Can I Use Castor Oil for Hair Growth? A Dermatologist & Stylist Weigh In

Fact: The internet loves castor oil. A quick search of the words will yield millions of results, ranging from fervent Reddit threads to DIY recipes on Pinterest boards and beauty blogs from all corners of the world swearing by its ability to grow lush, long hair—and fast!

Based on the reviews (and some pretty convincing before and after photos), we were ready to promptly pour a large bottle of the stuff on our heads and let it work its purported magic, but we thought it would be wise to vet this beloved ingredient by some experts first.

• Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon is a board-certified dermatologist at Preston Dermatology and Skin Surgery in North Carolina. Prior to founding her own practice, she served as assistant professor in the department of dermatology at Duke University Hospital. She is a member of the American Board of Dermatology, American Academy of Dermatology, North Carolina Dermatology Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society For Laser Medicine & Surgery.
• Kim Kimble is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Kim Kimble Hair Care. Her work has been featured in everything from Euphoria, where she served as the hair-department lead to some of Beyoncé’s most iconic performances, including the “Crazy In Love” music video and her Coachella performance. She has also styled celebrities like Gabrielle Union, the Williams sisters, Kerry Washington, Tariji P. Henson and Zendaya.

"Women account for 40 percent of Americans who are struggling with hair thinning or loss," says Dr. Solomon. "And because the options for treating this issue are often very costly, it is completely understandable why many women seek out natural remedies such as castor oil."

Glad we’re on the same page, here, doc, but give it to us straight...

Not really—at least not directly or on its own. "Scientific evidence surrounding castor oil for hair growth is lacking," says Dr. Solomon. The good news, she assures us, is that it does not have any harmful effects and can "enhance and increase the absorption and effectiveness of other products," which can in turn provide "fertile ground" for hair to grow. So again, to be crystal clear, castor oil does not cause new hair growth on its own. However, incorporating it into your routine can help create a healthier environment for hair to grow.

For starters, it’s incredibly moisturizing. Castor oil is loaded with fatty acids and antioxidants, which makes it a great treatment for dry or brittle strands. Well-conditioned strands equal more flexibility, and more flexibility means your hair will be less likely to snag or split. The extra shine is an added bonus.

It also has naturally antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help soothe an itchy scalp and reduce dandruff—especially when paired with a nice in-shower massage to boost circulation.

The most distinguishing characteristic of castor oil (over coconut or jojoba, which are two other commonly used ingredients in DIY hair remedies) is its dense and slightly sticky texture. By far the thickest of the bunch, a little dab of castor oil goes a much longer way than its counterparts.

We’d recommend looking for one that’s cold-pressed and organic, as any pesticides or GMOs could potentially increase the chances of irritation. Plus, a cold-pressed extraction ensures that you’re getting the purest and highest quality form of castor oil from the seeds since there are no chemicals or heat involved in the process.

Before you go and get your scalp massage on, Dr. Solomon has a quick word of advice: "As with any new product you’re introducing into your regimen, test a tiny amount on your inner arm for 24 hours first to make sure your skin doesn’t have an adverse or allergic reaction. While it’s rare, some people do experience irritation from castor oil."

If you've passed the patch test, Kimble suggests using castor oil as a pre-shampoo treatment. "Depending on your hair type and how often you wash your hair, you can use castor oil once or twice a week," she says.

Simply work a few drops evenly through your scalp and strands and leave it in for about 20 to 30 minutes. Kimble cautions that if you have thinner hair, you should use the product sparingly, as it can weigh down your roots. On that note, make sure to shampoo thoroughly, so no residue remains (which is especially important if your hair tends to get greasy easily).

As anyone who has experienced hair loss knows, it can be isolating and overwhelming when you’re going through it, but you’re definitely not alone. (Recall the statistic about 40 percent of women?) It also helps that we have so many more resources and options for treatment than ever before—castor oil and beyond.