Can Castor Oil Grow Hair?
Castor oil is commonly touted as nature’s cure for hair loss. Botanical-based products like castor oil undoubtedly have a strong appeal, especially considering all the side effects recently associated with synthetic remedies.
But does castor oil really grow your hair? Let’s investigate.

In this article, we’ll explain:
1. What’s special about castor oil?
2. Types of castor oil
3. Can castor oil grow hair on the scalp?
4. Can castor oil grow lashes?
5. Where to buy castor oil
What’s special about castor oil?
Castor oil is derived from the ricinus communis plant, and is primarily composed of a compound called ricinoleic acid. The oil is extracted from the bean via solvent extraction and, preferably, cold-pressing. Cold-pressing is thought to preserve some of the valuable properties of the oil, which may be destroyed under heat.
Ricinoleic acid accounts for 87-90% of castor oil. Castor oil also contains other valuable fatty acids, as well as polyphenols, phytosterols, and tocopherols. These antioxidant compounds are thought to preserve the stability of the oil and contribute to anti-inflammatory properties. Castor oil also appears to have some inherent antimicrobial properties.
Ricinoleic acid itself looks like prostaglandins, physiologically active lipids with hormone-like effects. This likely contributes to castor oil’s laxative and labor-inducing actions.
Castor oil has long been used in traditional medicines, and was even found in tombs dating back at least 5000 years.
Types of castor oil
Cold-pressed castor oil is generally considered to be the most optimal, as it preserves the chemical integrity of the bioactive compounds. Another popular option is black castor oil, which is made by first roasting the castor bean. Cosmetic formulations often employ the use of hydrogenated castor oil, which can act as an emulsifier or emollient.
Can castor oil grow hair on the scalp?
Documented medical use dates back to at least 1500 BC in ancient Egypt. Despite this, today the only evidence-based applications of castor oil are as a laxative and for inducing labor. What does that mean for hair growth?
Just because there is no scientific evidence to support something doesn’t mean that it doesn’t work. Castor oil is a popular topical aid for hair growth, although you won’t hear your dermatologist recommending it.
That said, it is unlikely that castor oil actually improves hair growth. The observable improvements in hair fullness can probably be attributed to the viscosity of castor oil. Castor oil is a very thick, slow-moving oil, which easily coats the hair shaft and may help with breakage. It also makes the hair strand appear thicker and shinier. In other words, it may create the illusion of fuller, healthier hair without actually stimulating hair growth.
The good news is, using castor oil on your hair probably won’t hurt you. There is some risk of an allergic reaction. There are also some reports of a phenomenon known as “felting,” in which the scalp hair becomes irreparably matted and tangled. The only solution in this case is to cut off the damaged hair.
Another downside is the viscosity of castor oil. It is extremely sticky and difficult to work with, so you may be better off diluting with a carrier oil. For hair growth, coconut oil is a good choice, or even a preferable alternative altogether. That is because coconut oil may be able to enter the hair shaft and help reduce protein damage and moisture loss.
Can castor oil grow lashes?
Another hair-related application of castor oil is as a lash serum. Popular formulations for lash growth contain synthetic prostaglandin-analogs, which interact with prostaglandin receptors to keep hair in the growth phase cycle. This allows lashes to grow longer and fuller. The problem with these prostaglandin-analogs is that they eventually result in severe side-effects, including darkening around the eyes due to increased pigmentation and sub-orbital fat loss which increases the appearance of aging.
In light of these scary side-effects, there is renewed interest in botanical options such as castor oil. Although ricinoleic acid resembles prostaglandins, it does not appear to pose the same issues as synthetic prostaglandin analogs. This may be in part because in castor oil ricinoleic acid is mainly bound up as triglycerides. (For proven applications, to stimulate uterine contractions or intestinal motility, castor oil is ingested and metabolized by the body to reduce other biologically active compounds.) It’s also possible it’s simply not as potent as synthetic analogs. Castor oil therefore appears to be a safe option for topical eyelash application. As with scalp hair growth, it is unlikely to actually increase eyelash growth. It may, however, improve the appearance and thickness of lashes.
Where to buy castor oil
Lab Alley prides ourselves on our natural, high-quality chemicals. We are pleased to supply you with lab grade and USP grade castor oil, available in multiple sizing options from small scale to bulk. Shop today on our easy-to-navigate website with no-hassle ordering and speedy delivery.
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