What are the benefits of castor oil for hair?

Thevegetable oil of castor is one of the most commonly used 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. It is a friend to the hair, eyebrows, eyelashes and nails.

It is primarily composed ofricinoleic acid (ranging from 83% to 88%), but also contains oleic acid (omega-9), linoleic acid (omega-6), palmitic acid, and stearic acid. Be careful! Castor oil is a non-edible oil. It should be reserved for external use due to its purgative and laxative effects.

When used topically, castor oil is recommended for various concerns.

• It limits hair loss.

  Thealopeciais the scientific term for hair loss. As a reminder, this phenomenon is normal and natural: on average, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day. However, it can be considered abnormal beyond a loss of more than 100 hairs per day. The causes can be internal and external (genetics, hormonal imbalance, smoking, nutritional deficiencies, diseases, stress, medical treatments, pollution...).

  Scientific studies have shown that ricinoleic acid, which is present in large amounts in this substance, inhibits the action of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2),a protein heavily involved in the phenomena of androgenetic alopecia.

  How should castor oil be used in this case? Apply pure castor oil directly to the scalp at least twice a week and perform massages to stimulate the hair follicle. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before doing your shampoo.

• It slows down the aging of hair fibers, protects them, and restores their shine.

  The unsaponifiable fraction of castor oil is composed of Vitamin E (tocopherol) and phytosterols (beta-sitosterol). These compounds, being antioxidants,protect the hair from external aggressions (pollution, sun, cigarette smoke...), which generate an overproduction of free radicals. This phenomenon, known as oxidative stress, is a factor associated with the deterioration of hair fibers, the appearance of white hair, or even hair loss. Vitamin E and the beta-sitosterols neutralize these free radicals to prevent them from causing harm, thus maintaining good hair quality for as long as possible.

  How should castor oil be used in this case? Apply just a few drops of oil into the palm of your hand, then distribute the treatment onto your ends. Be careful, only a few drops are necessary otherwise a greasy effect is guaranteed.

• It purifies the scalp.

  This vegetable oil also has antibacterial and antifungal benefits. Applied directly to the roots, about thirty minutes before shampooing, it will soothe irritated scalps and limit the development of dandruff caused by excessive flaking.

Due to these virtues, castor vegetable oil is present in thedry hair oil withaçaí oil and hibiscus intended for fine and dry hair, as well as in the rich hair oil with pequi oil and argan, more suitable for curly to kinky hair.