Black castor oil vs castor oil for hair growth

Castor oil is most commonly used as a laxative. But castor oil’s natural antiviral and antimicrobial properties make it a popular treatment for skin problems known as dermatosis as well as fungal infections. It’s also used for hair growth.

Some people use castor oil to grow longer hair or to treat hair loss, also known as alopecia. It’s marketed as a treatment for dry scalp and other scalp conditions as well.

While the average human hair follicle grows just over a centimeter a month, some claim anecdotally that using castor oil once a month can spur growth three to five times the normal rate. There is no clinical evidence to support this, however.

If you still want to try castor oil on your hair, here’s a safe, easy at-home method. You’ll need the following supplies:

  • castor oil
  • an old T-shirt
  • rubber gloves
  • applicator brush
  • comb
  • shower cap
  • large towel

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  1. Put on the old T-shirt to prevent staining your clothes.
  2. Section off your hair.
  3. Put on the rubber gloves and begin applying the castor oil to your scalp using the applicator brush. Massage the oil into your scalp.
  4. Apply castor oil to the rest of your hair, using the comb to ensure even coverage. It doesn’t need to be soaked through with oil, but all of your hair should be moist.
  5. Once applied, put the shower cap on, ensuring all hair is tucked inside.
  6. Clean up any oil drippings with the towel.
  7. Leave the shower cap on for at least two hours. This gives the oil enough time to penetrate the scalp, hair follicles, and hair shaft.
  8. After two hours, wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner.

The evidence for castor oil’s effectiveness as more than a laxative is only anecdotal. There are many claims about castor oil, including those that topical castor oil can help prevent or treat skin cancer. However, there’s no evidence to support its use.

You could use castor oil for hair loss, but you’d be better off talking to your healthcare provider about therapies that are proven to get results. They might not recommend castor oil for much more than treatment for occasional constipation.

Longing for longer, healthier locks? Hair growth is a surprisingly common concern, and there are all kinds of products out there—from vitamins, to serums, to oils—that promise to deliver those Rapunzel-like strands.

One of the most commonly touted today is castor oil. This inexpensive and widely-available oil is a type of vegetable oil that's derived from castor beans, says Audrey Kunin, a board-certified dermatologist. "It is rich in ricinolenic acid, which is a nourishing, hydrating fatty acid."

And though it's surging in popularity, particularly for applications like hair growth, it's an oil that's been used for millennia for numerous topical and beauty applications, says William Gaunitz, FWTS, certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology.

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Black castor oil vs castor oil for hair growth

But is it worth picking up a bottle and applying regularly? Does it actually help stimulate hair follicles to deliver the real, tangible results you're looking for?

Does castor oil increase hair growth?

The short—and, admittedly, rather unsatisfying—answer? Maybe.

There is no evidence that castor oil applied to the scalp or hair will directly help increase hair growth, says Kunin. Rather, castor oil can indirectly assist in hair growth, says Gaunitz.

"It has many anti-inflammatory properties including high levels of omega 6 and 9s and vitamin E," he explains. Because of this, regular use—particularly alongside other proven products available through a dermatologist or trichologist can yield positive hair growth results, says Gaunitz.

But it shouldn't be relied on in every case. While castor oil can be very helpful in assisting in hair regrowth for people dealing with inflammatory hair loss, it will have very little to no impact on severe male or female pattern hair loss and nutritional hair loss, he explains.

How often should you apply castor oil?

If you fall into the former category or simply want to use the oil to reap the benefits of improved scalp health and silkier, healthier-looking hair, apply the oil two to three times per week, says Gaunitz. In some severe cases, you can use castor oil daily, but should mix with 50 percent coconut oil, since the product can create sticky buildup, he adds.

It's an easy process: Simply place a couple of drops into your hand and gently massage the oil into the scalp. Let the oil sit for 45 minutes to an hour. Then, wash your hair and scalp with your preferred shampoo and conditioner.

Can you leave castor oil in your hair overnight?

Maximum benefits, please! While you can technically leave castor oil in your hair overnight, leaving any oil on overnight or for longer than four hours should only be done intermittently, says Gaunitz. "After four to six hours the oil will break down and begin to collect dead skin cells and debris leading to possible inflammation."

How long does it take castor oil to work?

Within 15 to 30 minutes of use, castor oil begins to reduce inflammation and out-of-balance microbials including fungus and bacteria, plus deliver hydrating omega fats, says Gaunitz.

When it comes to hair growth, though, you'll have to dig deep for a little more patience. "For people who will benefit, I have seen positive results typically after six to eight weeks of use," he says.

Still, it's important to note that results won't last forever. Ongoing use is required to maintain the benefits of castor oil, Gaunitz adds.

The Best Castor Oil for Hair Growth

Black castor oil vs castor oil for hair growth

Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil

Now 33% Off

This castor-oil is cold-pressed for maximum benefits. And in addition to the dropper, it also comes with a spoolie, so you can use the oil on your lashes, too.

Black castor oil vs castor oil for hair growth

Briogeo Organic + Cold-Pressed 100% Castor Oil

From one of the most beloved brands in haircare comes a wholly organic and cold-pressed castor oil to promote hair, scalp, skin, and brow health.

Black castor oil vs castor oil for hair growth

Kreyòl Essence Haitian Black Castor Oil

Black castor oil is known to be particularly rich in all of the necessary vitamins and minerals to promote hair growth, including omega fatty acids and vitamin E.

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Is castor oil or black castor oil better for hair?

As we concluded, while Jamaican Black castor oil does not work any better than regular castor oil in helping the hair growth. While the ash and resulting alkalinity does help with oil absorption to the hair shaft, and can be damaging or beneficial to your scalp health depending on your scalp pH.

Which type of castor oil is best for hair growth?

Black castor oil is known to be particularly rich in all of the necessary vitamins and minerals to promote hair growth, including omega fatty acids and vitamin E.

Is castor oil the same as black castor oil?

Castor Oil vs Jamaican Castor Oil Regular castor oil is light yellow, semi-thick, and relatively scentless. To make it, the raw beans are cold-pressed through an expeller at a low temperature. Jamaican black castor oil, on the other hand, has a rich, dark colour that's paired with a decadent roasted scent.

Does black castor oil grow hair?

The tl;dr: no. "Castor oil will not grow hair," says Perry Romanowski, a cosmetic chemist and the author of Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry. "There is no evidence for it and no scientific theory supporting that it would work. So yes, it's a total myth."