Q&A for How to Apply Castor Oil for Hair

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  • Question
    Can you use castor oil on curly hair?
    Shun Pittman
    Master Cosmetologist
    Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)".
    Master Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, it works great for really curly hair types. It can help lubricate the hair and weigh down the curl pattern so the curls are longer.
  • Question
    Can we use castor oil for hair daily?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Castor oil is too heavy for most hair types to use on a daily basis. However, if you have very dry hair you may be able to add a few drops to your ends every day.
  • Question
    How does castor oil stimulate hair growth?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Castor oil contains many beneficial nutrients and hydrating oils. If your hair is already healthy, using castor oil probably won't increase its rate of growth. But if your hair is damaged, nutrient deficient, or dry, castor oil can help correct these imbalances and increase growth. When combined with scalp massage it also increases blood flow to the follicles, encouraging growth.
  • Question
    How often should you put castor oil on your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Castor oil will provide the greatest benefits when used regularly once or twice a week. Applying more than that could lead to limp or greasy hair.
  • Question
    Can castor oil regrow hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Castor oil hydrates and fortifies hair, making it less susceptible to damage. When applied regularly to fragile or damaged hair it can help provide an ideal environment for growth.
  • Question
    Can I use castor oil directly on my scalp?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, castor oil is safe to apply directly to the scalp, as well as to the hair. On the scalp, castor oil works against dandruff, strengthens the roots, and promotes hair growth.
  • Question
    Can you use castor oil as a leave in product?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, castor oil can be used as a leave-in product. It's only oil and does not not have to be washed out immediately after applying it.
  • Question
    I have inflammation of the scalp according to my dermatologist and she wanted me to put this prescription stuff on my head that has lots of bad side effects. Will the castor oil work instead?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    In this case, it's best to defer to your dermatologist, or speak to her about using castor oil as a treatment before you try it.
  • Question
    Ideally, how often should I do this treatment?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Start by doing the treatment once a week, then increase to twice a week if your hair still feels dry. Or, decrease to about once a month if your hair starts to feel overly oily.
  • Question
    Best to do castor oil hot treatment on clean hair?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes! Castor oil is best applied to a clean scalp, which will help it to absorb into your follicles. Don't forget to wash it out afterward, too.
  • Question
    Must I wash away the castor oil?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You don't strictly have to, but washing it out removes any excess oil from your scalp that may cause discomfort or acne.
  • Question
    I don't have any oils at home other than castor oil and olive oil. Can I mix them?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Olive oil makes a great castor oil mixture! Mix an equal amount of each together before applying it to your scalp.
  • Question
    Does castor oil help with hair fall?
    Community Answer
    Yes. It strengthens your roots, follicles and split ends.
  • Question
    Will it help my hair grow longer?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Castor oil strengthens your roots and keeps the scalp from getting dry.
  • Question
    Which is more effective? More coconut oil in the mixture or more castor oil?
    Community Answer
    Castor oil should be the major constituent in the mixture, as it has better effects .
  • Question
    Can castor oil cure hair loss in girls?
    Community Answer
    Yes! Applying it for a month or two can result in the hairs growing back thicker and faster than ever before.
  • Question
    Will the castor oil help to permanently thicken my hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as it will make your hair thick, silky, and longer.
  • Question
    What is the best and easy way to remove castor oil?
    Community Answer
    Use a regular shampoo but make sure to wash your hair with warm water. Also, it's better to use soft (boiled) water instead of tap water.
  • Question
    I need to regrow hair I have lost. Most every internet article I read is only for how to thicken hair a person already has. Please help.
    Community Answer
    Castor oil can be used to help regrow hair you have lost, so you can use the method in this article. If it doesn't help you, you could try buying a product made for regrowing hair, or see a dermatologist, who can best assess your specific situation and recommend the right product/treatment for you.
  • Question
    Will this help with bald spots?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it may help with bald spots.
  • Question
    Can castor oil mixed with olive oil be applied to hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, castor oil can be mixed with olive oil, or any other oil, for applying to hair.
  • Question
    Can castor oil straighten my hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, applying castor oil can make your hair straighter over time.
  • Question
    Can I use it for daily and keep it on overnight?
    Asande slayqueen
    Community Answer
    Using it daily might damage your hair and make it too oily -- it's better to use it twice a week. Ten hours maximum is recommended. You could leave it on for longer, but you risk damaging your hair, which defeats the purpose of using this treatment anyway.
  • Question
    What if you don't have a shower cap, is it fine to leave it as it is or do you have to have one?
    Community Answer
    It doesn't matter if you have one or not. But you will want to have a cloth on your head, wrapped so that the oil's warmth can penetrate your hair.
  • Question
    Will the oiliness go away if I wash my hair?
    Community Answer
    Applying apple vinegar diluted with water can assist with taking the oils away. (The apple cider vinegar has a horrid smell which can be alleviated with essential oils.) This mixture also helps reduce dandruff or oil build up from unwashed shampoo.
  • Question
    Can I use caster oil every day?
    Community Answer
    Using it daily might damage your hair and make it oily, it's better to use it twice a week.
  • Question
    Which castor oil pomade can I use for my hair?
    Community Answer
    A pure castor oil from your pharmacy or health food store is the best one to use.
  • Question
    What about mixing it with olive oil and coconut oil?
    Community Answer
    While doing this is okay, follow the instructions as above, namely: 3 tablespoons of castor oil to 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
  • Question
    Can I use raw castor oil directly on my scalp? Is there any problem?
    Community Answer
    There is no problem with doing this.
  • Question
    I've shaved and have very short hair. Can I apply castor oil as my daily hair care?
    Community Answer
    Yes, and you'll get good length over a period of time.
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