How to Use Castor Oil for Hair Growth
If you’re looking for a natural remedy to achieve extreme hair growth, castor oil for hair growth is a tried-and-true favorite. Packed with nourishing fatty acids and scalp-stimulating properties, this thick oil can help strengthen your strands, reduce breakage, and support longer, healthier hair over time. In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to grow your hair faster using castor oil—plus tips, tricks, and recipes to make the most of it.
Castor oil is an oil I truly can’t live without. I believe every household should keep a bottle on hand. It is an incredibly healing oil and can be used to treat a variety of ailments.
It can heal dry skin, fade stretch marks, support lymphatic drainage, improve liver function, and so much more.
It can even promote hair growth!
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I am not a doctor and the statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products mentioned here are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor before using essential oils on children under 5 or while pregnant or breastfeeding. Please do not ask me for medical advice. Click here to read my full disclaimer.
You can read this article, Amazing Benefits of Castor Oil + Over 15 Castor Oil Uses, to learn all about castor oil and its amazing benefits.
However, before we discuss castor oil and its specific use for hair growth, I think it’s helpful to first understand exactly what castor oil is.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). It is 100% all-natural, odorless, and has a very thick consistency.
Castor oil has been used for thousands of years for medicinal and beauty purposes.
You can click here to learn more about the history of castor oil.
Castor oil has many incredible benefits, mainly due to its primary fatty acid, ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid is extremely moisturizing and also has healing properties.
The ricinoleic acid in castor oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These qualities are among the main reasons why castor oil offers so many benefits.
How Does Castor Oil Help With Hair Growth?
It is the ricinoleic acid in castor oil that helps promote hair growth. Ricinoleic acid can reduce inflammation and boost circulation.
When castor oil is applied directly to the scalp, it can reduce scalp inflammation and improve circulation to the scalp.
These factors can contribute to a healthy scalp environment, which is crucial for promoting optimal hair growth.
Castor oil also has antimicrobial properties and is extremely moisturizing, which means it can reduce flakiness, irritation, and scalp inflammation, all of which can hinder hair growth.
Castor oil can also be applied to the ends of the hair to moisturize and reduce breakage, which in turn helps your hair grow longer and healthier over time.
What Does The Science Say?
Unfortunately, there have not been any large-scale studies that prove that castor oil can affect hair growth.
Most of the support for castor oil’s hair benefits comes from traditional use, small lab studies (mostly on ricinoleic acid), and user testimonials.
However, as I just mentioned, there have been some small studies done on ricinoleic acid. You can check them out below.
This study showed that ricinoleic acid can reduce inflammation, and this study showed that ricinoleic acid exhibits antibacterial and antifungal effects.
Choosing The Best Castor Oil
If you want to experience all of the wonderful benefits of castor oil, including fast hair growth, you need to choose the right castor oil.
Not all castor oils are created equal.
You’ll want to choose a castor oil that is cold-pressed. Cold-pressed means that the oil was extracted without heat, which helps keep the nutrients intact.
You’ll also want to ensure that it is hexane-free. Hexane is a chemical solvent made from crude oil. It’s commonly used to extract oils from seeds—like soybeans, corn, and even castor beans.
Prolonged exposure can be harmful. It is linked to nerve damage, headaches, and dizziness.
And finally, try to find an organic castor oil.
This is my favorite castor oil. It is 100% cold-pressed, hexane-free, and organic.
Mixing Castor Oil With Other Carrier Oils
One thing to keep in mind about castor oil is that it is very thick and can be difficult to apply to the scalp and hair.
You can use it by itself, but it is much easier to apply when mixed with another carrier oil.
Some of my favorite carrier oils to mix with castor oil are hempseed, almond, and jojoba oil.
Hempseed, almond, and jojoba oil all have a much thinner consistency which make them perfect for mixing with castor oil. They also have very low comedogenic ratings which means they are less likely to clog the pores on your scalp.
I do not recommend mixing castor oil and
When mixing castor oil with another carrier oil, there is no right or wrong method—it really depends on how thick or thin you want the oil to be.
You can use 3 parts castor oil and 1 part almond oil, or 2 parts castor oil and 2 parts jojoba oil. It’s entirely up to you.
Mixing Castor Oil & Essential Oils
You can also add essential oils to your castor oil to enhance its hair growth benefits.
My favorite essential oils for hair growth are rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood.
You can read this article, Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth & Thickness, to discover more essential oils for hair growth.
Just be sure not to go overboard with essential oils—using too much can irritate the scalp. Aim to keep the dilution below 2%.
You can check out my DIY hair growth oil for a simple, effective recipe that includes essential oils. It’s formulated at a 1.25% dilution, which is well within safe limits—especially for leave-on treatments like scalp massages.
Castor Oil & Herbs
Another great way to boost the hair growth properties of castor oil is to infuse it with herbs.
Some of the best herbs for hair growth are rosemary, lavender, peppermint, and horsetail.
While herbs aren’t as potent or concentrated as essential oils, their gentler nature makes them suitable for regular use. With consistent application, they can be equally effective in promoting hair growth and scalp health.
The only downside to using herbs instead of essential oils is that it takes more time.
