There’s no science to back up claims that castor oil is good for hair.
Some say castor oil can also help grow eyebrows and eyelashes.
However, little evidence supports the anecdotes that say it improves hair health and growth.
Sol de Zuasnabar Brebbia / Getty Images
Antioxidants keepfree radicalsfrom damaging the body’s healthy cells.
This destructive process is calledoxidative stress, and it’s linked to many health effects, including hair loss.
Castor oil is heavy and very sticky, which makes it hard to remove from hair.
It’s best to mix castor oil with other natural oils likecoconutor jojoba.
Diluting the castor oil can also tone down the scent, which many people find unpleasant.
Mix one part of castor oil with two parts of anothercarrier oilto dilute it.
Many hair care experts recommend using castor oil no more than once a week.
Using it more frequently than that can cause buildup and lead to issues like matting.
No exact guidelines exist for how long you should leave castor oil on your hair.
That said, leaving it in too long can dry out your hair and scalp.
To prevent drying, wash the castor oil from your hair after about two hours.
Castor oil may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
If you get the oil in your eyes, don’t panic.
Flush your eyes with clean water.
Still, many people claim it works.
One of the most popular castor oil products for hair care is Jamaican black castor oil.
This variety is made with roasted castor beans and the ash the roasting process produces.
Jamaican black castor oil is considered especially good for thick, dry, and/orcoarse hair.
Does Castor Oil Go Bad?
Castor oil does not last forever.
see to it you know how to store your oil correctly.
You’ll also need to use it before it reaches the end of its shelf life.
Once opened, castor oil will start to go rancid after about one year.
Since the condition is irreversible, cutting off the affected hair is the only solution.
Consuming large amounts of castor oil can also be harmful.
Your hair may require two applications of shampoo to remove the castor oil completely.
2021;6661373:(1):1-11. doi:10.1155/2021/6661373
Mount Sinai.Omega-6 Fatty Acids.
American College of Healthcare Sciences.Carrier oils.
2017;9(3):116-118. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_22_17
University of Florida Health.Castor oil overdose.
Concha JSS, Werth VP.Alopecias in lupus erythematosus.Lupus Sci Med.
2018;5(1):e000291.
