Castor Oil for Hair, Lashes & Brows: A Practical Guide
How castor oil helps hair, lashes and brows, the right way to use it, and what it can and cannot do.
Castor oil is a cheap, widely-available staple that has earned a loyal following for hair, lashes and brows. It will not magically double your hair overnight, but used well it has real benefits. Here is the practical guide.
What castor oil does
Castor oil is thick and rich in ricinoleic acid. It is a superb occlusive — it seals moisture in, which reduces breakage and makes hair look thicker and shinier. It also conditions the scalp and coats lashes and brows so they appear fuller. Note: there is little evidence it makes hair grow faster — its value is in reducing breakage and conditioning, so you keep the length you have.
How to use it
Because it is so thick, castor oil is easiest diluted with a lighter oil. For the scalp and hair, massage in a small amount, leave 30 minutes to a few hours, then shampoo out (it can take two washes). For lashes and brows, dip a clean spoolie in a tiny amount and sweep through at night — keep it well away from the eyes.
A few cautions
Use sparingly — too much is hard to wash out and can leave hair greasy. Patch-test for sensitivity, and stop if you get any irritation around the eyes.
Where it fits in your routine
Castor oil pairs well with a weekly mask for deep conditioning — the Argan Oil of Morocco Hair Mask covers length and shine while castor seals the ends. For the scalp-stimulation side of hair growth, see our rosemary oil guide. Browse Hair Care — authentic, with cash on delivery across Pakistan.
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