Applying castor oil to rescue burnt hair?

Breakage, dryness, lack of vitality, or even changes in colour: these are all signs that your hair is damaged. Most often, damaged hair is due to excessive exposure to physical or chemical stress factors that harm the structure and integrity of the hair fibres. Overexposure to the sun, repeated use of heat tools (hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons...), bleaching or permanent straightening are all elements that can damage hair. These various factors can alter the structure of the cuticle, the outermost protective layer of the fibres, but also disrupt the microfibrils of the cortex, the intermediate layer. According to a study conducted ex vivo with human hair, a loss of the structural proteins of the hair fibres begins to be observed when the hair is subjected to temperatures above 170°C - 230 °C.

Once the hair is burnt, it is impossible to repair it.

Regrettably, despite its numerous hair benefits, the application of castor oil cannot salvage burnt hair. Indeed, the damage caused by heat to the cuticle and cortex of hair fibres is most often irreversible. The only solution for burnt hair is a trim of the damaged ends. For those reluctant to lose their length, remember that it is possible to use extensions during the regrowth period.

Castor oil to prevent burnt hair?

To avoid ending up with burnt hair, it is advisable to adopt certain good habits, among which the systematic use of a thermal protection spray before any heat styling. This type of treatment is designed to create a barrier that minimises the harmful effects of heat. Also, ensure to set your heating devices at moderate temperatures. It is also recommended to protect your hair from UV rays using a sun mist and a hat, particularly if you are frequently exposed to the sun.

Finally, regularly hydrating one's hair is crucial to prevent hair damage. The castor oil, known for its nourishing and repairing properties, can play a key role in this process. Rich in fatty acids, it helps to maintain the hydrolipidic film that naturally coats the hair. This vegetable oil thus limits water loss and protects the hair from external aggressions. Moreover, castor oil contains palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid capable of inserting itself between the scales of the cuticle and acting as intercellular cement, thus helping to maintain the cohesion of the fibre. In doing so, castor oil ensures the impermeability of the hair's internal layers and preserves their suppleness, elasticity and shine.

The regular use of castor oilas an oil bath or as a hair mask before shampooing, for instance, can help prevent burnt hair.