By Eshe Asale

Castor oil contains vitamin E, minerals, proteins, antibacterial and anti-fungicidal properties. Scientists attribute its healing benefits to its unusual chemical composition, which consists of a triglyceride of fatty acids with ricinoleic acid of up to 90 percent. In addition to healing benefits, castor oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties, all of which are related to healthy hair growth. Here are 7 ways to incorporate castor oil into a healthy hair regimen.

Added Shine

According to researchers studying the light reflected from hair samples, castor oil hair treatments were found to increase the luster of hair. This effect is caused by castor oil‘s ability to coat the hair shaft, sealing in moisture and creating a silkier surface. Dull hair may benefit from the use of castor oil hair treatments, either in conditioners or in the form of a hot oil treatment. For optimum shine, use a hot oil treatment once per month or moisturizing treatments weekly. However, more frequent use than this can result in an oily scalp.

Improve Scalp Circulation

Castor oil on your scalp can help to increase circulation. The strengthening effect it has on hair follicles can stimulate hair growth in cases of alopecia, or hair loss.

Prevent Hair Loss

The antifungal and antibacterial properties in castor oil are useful in combating scalp infections, such as follliculitus, ringworm and peidra. Infections and scalp disorders are major causes of hair loss. Pathogens and micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungus and parasites can attack your skin and scalp, leading to bald patches and impeding hair growth.

Control Split Ends

Castor oil as a conditioning treatment can help reduce split ends, which in turn prevents hair loss and breakage. Omega 6 essential fatty acids, vitamin E, proteins and other nutrients in castor oil can penetrate dry and damaged hair, smoothing rough cuticles and helping the hair shaft retain moisture. Castor oil has a viscous consistency, so mixing it with lighter oils — such as olive and jojoba — makes it easier to evenly and sufficiently distribute it throughout your hair.

Sealing

Castor oil is a popular ingredient in hair products formulated for highly textured hair because it is known for its ability to seal moisture in the hair, combatting the natural dryness of these hair types. Apply it after moisturizing with a water-based product for a long-lasting seal.

Treatment of Dry Scalp or Dandruff

Castor oil contains fungicidal, germicidal and insecticidal properties, making it an effective treatment for many causes of dandruff. In addition, castor oil hair treatments seal in moisture when applied to either the hair or the scalp, making it an excellent scalp moisturizer. If you have dry scalp or dandruff, apply castor oil directly to dry areas prior to washing or shampooing the hair.

Moisturizing Scalp & Thickening Hair

Omega 6 fatty acids in castor oil help keep your scalp from drying out, while regular use of castor oil may encourage thicker hair growth. Unrefined castor oil is preferred over refined types, because it contains more nutrients and healing properties. Use castor oil for hot oil treatments and scalp massages to stimulate hair growth and keep your hair soft and manageable. Leave the oil in your hair overnight, covered with a plastic cap to trap heat and enhance penetration. In the morning, wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo to remove all traces of castor oil, then style as usual.

Ladies, is castor oil a part of your hair regimen? How do you use it?

By Jc of The Natural Haven

The praises of castor oil ring out loud and clear for all to hear. I heard about how beautifully moisturised it kept hair and how many women would exclusively use it alone as no other oil could match castor oil.  I finally bowed to the inner product junkie and purchased some.

Sadly I was disappointed, it was super thick, felt sticky and when applied to my hair, it just seem to sit there and do nothing except attract lint.

I finally asked for help on how to use it and was rewarded with a huge number of tips on how to conquer the thickness which you may also find useful if you have a bottle gathering dust in the corner.

1. Use It on Wet Hair

The most agreed on method was to use castor oil on wet hair. The water on the hair helps to ease down the thickness of the oil and allow it to spread easily. Most people used it before twisting or braiding hair as opposed to for a wash and go, but that is not to say it cannot be done.

The next agreed method was to use it only in specific areas like the edges of hair to help smooth down the hair and reduce frizz. This is as opposed to using it as a sealing oil all over after washing hair.

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2. Use Less Oil

Castor oil is very thick and viscous and for many women is the ultimate oil when it comes to retaining moisture. The thickness of the oil means that you can get great results by using less of it. Using a lot of oil makes your hair the sticky lint trap that I previously described. Although it does not spread easily, it forms a thicker layer which makes up for the distribution problems.

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3. Mix It Up

As with all natural oils, you can create a better texture by simply mixing them up. One lady describes a whipped castor oil mousse which  she made by whipping shea butter, coconut and castor oil. Simpler mixes are also possible, where you simply add some olive or almond oil to the castor oil to make it easier to apply.

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4. Use it for Something Else

If your hair simply is not in love with castor oil in any form then it is recommended  for facial cleansing (oil rinsing) and for dealing with hard skin on feet. Recycling the oil for another purpose is always an option instead of letting it occupy space or throwing it out. Have a mini spa day and use up that oil!

Have you tried any of these tips? Is castor oil a part of your regimen? What do you use it for?