You may have heard that using castor oil can help to improve your hair. If you have hair loss, you may be willing to try anything to find a result that improves your looks and gives you the full head of hair you want. Castor oil is a unique product. It does have some key benefits to offer to your scalp, and potentially your hair, but you need to be careful about using it. Though there are many promises about how it works and when it works, there is very little science behind it to prove it does. There is much to know about this product.
What Can It Offer?
Castor oil is a product made from Ricinus Communis, a type of plant. It actually is an oil extracted from the seeds of the plant. It is very commonly used as a natural laxative because it works well in this form. However, this product is also known to have some antiviral and antimicrobial benefits to it. Some people use it for other reasons, though it is not proven to provide benefits in these ways.
For example, some people apply this product one to three times a month for the perceived benefit of growing their hair at a faster rate. The product is supposed to be able to speed up hair growth at a rate of as much as five times the normal pace. There is no evidence that it can do this. There is no science behind why it may work either.
What About Hair Loss?
Some people recommend the use of castor oil for its proposed benefits of helping to restore hair loss. However, this, too, is not a proven method. There could be some benefit based on the antibacterial benefits that castor oil offers.
For example, some people may see benefits by applying the product on the scalp. If a person’s scalp is damaged, irritated, or otherwise inflamed, the use of castor oil can help. Some dermatologists recommend it for the treatment of skin conditions. For example, it is sometimes used as a treatment for dermatosis. It is also used as a treatment for fungal ailments on the skin. If there are any signs of skin damage on the scalp, this could be the reason for a person’s hair loss. If so, the treatment of it may help to stimulate the body’s natural immune system. In time, it may help to clear up the underlying problem and restore hair growth in areas where it has been lost as a result of such a condition.
Some people may also see benefits if they have a very dry scalp. Castor oil is a type of oil, as noted, which means when applied to the skin, it will enter into the skin’s pores. This can help to soften the skin and reduce some flaking that occurs. However, if too much of the oil fills the pores and is not removed frequently enough, it can allow for the buildup of bacteria in the pores. This can clog pores as well. In some cases, it can also damage hair follicles. As a result, the hair follicle may stop producing hair.
What Should You Do?
If you are looking for a natural way to help improve your hair growth, it pays to consider a variety of products. Use those capable of treating the underlying cause of your hair loss. It is necessary to consider treatment based on improving the skin’s condition. If the skin/scalp is dry and inflamed, castor oil may help. It may help to reduce some of the inflammation with its natural antibacterial properties. It may also help to reduce dry scalp conditions that could be causing your hair loss.
There is no proof that castor oil can encourage hair to grow faster. It is also a good idea to test a small amount of this product on a patch of skin before applying it. Some people may have an adverse reaction to it.
If you have hair loss, work with a hair loss professional to find out why. It may be treatable without having to risk unproven products. At Unique Hair Concepts we conduct a scalp analysis that includes measuring the oil levels, hydration and Ph levels of the scalp. Then we can recommend proven scalp care treatments that are effective for thinning hair. Contact the team for a complimentary hair and scalp analysis.
