Castor Oil: A Powerful Ally for Hair Growth

Also known and called castor oil, castor oil is extracted from castor seeds, a species called Ricinus Communis, quite common in Brazil.

Some people know it for its medicinal use, especially the laxative effect; others, for the presence in cosmetic formulations, mainly in hair products. But not everyone knows what benefits this oil can offer and what is the care of its use.

Regiane Ribeiro, a beautician at the Goa Health Club Clinic, explains that castor oil is considered an excellent immune system booster, in part because of its fatty acid concentration. "According to research, it can be used to treat diseases such as Parkinson's disease, arthritis and rheumatism, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis," he says. "But it can also be used to bring benefits against constipation, yeast infections, menstrual disorders, migraine, inflammation," he adds.

Sara Bragança, postgraduate doctor in Dermatology, member of the Brazilian Society of Aesthetic Medicine, specializing in Orthomolecular Therapy, points out that the skin can benefit from castor oil. "This is because it has an emollient effect, penetrates the skin offering hydration and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, thus acting to prevent wrinkles and fine lines," he says.

Regiane adds that castor oil still acts to control hair loss. Incidentally, one of the best known applications of castor oil is for hair. Therefore it is widely used in hair cosmetics.

Also read: 10 foods that can help improve the look of your hair

4 Benefits Of Castor Oil For Hair

Regiane explains that the oil and castor contains vitamin E, minerals and vitamins that aid in hair growth, activate blood circulation in the scalp, moisturize the hair and seal the hair fiber cuticle, giving shine.

Sara highlights the most well-known benefits of castor oil for hair:

1. Helps strengthen the scalp and grow hair;
2. Combats infections and the growth of bacteria and fungi that could prevent hair growth by presenting antibacterial and antifungal properties due to the high composition of ricinoleic acid;
3. Provides hydration, leaving hair silky and shiny, so it is often used for dry hair and split ends;
4. Helps in treating diseases like seborrheic dermatitis.

? It is noteworthy, however, that there are no scientific articles that prove these benefits ?, adds Sara.

Some also bet on castor oil for eyebrow and eyelash growth, moisturizing the cuticles and even strengthening the nails. It is also used to moisturize the most dry areas of the skin, such as cracked feet. It is further believed that when applied directly on site, it can help to prevent stretch marks.

How to use castor oil for beauty care

Regiane comments that the oil can be used in the bath, in a self-massage, or in shampoos / creams. There are also many cosmetics that already contain it in their formulas.

Read also: 10 care for hair of all types

Sara explains that castor oil can be used pure on the scalp or in the following homemade recipe:

Moisturizing for the wires: 1 pot of plain yogurt + 1 tbsp castor oil. Apply to washed and still damp hair and leave to act for 20 minutes. Rinse off then.

Sara adds that, for the body, the oil can be diluted in other oils such as grape seed oil, thus enhancing its hydration power.

There are still other homemade ways to use castor oil:

1. To combat dry skin: 1 tbsp castor oil + 1 tbsp coconut oil. Mix the ingredients and apply to desired parts of the body. Leave on for about 30 minutes and then rinse.

Also read: 10 Unusual Beauty Tips That Are Extremely Easy

2. Moisturize cuticles and strengthen nails: Dab castor oil directly on nails at night. Wash the next morning.

3. Increase Eyebrow: Just apply the oil on the eyebrows and lightly massage the area, always taking care of the eyes. Then rinse off the area. Do the application about 3 times a week.

4. Prevent stretch marks: 1 tablespoon castor oil + 1 tablespoon oil of your choice.Apply the mixture to the desired area and massage about twice a day.

5. Grow Hair: Apply the oil directly to the hair root and massage. Leave for a few hours (maximum 12) and then wash your hair normally. Do the application about 3 times a week.

6. Grow the eyelashes: Apply the oil with a little brush of mascara on the eyelashes, always being careful with the eyes. Leave to act for a few hours and then rinse. Do the application about 3 times a week.

However, it is noteworthy, these are the best known uses of castor oil, but they offer no scientific evidence. When in doubt, a specialist should always be consulted.

Reports of those who have already used castor oil

On Youtube you can find videos of many women reporting the results they had with castor oil, especially regarding hair growth. Check out some examples:

Mayara Thamires

Nii Makeup

Cynthia Miranda

SOS Debb

Grazi Lemos

10 products with castor oil

In the gallery below you will find suggestions on where to find castor oil and also examples of cosmetics made with castor oil.

Heritage Castor Oil for R $ 61,80 at Biovea

Castor Oil Castor Oil for R $ 34,90 at Bela Vida Natural

Phyto Huile D? Ales (Dry Hair Ampoules) for £ 17.74 at Beandcare

Ecrinal Nail Repair Serum for R $ 35,77 at Cosmetis

Alva Lipstick for R $ 79,25 at Cosmetis

Help kit! Lola Capillary Schedule for R $ 145,99 in the Youth Showcase

John Frieda Hair Spray for R $ 56,80 at Onofre

Z. Bigatti Lip Care for $ 100.00 at Strawberrynet

Laxol Ricino Oil for R $ 20,62 at Leme Pharmacy

Castor Oil for $ 4.78 at Panvel

Castor oil (pure) is often easily found in pharmacies.

Castor oil offers risks?

Sara explains that the risk of the fruit lies in eating the seeds. "They are poisonous due to the presence of the toxic protein ricin, which penetrates the cell and paralyzes it and, even in small doses, can lead to death," he says.

However, the dermatologist explains that the oil is not as toxic as seeds.

Anyway, it is always interesting to have the advice of a doctor or other specialist to ensure that castor oil can even offer the desired benefits in your case.

Castor Oil Contraindications

Regiane points out that the use of castor oil is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers and people with severe bowel disease or with some chronic disease. "It is always necessary the guidance of a specialist", concludes the beautician.

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