Using Castor Oil for Hair Growth

This article explains why castor oil is often indicated as an effective hair loss treatment and how you can use castor oil for hair growth yourself.

Using Castor Oil for Hair Growth: You’ll learn about ricinoleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid that makes up the majority of castor oil’s composition. Additionally, you’ll discover how scientific research indicates its potential use as an inhibitor of PGD₂, a compound found in abundance in the scalps of men with androgenetic alopecia.

We’ll also dive into the best ways to apply castor oil to your scalp for maximum benefits. Lastly, consider taking our new 6-part questionnaire to calculate your chances of naturally re-growing hair. The higher your score, the more likely that castor oil and other natural methods will work for you.

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained by pressing the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). It is widely known for its mold-inhibiting and lubricating properties and is used across various industries. Castor oil is native to the Mediterranean Basin, Eastern Africa, and India, though it is now cultivated in tropical regions worldwide.

The flowers of the castor plant can range in color from yellowish-green to red, and the plant can vary in size. A lesser-known fact: consumption of castor beans can be fatal due to the presence of ricin. However, castor oil does not contain ricin because the extraction process heats the protein enough to deactivate it.

What makes castor oil unique is its high concentration of ricinoleic acid, which comprises 89.5% of its fatty acid content. This acid is believed to be responsible for many of the oil’s health benefits, including hair growth.

Can Castor Oil Treat Hair Loss?

Let’s start by looking at some cold, hard facts:

• Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which is an omega-9 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
• These properties alone make castor oil a great option for those with alopecia.

Scalp inflammation, a significant contributor to hair loss, reduces blood flow to hair follicles and deprives them of essential nutrients. Ricinoleic acid’s anti-inflammatory effects can counteract this inflammation, keeping your scalp and follicles healthy.

Castor oil’s antimicrobial properties also make it a useful tool for fighting bacterial or fungal infections of the scalp, which can contribute to hair loss.

Scientific Research on Castor Oil and Hair Growth

Although human trials are limited, there’s growing evidence to support the use of castor oil in hair loss treatment. A notable study conducted in 2012 by Garza et al highlighted the role of PGD₂ in hair loss, especially in men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The study found that elevated PGD₂ levels inhibit hair growth.

In another study, researchers found that high levels of PGD₂ were present in the scalps of balding men compared to those with hair. This suggests that PGD₂ could be responsible for slowing hair growth. Castor oil, rich in ricinoleic acid, shows potential as an inhibitor of PGD₂, making it a promising option for those experiencing hair loss.

Androgens and Prostaglandins: A Cascade Effect

High levels of PGD₂ in balding men raise a key question: does PGD₂ cause hair loss, or does hair loss trigger an overproduction of PGD₂? While this chicken-or-egg scenario is still under investigation, there is a well-documented link between PGD₂ and hair loss. PGD₂ production is fueled by testosterone, and overproduction can lead to slower hair growth. The solution might lie in balancing the levels of PGD₂ and PGE2, the latter of which promotes hair growth.

Ricinoleic Acid as a PGD₂ Inhibitor

Recent research from China suggests that ricinoleic acid could inhibit prostaglandin D2 synthase (PGDS), the enzyme responsible for producing PGD₂. This means that castor oil may offer a natural, readily available treatment option for hair loss caused by high levels of PGD₂.

How to Use Castor Oil for Hair Growth

While consuming castor oil is not advisable due to its strong laxative effects, applying it directly to the scalp can help promote hair growth. Here’s how you can incorporate castor oil into your hair care routine:

DIY Castor Oil Shampoo

For a nourishing shampoo, mix these ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of liquid castile soap
• 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
• 5-10 drops of carrot seed essential oil
• 10 drops of castor oil

Apply this mixture to your wet scalp, massage for 2-3 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

Direct Application

Apply a small amount of castor oil directly to your scalp. Leave it in overnight for the best results, or rinse it out after 20-30 minutes.

Side Effects of Castor Oil

Although rare, some people may experience allergic reactions to castor oil, including redness, itching, or a rash. Always do a patch test before using castor oil on your scalp. Pregnant women should also consult with a healthcare provider before using castor oil.

Conclusion

While more research is needed, castor oil’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties make it a viable option for improving scalp health and combating hair loss. While it may not completely reverse hair loss, castor oil can help prevent further hair thinning and create a healthy environment for hair growth.

Learn more about Castor Oil for Hair Growth at GheeStore.

Read the full study on PGD2 and Hair Loss at PubMed.

Explore more natural products at Microbasket.