Castor Oil For Hair Growth: Does It Really Work? Just The Facts

Update: January 23, 2024. Can castor oil help your hair grow? People were asking if castor oil could re-grow hair or make it thicker. Some people said it was actually working for them. After a quick search, I discovered, sure enough, lots of websites discussing this hair treatment. But is there any proof of it? And by proof, I mean clinical evidence. In this review, you'll learn about the research on castor oil and hair growth. Does it really grow hair, regrow it, or make hair thicker? Let's see what we can discover.

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is the oil that comes from the castor bean. The scientific name is Ricinus communis. While the oil has been used to treat various ailments over the years, those who are old enough (I'm not one of them), may remember it used as a laxative and/or punishment administered by parents on misbehaving kids. Other names for this hair tonic include

1. Ricinoleic acid
2. Huile de ricin
3. Chakra oil
4. palma christi oil
5. Casterbean oil

How Is It Supposed To Work?

While I could not find anything definitive on how it is said to regrow hair, some websites say castor oil works by improving circulation to the follicles on the scalp. The oil does contain many substances, such as vitamins and fatty acids, which various websites tout as helping hair growth. Few websites show evidence of it.

Another theory involves inhibiting a hormone-like compound called prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). Some research finds that the scalps of bald men show higher levels of PGD2 than men who are not balding.

At least one study has noted that ricinoleic acid can inhibit PGD2. In theory, this might mean more hair growth. Human research involving ricinoleic acid and follicle stimulation appears to be lacking.

Castor Oil Hair Growth Research

Testimonials and before and after pictures notwithstanding, does this tonic have any clinical medical proof that it really works? One study noted that castor bean oil improved the luster of hair. In other words, when light hits the hair, it looks better. However, in a review of effective hair growth products, it was concluded that caster bean oil had no strong evidence for its use as a hair growth treatment.

Lack of evidence does not mean something does not work. However, medical research on this follicle elixir appears to be in its infancy.

What About Caster Oil For Eyebrows?

Several websites extol the oil's benefits for helping regrow eyebrows and eyelashes or making them thicker/fuller. Maybe it does, or maybe it doesn't. No clinical studies on eyebrows and the oil could be located. Be careful with castor oil shampoos getting in your eyes.

Do You Drink Caster Oil To Grow Hair?

It is very important not to drink caster bean oil because it is a laxative. Instead, use a small amount and massage it into the scalp. Leave it on for a period of time before washing it out.

Where Do You Buy It?

You can purchase castor oil at any health-food store, including GNC and Vitamin Shoppe.

Here it is on Amazon too

How Long Does Caster Bean Oil Take To Work?

What Type Is Best of Caster Oil?

There is no proof one brand is better than another. That also goes for brands that are cold-pressed, organic, etc. There's not enough evidence yet. Until proper human studies are done, you have two options:

1. Use the brand that people you know and trust have used.

2. Start with the least expensive brand first and see if that works.

Fortunately, most brands of castor oil is not expensive.

Here it is on Amazon if you want to compare prices.

Castor Oil Shampoo

Castor seed oil shampoos might be an option for those who don't want to experiment with placing the oil directly on their scalp.  Keep in mind that shampoos may contain many other ingredients, too.

Here's castor oil shampoo on Amazon

Is Castor Oil + Coconut Oil Better?

Coconut oil has its own follicle stimulation reputation. Thus, assuming these two natural options may work better together is sensible. However, proof for this is lacking.

Castor Oil Side Effects

Massaging the oil into the scalp would probably have few side effects in most people. Despite its potentially unpleasant smell, it seems to be safe. Here are a few things to consider when using castor oil.

1. In one paper, a “contact allergy”  was reported when it was placed on the skin. Others have also noted allergies to castor oil too.
2. To reduce allergic reactions and other problems, consider using only a small amount on the skin for a few days to see if you have any negative reactions.
3. Some may have heard that the castor bean is the source of ricin, a deadly poison. However, caster bean oil does not contain ricin.

Does Castor Oil Work?

Any Comments Or Questions?