10 Best Castor Oils For Hair Growth And Thickness – 2024
Apply these amazing castor oils to nourish and hydrate your hair for a healthy glow.
Yvey Valcin is a celebrated master stylist based in Seattle, WA, and was one of the highest rated stylists at the flagship Gene Juarez salon in Seattle. He is known for his superior cutting technique and has styled for top editorial and fashion events, such as New York and Paris Fashion Week.
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The benefits of castor oil are well-recorded in the beauty world. The best castor oil for hair care is a remedy that helps with hair fall, breakage, and dandruff issues. In fact, you can even apply it to other spots, such as your eyebrows and eyelashes, to promote growth. According to Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lucy Chen, MD, FAAD, “Although castor oil doesn’t necessarily promote hair growth, it provides some benefits for your hair. This hair care staple is often used as a conditioning agent that can improve the flexibility of hair fibers and fight off bacterial overgrowth on the scalp that could potentially damage the hair.”
In This Article
10 Best Castor Oils For Hair Growth And Thickness
Best For Aromatherapy:Seven Minerals' Jamaican Black Castor Oil
The Jamaican Black Castor Oil by Seven Minerals promotes thick, strong, and healthy hair. It can also be used to strengthen your brows and lashes and keep your skin soft. This cold-pressed castor oil is extracted from roasted castor beans and is free of additives. It helps combat free radicals, soothes redness, irritation, and keeps your skin clear. Regular use of this oil also helps boost blood flow for a healthy scalp. You can combine this oil with any essential oil for a relaxing massage or soothing aromatherapy.If you like to go through reviews before a purchase, check out this video showing the tester’s experience to know more about this product.
Pros
- 100% pure
- Hexane-free
- Additive-free
- GMO-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
Pro TipBest Organic:Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil
The Kate Blanc Castor Oil is an organic cold-pressed oil with no added preservatives. It is lightweight and gets absorbed into the scalp easily. The oil can also be used as a hair growth serum for longer and thicker lashes. In addition, it softens dry, brittle, and frizzy hair, moisturizes dry scalp, eliminates dandruff, and protects hair from environmental damage. Besides hair growth, this oil also works as a natural moisturizer for the skin. Before buying, have a look at this video of the reviewer’s experience for more details.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- 100% organic
- Hexane-free
- Comes with a glass dropper
- Tames frizz and flyaways
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 68,027 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Best For DIY Remedies:Home Health Castor Oil
The Home Health Castor Oil is packed with all the essential nutrients for healthy hair growth. It deeply penetrates the scalp to moisturize and condition your hair, leaving it soft and supple. The oil is cold-pressed from the castor seeds and contains no added preservatives. It is therapeutic and 100% solvent-free and does not contain any synthetic ingredients. You can use this multipurpose castor oil for hair growth, skin moisturization, and other DIY beauty purposes. This oil extensively conditions and detangles hair. Watch this video of the tester’s experience to know more about the product.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Non-GMO
- Hexane-free
- Vegan
Cons
- None
Pro TipSeven Minerals' Jamaican Black Castor Oil Best For Aromatherapy | Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil Best Organic | Home Health Castor Oil Best For DIY Remedies | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.86 x 3.43 x 3.39 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 2.01 Pounds | 3.84 Ounces | 2 Pounds |
| Weight | - | 0.24 Pounds | - |
| Dimensions | - | 1.77 x 1.77 x 4.72 inches | 8.86 x 3.19 x 3.19 inches |
| Number of Items | - | - | 1 |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 397 | 68,027 | 4,868 |
| Price | $24.95 | $9.99 | $17.0 |
Best For All Hair Types:Cliganic Castor Oil
The Cliganic Organic Castor Oil is 100% pure, natural, cold-pressed, and unrefined. It is naturally enriched with vitamins and fatty acids and can help hydrate your skin, hair, and scalp. In addition, it can help strengthen and repair dry or damaged frizzy hair. The oil can also effectively enhance the appearance of your hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. It may be used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, strengthen your nails, and nourish the cuticles. The oil is not tested on animals and works perfectly for all hair and skin types. This video will give you more insights into the product and the reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing
- Improves hair density
- Long shelf life
- 100% natural
- Non-GMO
- No additives
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 20,349 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
Best For Brows:Heritage Store Castor Oil
This cold-pressed castor oil by Heritage provides extra hydration and nourishment to make the hair stronger and to give you thicker brows. It is 100% cold-pressed, and its sticky texture holds each hair strand for maximum nourishment. It can also be used as a scalp massage oil. The Heritage Store Castor Oil is naturally enriched with omega-9 fat, minerals, and ricinoleic acid to help hydrate dry skin and nourish your hair.
Pros
- 100% cold-pressed
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Hexane-free
Cons
- Has a strong fragrance
Pro TipBest For Thinning Hair:Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil
The Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil is specially formulated to promote healthy hair growth. It is made in the traditional, hand-processed way to preserve the goodness and benefits of castor oil. The oil is naturally rich in omega fatty acids, vitamin E and minerals, and also contains botanical extracts like neem oil, aloe vera, jojoba, and avocado oils to provide intense nourishment and stimulate hair follicles. All these key ingredients are packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants that fight thinning and hair breakage.
