Castor Oil For Hair Growth: We Look Into The Claim + Healthy Hair Benefits

Castor oil is certainly one of those ingredients that garners significant fanfare. The classic oil is thought to be the golden elixir of hair growth, but most professionals and the research says, ehh, not really. 

So what's the truth about castor oil? Well, we looked into what it actually does for your hair.

It is a vegetable oil pressed from castor beans. This endlessly popular oil has been a beauty stable for many, many years. "Castor oil1 is one of the oldest forms of medicines worldwide, like in India, where it's widely available and used in ayurvedic medicine," writes Bindiya Gandhi, M.D., of castor oil's many health benefits. It's also very popular beauty staple for black beauty fans—or more specifically a castor oil variation called Jamaican black castor oil, which has a thicker consistency and a darker hue from the extraction process (the beans are roasted and boiled first).

It is especially high in ricinoleic acid1 (around 85 to 95% content), as well as oleic acid and linoleic acid. It's also rich in vitamin E, unsaturated fatty acids including omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, minerals, and other antioxidants. Thanks to these properties, "castor oil has documented1 anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial2, immune-boosting, and analgesic properties," Gandhi says.  

It's a medium-weight, odorless oil that acts as both an emollient and an occlusive. (Emollients are essentially conditioners, while occlusives act as a seal.) Its emollient properties help it penetrate strands and the scalp to hydrate, imparting nutrients and softening agents. The occlusive nature wraps around the strand providing a coating to keep moisture in as well as protecting the strand from physical damage and environmental aggressors. 

Here's what board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D., had to say: "There's no published data showing that castor oil can help, but I do have the occasional patient who swears by it." And that's basically the best answer you are going to get. There are just no studies, research papers, or published resources to suggest that castor oil is actually helping hair grow faster or spurring regrowth—and, yet, anecdotal evidence abounds. 

So research says that it's not actually growing or regrowing your hair—but is it doing anything? Well, the answer to that question is a resounding yes. 

Maybe it's not aiding in growing your long locks, but it's still a highly beneficial oil. Like your skin and body, your hair and scalp need antioxidants, fatty acids, and minerals for optimal health, hydration, and shine. This oil, like we've noted, is chock-full of them. 

Antioxidants (like vitamin E) have been shown to fight free radicals in hair as well as minimizing inflammation at the scalp. Free radical damage has been linked to graying and aging of the hair3. Inflammation has been linked to flaking, dryness, redness, tenderness, and even alarmingly, hair loss. So maybe castor oil isn't helping your hair grow, but it is likely helping you keep the hair you have. The fatty acid content provides moisture to both the strand and skin, and research has drawn a connection to staving off hair loss4 as well. (So, again, this is not helping your hair grow but is perhaps preventing thinning in the future.) 

The same way you use any natural hair oil! Here, our favorite uses: 

If you really want to encourage hair growth, read our best tips here. And then feel free to still use castor oil—it's a great oil!—just know it's likely not stimulating growth. However, it has a host of other benefits to look forward to.