Originally from tropical Africa and the Middle East, castor oil has long been known for its benefits for the skin as well as for the hair, scalp, eyelashes and nails. Also referred to as «castor oil» by English speakers (which, incidentally, has absolutely nothing to do with beavers), this oil is obtained by pressing the seeds of the plant of the same name: the castor bean plant. A pale yellow liquid, it is produced through a first cold pressing, thus preserving its therapeutic properties. Extremely viscous, it is in fact the densest vegetable oil available.
What are the benefits of castor oil for hair regrowth?
The castor oil nourishes and strengthens the hair thanks to its high content of ricinoleic acid, an acid with purifying properties that regulates the proliferation of micro-organisms on the skin and scalp. In addition, fatty acids and vitamin E deeply nourish and moisturise your hair. Result: with regular application, your hair becomes stronger, more resilient and fuller. As it becomes healthier, it grows more and faster. Thanks to these properties, this castor oil can also accelerate the regrowth of eyelashes and eyebrows.
Castor oil during chemotherapy?
Unfortunately, the verdict is in: your chemotherapy may cause your hair to fall out! Start thinking right away about the “post-chemo” period. Once your treatment ends, your hair will grow back at an average rate of about 1 cm per month. Many chemotherapy treatments, particularly Taxol, Taxotere, FEC, EC or AC, cause hair loss and sometimes even loss of eyelashes and eyebrows. Throughout your treatment, massage your scalp to prepare from the very beginning for the regrowth of your hair. Hair regrowth as well as eyelash and eyebrow regrowth will be much more effective and faster with regular application of castor oil. You can even apply it before the end of your treatment to massage and reactivate micro-blood circulation in the scalp. In any case, choose an organic castor oil obtained by cold pressing.
How to use castor oil on your hair?
As castor oil is very viscous, apply it as a mask 2 to 3 times a week, like a pre-shampoo treatment. For daily use, opt for castor oil shampoo. Apply pure castor oil generously over your entire scalp or hair and wrap it in a warm towel or wear a cap to keep your head warm. Ideally, leave the castor oil on overnight. The next day, rinse it out. You will probably need to shampoo twice to remove the oil completely. For better effectiveness, repeat the mask 2 or 3 days later.
How to use castor oil on eyelashes and eyebrows?
You can also use organic castor oil pure on your eyebrows as a mask. Apply it using a cotton swab and leave it on for 1 hour on perfectly cleansed eyebrows. Rinse with water and mild soap. Repeat the application every evening if possible. You will quickly notice thicker, fuller eyebrows for healthier growth. Similarly, for eyelashes, apply castor oil with a cotton swab or a clean mascara brush along the base of your upper lashes at night. Leave it on overnight.
What can castor oil be mixed with?
Castor oil can of course be applied pure, but as it is a very/too viscous oil, you can mix it with a more fluid organic vegetable oil to make application easier. Sweet almond oil is perfect for hair masks, but a vegetable argan oil or coconut oil will work just as well.
What other castor oil-based solutions are there?
To complement pure castor oil masks, you can also enhance your "hair regrowth" routine with treatments based on castor oil. For example, you will find shampoos, conditioners and castor oil-based hair masks that are highly nourishing for the hair fibre.
Warning! Castor oil should not be ingested, as it could cause serious digestive issues.
