What are the benefits of castor oil for hair?

Thevegetable oil of castor is one of the most widely used oils in cosmetics. It is derived from the cold pressing of the seeds of the common castor (Ricinus communis), a shrub mainly cultivated in China, India and Brazil. This plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Castor oil presents itself as a thick, even viscous liquid. It is renowned for its nourishing, strengthening and purifying virtues. It is a friend to the hair, eyebrows, eyelashes and nails.

It is primarily composed ofricinoleic acid (ranging from 83% to 88%), but also contains oleic acid (omega-9), linoleic acid (omega-6), palmitic acid and stearic acid. Be careful! Castor oil is a non-edible oil. It should be reserved for external use due to its purgative and laxative effects.

When used as a hair treatment, castor oil is recommended for various concerns.

• It limits hair loss.

  Thealopeciais the scientific term for hair loss. As a reminder, this phenomenon is normal and natural: on average, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day. However, it can be considered abnormal if the loss exceeds more than 100 hairs per day. The causes can be internal and external (genetics, hormonal imbalance, smoking, nutritional deficiencies, illnesses, stress, medical treatments, pollution...).

  Scientific studies have shown that ricinoleic acid, which is present in large quantities in this substance inhibits the action of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), a protein heavily involved in the phenomena of androgenetic alopecia.

  How should one use castor oil in this instance? Apply pure castor oil directly to the scalp at least twice a week and perform massages to stimulate the hair follicle. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before proceeding with your shampoo.

• It slows down the ageing of hair fibres, protects them, and restores their shine.

  The unsaponifiable fraction of castor oil is composed of Vitamin E (tocopherol) and phytosterols (beta-sitosterol). These compounds, being antioxidants,protect the hair from external aggressions (pollution, sun, cigarette smoke...), which generate an overproduction of free radicals. This phenomenon, known as oxidative stress, is a factor associated with the deterioration of hair fibres, the appearance of grey hair, and even hair loss. Vitamin E and the beta-sitosterols neutralise these free radicals to prevent them from causing harm, thus maintaining good hair quality for as long as possible.

  How should castor oil be used in this instance? Simply apply a few drops of the oil into the palm of your hand, then distribute the treatment onto your hair ends. Be careful, only a few drops are necessary otherwise a greasy effect is guaranteed.

• It purifies the scalp.

  This vegetable oil also possesses antibacterial and antifungal benefits. Applied directly to the roots, about thirty minutes before shampooing, it will soothe irritated scalps and limit the development of dandruff caused by excessive desquamation.

Due to these virtues, castor vegetable oil is present in thedry hair oil withaçaí oil and hibiscus intended for fine and dry hair, as well as in the rich hair oil with pequi oil and argan, more suitable for curly and even frizzy hair.