It will take either a few hours or a few weeks to infuse, depending on the method you choose.
Solar Infusion Method
You can use the solar infusion method, which takes 2-4 weeks. This is the gentlest method and the best for preserving nutrients. Step-by-step instructions are below.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of dried herbs to a 6-8 ounce jar.
- Pour in the castor oil, making sure the herbs are completely covered.
- Seal the jar and place it in a sunny window for 2–4 weeks.
- Shake the jar daily to help infuse the herbs into the oil.
- After 2–4 weeks, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
- Transfer to a clean bottle and store in a cool, dark place.
Gentle Heat Infusion Method
Or you can use the gentle heat infusion method, which takes a few hours. Step-by-step instructions are below.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of dried herbs to a 6-8 ounce jar or a double boiler.
- Pour in the castor oil, making sure the herbs are completely covered.
- Place the jar in a warm water bath (slow cooker or saucepan on very low heat).
- Gently warm for 2–3 hours, keeping the temperature below 120°F (49°C) to preserve nutrients.
- Stir occasionally, then let it cool completely.
- Strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
- Transfer to a clean bottle and store in a cool, dark place.
How to Use Castor Oil for Hair Growth
Using castor oil for hair growth is simple—but it’s important to select a high-quality oil and mix in any extra carrier oils, essential oils, or herbs before you start if you want to customize your treatment.
You can check out my homemade hair growth oil for a quick, simple recipe.
Or you can just use castor oil by itself!
Below are the best methods for using castor oil for hair growth.
Scalp Massage
A scalp massage is a wonderful way to use castor oil for hair growth. Just add a teaspoon or two of castor oil to the palm of your hands. Rub the oil between your hands to warm it up so it will spread more easily.
Use the pads of your fingers (not your fingernails!) to massage your scalp in gentle, small circular motions.
Apply light to moderate pressure to stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles.
You can flip your head forward for a minute or two to encourage circulation.
When you’re done with the scalp massage, leave the oil on your scalp for at least 30 minutes to maximize absorption.
You can leave it on longer if you like, even overnight.
You’ll need to shampoo your hair afterwards to fully remove the oil.
I suggest giving your scalp a massage with castor oil a few times each week for optimal results.
Apply Lightly to Scalp & Ends
If you’re looking for a quicker or easier way to use castor oil for hair growth, you can simply lightly apply it to your scalp and the ends of your hair.
Just add a few drops to the palm of your hands. Rub the oil between your hands to warm it up so it will spread more easily.
Then, apply the castor oil directly to your scalp, concentrating on areas that are thinning or where you want to encourage growth.
Then lightly smooth over the ends of your hair, focusing on dry or split ends.
Depending on the amount of castor oil you use and how oily or dry your hair and scalp are, you might be able to go through your day without your hair appearing greasy at all.
If it does look greasy, you can leave it in as long as you like and then wash your hair to remove the oil.
I like to apply castor oil to my scalp and ends the night before I wash my hair.
I apply it at night before bed, leave it on all night while I sleep, and wash it out the next morning.
I suggest doing this several times a week for optimal results.
Hair Mask
Using castor oil as a hair mask will not only promote hair growth, but it can also repair dry, damaged hair.
With that said, I highly recommend mixing castor oil with another carrier oil (or using one of the recipes below) if you want to use it as a mask.
As I previously mentioned, castor oil is incredibly thick, making it very difficult to apply and wash out if used by itself.
My homemade hair growth oil recipe makes a great hair mask!
I recommend dividing your hair into 2–4 sections using clips to make the application more manageable.
Then use your fingers or an applicator bottle to apply the oil directly to your scalp. Massage gently into your scalp, ensuring the entire scalp is saturated.
Then work the oil through the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, concentrating on dry or damaged areas.
Next, wrap your hair with a shower cap or towel to improve absorption.
Keep the mask on for at least 30 minutes, or leave it overnight for more intensive conditioning.
You should wash your hair to remove the oil. You might even need to wash it twice!
I recommend only using castor oil as a hair mask once a week.
Castor Oil Hair Growth Mask Recipes
As I mentioned earlier, my homemade hair growth oil also works beautifully as a hair mask. But if you’re looking for other castor oil mask ideas, check out the recipes below for some great alternatives.
Castor Oil & Honey Hair Mask
Combine all the ingredients below. Apply the mixture to the hair from the scalp to the ends, cover with a cap, and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of castor oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
- 10 drops of rosemary essential oil
Castor Oil & Egg Hair Mask
Combine all the ingredients below. I recommend using a blender or a whisk. Apply the mixture to the hair from the scalp to the ends, cover with a cap, and leave it on for 15-30 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water and then shampoo your hair.
Do not rinse with hot water. This may actually cause the egg to cook in your hair.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of castor oil
- 1 egg
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
Final Thoughts
So that is pretty much everything you need to know about using castor oil for hair growth. I really hope it helps you grow your hair longer.
A few things to keep in mind when using castor oil for hair growth are that it takes time and consistency. So, if you don’t see results right away—which you probably won’t—don’t give up.
It can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks before you notice new hair growth.
If you have any questions or comments, please share them below.