Pros
- 100% organic
- Suitable for all hair types
- Offers hair breakage prevention
Cons
- Pungent scent
Best Cruelty-Free:Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Castor Oil
The Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Castor Oil is super versatile and has many benefits. It is 100% pure, natural, unfiltered, and undiluted, rich in vitamins and fatty acids that help improve overall skin and hair health. This castor oil enhances the natural color and shine of your hair. It locks moisture in the hair shafts, making each strand thicker and stronger. It is packed with potent nutrients that promote natural lash growth as well. Besides promoting hair growth and offering hair loss prevention, this oil also helps soften your skin.
Pros
- 100% organic
- Not tested on animals
- Easy to dispense
- Professional-grade formula
Cons
- Overpowering smell
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 12,350 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Best Chemical-Free:Eve Hansen Organic Pure Natural Castor Oil
The Eve Hansen Castor Oil is a certified organic and antioxidant-rich product with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It moisturizes frizzy hair, reduces split ends, improves hair texture, and adds shine to it. The oil also moisturizes the skin and may help soothe acne and sunburn.
Pros
- 100% organic
- Includes a spoolie brush
- Offers split ends prevention
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Rancid smell
Best For Eyelashes:IQ Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil
The IQ Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil is 100% organic and extracted through cold-pressing the seeds. It acts as a natural moisturizer that conditions damaged hair and skin. The oil moisturizes the scalp, strengthens hair strands and roots, and and promotes healthy hair growth. It can be used on the skin and eyelashes and is suitable for all hair types. The product is infused with a natural lavender scent to enhance your hair and skin care experience.
Pros
- Organic ingredients
- Easy to use
- Pleasant lavender scent
- Hexane-free
Cons
- None
Best Non-GMO:RejuveNaturals Castor Oil
The RejuveNaturals is rich in nourishing fatty acids and other nutrients that help with hair growth and soften coarse hair. It is 100% pure, certified organic castor oil that nourishes and moisturizes dry and brittle hair to make it stronger. This oil is USDA and ECOCERT-certified and does not contain any fillers. It can be used on the skin and claims to improve hyperpigmentation and the appearance of acne scars and reduce premature graying. No animal testing was done for this oil and hence is a good option for ethically conscious consumers.
Pros
- USDA and ECOCERT-certified
- Hexane-free
- Non-GMO
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
Before buying castor oil for topical use, ensure it is authentic and does not contain any additives. Many brands may add preservatives to increase the shelf-life of the product. However, such additives may often cause allergic reactions. If you have a sensitive scalp and skin, look for products that are clinically verified and dermatologically tested that are safe for your skin type. You can also seek consultation from a healthcare professional for better guidance on the use and frequency. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind before purchasing castor oil.
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. It is a colorless to pale yellow vegetable oil with a sharp taste and odor. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid (a primary fatty acid) and is used for medicinal, industrial, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical purposes. It is said to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, wound healing, and antimicrobial properties.
Castor oil is preferred by many for promoting hair growth and maintaining its health. If you want to include it in your hair care routine, check out the listed products.
Things To Consider Before Buying Authentic Castor Oil
- Purity
Pure castor oil is free of artificial ingredients, chemical compounds, and harmful toxins. It shouldn’t contain artificial ingredients, such as fragrances, alcohol, or other flavorings, as these ingredients may dry out or irritate your skin.
- Certified Label
Look for products with the USDA or ECOCERT Certified label. Organic castor oil uses natural ingredients and castor seeds grown without pesticides, fertilizers, or growth enhancers.
- Authorized Seller
Always purchase from authorized sellers. Look for the product in pharmacies, branded stores, and healthcare stores. If you are purchasing it online, make sure that you buy it from reputable e-commerce store or the official website.
- Grade
Castor oil comes in two grades, and you can choose one based on your preferences:
a. AA Standard or “Pale Pressed”: This type of castor oil is prepared from the first pressing of the seed, also known as ‘virgin oil.’ It is diluted and light.
b. Imported: It refers to mixing the first batch of seed pressing with the next batch of seeds. It is a continuous process, prepared multiple times.
- Hexane-Free
Hexane is a solvent used to extract oil from the seeds. Using hexane for oil extraction often increases the risk of impurities and may affect the oil quality. Therefore, avoid buying castor oils that contain hexane. Other than these factors, you should also check the type of castor oil you are buying.
- Additional Uses
It is better to opt for a multi-purpose oil (can be used on skin and brows), this will allow you to reap all the benefits and be light on the pocket too.
Types Of Castor Oil
There are three types of castor oils:
- Organic/Cold-Pressed Castor Oil: Organic/cold-pressed castor oil is extracted directly from the castor seeds without heating.
- Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO): Jamaican black castor oil is prepared by roasting and crushing the castor seeds in a mortar and slow-boiling the seeds with water.
- Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Castor Wax): It is produced by the hydrogenation (a chemical reaction process in the presence of a catalyst) of pure castor oil, often in a nickel catalyst.
Pure castor oil is mostly viscous and may take time to get absorbed into the skin. Here are some tips on how you can apply castor oil to your hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes.
How To Apply Castor Oil The Right Way
For The Hair
- Cover your shoulders with a microfiber hair towel.
- Pour some oil in your palm.
- Massage your scalp with it for 3-4 minutes.
- Apply the oil to the rest of your hair.
- Let it sit for at least an hour.
- Wash out the oil.
For The Eyebrows
- Clean your eyebrows and remove any traces of makeup.
- Apply castor oil to your eyebrows with a cotton swab or a clean mascara wand. Ensure it does not get into your eyes. If it does, wash it out immediately.
- Leave it on overnight.
- Wash it off the next morning with a mild cleanser.
For The Eyelashes
- Clean your eyelashes and remove any traces of makeup.
- Apply castor oil to your eyelashes with a Q-tip or a mascara wand (just like you apply mascara).
- Leave it on overnight.
- Remove the castor oil with water or makeup remover.
While castor oil is a widely used remedy for hair growth and people have found it quite useful after incorporating it in their hair care routine, there is no substantial evidence to prove this claim. Hair care experts also suggest using castor oil for hair growth.
Is Castor Oil Beneficial For Hair Growth?
Dr. Chen says, “No, castor oil does not promote hair growth. There has yet to be substantial clinical evidence to say that castor oil accelerates hair growth. Due to its polarization, it’s commonly seen as a gentle method of cleansing the skin, but there is no sufficient evidence claiming it can increase hair growth. In addition, some people can be allergic to it and experience inflammation, which could do more harm than good.”
Infographic: DIY Castor Oil Hair Care Recipes
There is no right or wrong way to use castor oil on your hair. Some prefer to mix it with other natural ingredients, while others prefer to massage it directly on their scalp. Your hair type and concerns determine the optimal procedure for you. Check out the infographic below to learn about three DIY castor oil recipes to strengthen your hair, maintain its shine, and enhance hair volume.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Castor oil is one of the most beneficial products for hair thickness and growth. Since this oil can be beneficial in repairing dry and damaged hair as well, castor oil can carefully increase the hair density in your eyebrows and eyelashes. The sticky texture of castor oil is known to provide maximum nourishment to each hair strand in your brows. With the help of castor oil, you can hydrate and nourish your hair for a good glow. You can even use it as a natural hair mask ingredient to provide maximum nutrition and strength to your tresses. For multipurpose use, try Seven Minerals’ Jamaican Black Castor Oil with added aromatherapy and relaxation effects. For conditions like dandruff and dry scalp, opt for the Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil, and try the Home Health Castor Oil for all your DIY remedies. However, some brands mix castor oil with hexane, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. So, read the key ingredients list well before making a purchase.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author, is well-versed in hair care and loves writing informative articles on the same. She sought the help of certified dermatologists to find the best castor oils that promote hair growth. She also conducted a thorough research of product specifications and user feedback to curate this list. These oils not only prevent hair fall, breakage, and dandruff issues, but you can even apply it to other spots, such as your eyebrows and eyelashes to boost hair growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I leave Jamaican black castor oil in my hair?
Leave it on for two to three hours before washing your hair.
Can I use castor oil for colored hair?
Yes, it is safe to use castor oil on colored hair.
Is castor oil safe on all hair types?
Yes, castor oil is safe for all hair types unless you are allergic to it. Do a patch test before using it.
Does castor oil really help hair growth?
Yes, castor oil can really help in hair growth. It fights off bad bacteria and does not let fungal growth settle on your scalp. It also safeguards your hair follicles from damage and promotes healthier hair.
How long does castor oil take to work?
If you use castor oil on your hair regularly or at least twice weekly, you should see results in two to six months. Make sure you leave the oil for fifteen to twenty minutes for visible effect. You can also leave it on your hair overnight before shampooing.
Can castor oil cause any adverse effects on the scalp or hair?
Castor oil has a thick consistency that may clog pores, causing buildup and scalp irritation. Therefore, a patch test is always recommended.
Can I mix castor oil with other oils for better results?
Yes. You can mix castor oil with olive, sesame seed, sunflower, or coconut oil to make its application easier.
Can castor oil cause greasiness or weigh down the hair?
Yes, castor oil can be greasy and weigh down the hair if used excessively. Avoid applying to the scalp and focus on the ends. You can also reduce the consistency by mixing it with other oils.
Is it necessary to wash out castor oil from the hair after application?
When using castor oil on fine hair, apply it only to the mid-lengths and leave it in for around 30 minutes before shampooing. However, if you have coarse or dry hair, you can leave it in overnight or apply it to the ends and leave it as a leave-in treatment.
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