Castor oil is a very popular ingredient for hair. It has been used for centuries as a home remedy for hair loss because it works effectively in promoting hair growth.
But does castor oil help hair grow in bald spots? Is it as good as they say? Are there any side effects of applying castor oil to your hair?
Read on to find out.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis), which is native to Eastern Africa. It has been used in many cultures for centuries as a remedy for various skin conditions, including eczema, acne, and rosacea.
Castor oil has a high smoke point, making it a great oil for cooking at high temperatures. It also has many uses for hair, some of which include relieving dandruff and itchy scalp, promoting hair growth, and preventing premature graying of hair.
Does castor oil help hair grow in bald spots?
Yes, castor oil helps hair grow in bald spots. It contains ricinoleic acid, which helps stimulate the follicles in the scalp and increases its production of natural oils.
It also contains sterols and other compounds that help increase blood circulation to the scalp. This makes it easier for blood to flow to your hair follicles and nourish them.
So when you apply castor oil to your bald spots, it acts as a growth factor that prompts your follicles to produce more hair and encourages healthy hair growth.
Other benefits of castor oil for hair
- It helps strengthen and repair dry or damaged hair.
- It helps prevent split ends and breakage, making it easier for you to style your hair without worrying about damage.
- It prevents dandruff, which is caused by the overgrowth of fungus on the scalp.
- It makes your hair shinier and healthier looking.
- It protects hair from free radical damage.
How to use castor oil for bald spots
Apply it directly
This is the easiest way to use castor oil for bald spots. Just spread a small amount over your scalp, massage it in, and then cover your head with a shower cap. Leave it on for 15 -20 minutes before rinsing it out thoroughly with warm water.
Repeat this process at least twice weekly for faster hair growth.
Mix it with other oils
Mixing castor oil with other oils is a great way to get the benefits of each oil. When you mix oils, you’ll get a higher amount of nutrients and will see results that are more impressive than if you were to just use one or the other.
How to:
- Add 1 teaspoon of castor oil to a small bowl, then melt it over the stovetop.
- Add your preferred oils to the melted coconut oil and stir well.
- Apply the mixture directly to your scalp, working from the back to the front.
- Massage it into your scalp, focusing more on your bald spots.
- Cover your scalp with a shower cap, then leave the oil on for about 20 minutes.
- Wash out the mixture with shampoo and warm water, then dry your hair with a clean towel.
Mix it with turmeric and honey
Turmeric and honey are popular for their many hair benefits, including aiding in hair growth and moisturizing hair. This makes them perfect for mixing with castor oil to help in promoting hair growth in bald spots.
How to:
- Combine 2 teaspoons of castor oil and 1 teaspoon of turmeric in a small container.
- Add 1 teaspoon of honey and stir until you have a smooth mixture.
- If the consistency is too thick, add more castor oil and stir again until smooth.
- Massage the mixture into your scalp and then leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Wash out the mixture with shampoo and lukewarm water.
Mix it with your shampoo or conditioner
Another way to use castor oil on bald spots is to mix it with your shampoo or conditioner.
- Open the lid of your shampoo or conditioner, then add a small amount of castor oil to it.
- Close the lid securely and shake it vigorously for 5-10 seconds to mix all ingredients.
- Use as needed.
How long does it take for castor oil to grow hair?
The answer to this question depends on two factors. The first factor is your genetics. If you have naturally thick hair, then you may have more success in growing your hair with castor oil than someone who does not have such good genetics.
The second factor is what kind of castor oil you use. There are three different types of castor oils: pure, cosmetic-grade, and food-grade. Each type has its uses and benefits that make them more or less suitable for treating bald spots.
The best type of castor oil for treating bald spots is pure castor oil because it contains more nutrients and is, therefore, more effective at promoting hair growth.
Can you put castor oil in your hair every day?
The answer is no. Castor oil is one of the best oils you can use to promote hair growth, but it’s important not to overdo it. When you use castor oil too often, it can cause damage to your hair follicles, which can lead to more bald spots.
If you want your hair to grow naturally with castor oil, then you should use it no more than twice or thrice a week.
Are there any side effects to using castor oil?
Yes, there are. Castor oil is a natural remedy that isn’t suitable for everyone, especially if you have certain medical conditions or are using too much of it.
Castor oil may cause side effects, such as:
- Burning sensation in the scalp
- Redness and irritation of the scalp
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If you experience any of these side effects after applying castor oil to your bald spots, seek medical attention.
Tips to help you grow hair in bald spots naturally
Eat foods that are rich in protein
Foods that are rich in protein will help your body produce more collagen and elastin, which are two important proteins that help strengthen hair. Focus on eating foods such as eggs, chicken, turkey, and fish for their protein-rich content.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water will help prevent dehydration, which can cause weak roots in your hair follicles. Make sure you drink between 8 and 12 glasses of water each day to ensure your body is properly hydrated from the inside out.
Get enough sleep
Sleep plays an important role in promoting healthy hair growth. Getting enough sleep can also help reduce stress, which can cause hair loss and premature graying of hair.
Eat foods rich in vitamins
You need vitamins to make healthy hair follicles and stimulate the production of new hair. Foods such as broccoli, sweet bell peppers, avocadoes, and potatoes all contain vitamins, which will help promote healthy hair growth in bald spots.
Exercise regularly
Exercise helps keep your body functioning properly, so it’s important to do it every day if you want to grow healthier hair. You can start with basic exercises like walking and running, then work your way up to complex exercises like pushups and planks.
FAQs
Can you leave castor oil in your hair overnight?
Yes, you can. However, it’s important to note that using castor oil on your hair overnight can cause side effects if you use it too often. So, if you want this treatment to work, then you need to use it no more than thrice a week.
Can you use castor oil for dandruff?
Yes, you can. Castor oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial agent that you can use to treat dandruff and many scalp infections. It is also a great moisturizer that can help repair and soothe dry scalp and hair.
Is it safe to mix vitamin E oil with castor oil?
Yes, it is. To do this, mix 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil with 1 teaspoon of castor oil in a small bowl. Apply the mixture directly onto your scalp and allow it to sit on your head for 15 minutes before washing it out with shampoo and warm water.
Conclusion
Castor oil is loaded with ricinoleic acid and other nutrients that are great for bald spots.
All you need to do is apply a small amount onto your scalp, massage it in, and rinse it out after some minutes. You can also mix this oil with other natural ingredients or mix it with your shampoo or conditioner for extra benefits.
Thanks for reading.
Visit Serum101 to learn more about castor oil and its benefits.
