de lapins.
Source : KPOROU E. & al. Quality, safety and activity of an ointment formulated from Butyrospermum parkii and Ricinus communis oils on rabbits hair growth. Pharmacopée et médecine traditionnelle africaine (2021).
The effect of castor oil in combating hair loss was also tested in a clinical trial involving 16 volunteers suffering from significant hair loss. For three months, the participants applied a blend of vegetable oils: castor, black seed, sunflower, jojoba, olive, and pumpkin seed oils. It was observed that 56.25% of the volunteers noticed an increase in their hair growth, and 50% reported a decrease in hair loss. However, it is difficult to conclude about the actual effectiveness of castor oil as the positive results obtained could be due to the synergy between the different oils. In the future, it would be interesting if this study were replicated using only castor oil.
Even though current scientific evidence is insufficient to assert that castor oil can slow down baldness, it remains promising.
How to use castor oil to delay baldness?
To delay baldness using castor oil, it is recommended to apply it at least twice a week to the scalp and perform massages to stimulate the hair follicle. Then, let it sit for at least 30 minutes before shampooing. It is indeed essential to wash your hair afterward because the castor oil has a rather greasy texture. You can also mix it with another beneficial vegetable oil for the scalp, such as the avocado oil or the argan oil, for a lighter application.
Sources
FONG P. & al. In silico prediction of prostaglandin D2 synthase inhibitors from herbal constituents for the treatment of hair loss. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2015).
MARWAT S. K. & others. Review - Ricinus communis - traditional medicinal uses and pharmacological activities. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2017).
KPOROU E. & al. Quality, safety, and effectiveness of an ointment formulated from Butyrospermum parkii and Ricinus communis oils on rabbit hair growth. African Pharmacopoeia and Traditional Medicine (2021).
HOSSAIN J. & al. Design and Evaluation of Hair Growth - Hair Fall Oil Formulation from Botanicals. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal (2024).
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