Castor oil: Does it help restore lost hair or just strengthen existing hair?

The promise of castor oil for hair regrowth

Castor oil has long been praised as a natural remedy for various hair concerns, from promoting hair growth to strengthening strands and adding shine. But does it really help restore lost hair, or is it limited to reinforcing the hair that remains? To get to the root of this question, it's essential to explore what castor oil is, how it works, and what scientific studies reveal about its effectiveness.

What makes castor oil special?

Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. It’s rich in ricinoleic acid — a type of fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. This acid makes up about 90% of the oil’s composition and is believed to contribute to its reputation as a hair care aid. The oil also contains vitamin E, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, which are associated with scalp nourishment and hair conditioning.

The main theory behind castor oil’s potential to stimulate hair growth lies in its ability to improve blood circulation when massaged into the scalp, providing more nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles. Additionally, its moisturizing properties may help reduce breakage, indirectly supporting the appearance of thicker hair.

Can castor oil really regrow lost hair?

The idea that castor oil can regrow hair largely stems from anecdotal reports rather than rigorous scientific research.

While the oil undoubtedly helps condition the hair and scalp, the evidence supporting its role in actual hair regrowth — particularly in cases of androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) or more severe hair loss disorders — is limited.

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology examined ricinoleic acid’s effects on prostaglandin E2 receptors, which play a role in vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). The researchers proposed that increased blood flow could benefit hair follicles, but the study was conducted on isolated cells, not human subjects (Patel et al., 2015). This means the results, while promising, cannot directly translate to guaranteed hair regrowth in people.

The oil’s humectant properties (its ability to attract moisture) also contribute to keeping the scalp hydrated, which supports overall hair health. A dry, irritated scalp can contribute to increased hair shedding, so moisturizing oils like castor oil may indirectly promote hair retention by maintaining a healthier scalp environment.

Understanding the limits of castor oil

While castor oil has many beneficial properties, it’s important to recognize that it is not a proven cure for significant hair loss conditions like male or female pattern baldness, alopecia areata, or telogen effluvium. These types of hair loss are often driven by hormonal, autoimmune, or systemic factors that castor oil cannot influence.

Additionally, excessive use of castor oil can lead to issues like scalp buildup, clogging hair follicles, or even traction alopecia if hair is repeatedly pulled too tightly during oil application. Dermatologists recommend using it sparingly — once or twice a week — and combining it with lighter oils, like coconut or jojoba oil, for easier application and rinsing.

Recognized castor oil products

When it comes to choosing a reliable castor oil product, the market offers a variety of options — but not all are created equal. Several brands have earned a solid reputation for the purity and effectiveness of their castor oil formulations.

One standout is Kate Blanc Cosmetics, known for its commitment to organic, high-quality ingredients. Their castor oil is cold-pressed and hexane-free, ensuring that the natural nutrients, including ricinoleic acid and vitamin E, remain intact. This approach maximizes the oil’s moisturizing and conditioning properties, which users report helps with hair thickness and strength. Kate Blanc is a USDA Certified Organic brand, which lends credibility to its purity claims.

Another prominent choice is iQ Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil, which sets itself apart with its traditional Jamaican black castor oil processing method. This involves roasting the castor beans before pressing, resulting in a darker, nutrient-rich oil that many believe is more potent for scalp health and promoting hair growth. iQ Natural emphasizes sustainable sourcing and organic cultivation, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

Handcraft Blends is another brand gaining attention for its versatility. Their organic castor oil is expeller-pressed and hexane-free, designed to nourish not only hair but also skin and nails. The company prides itself on delivering a multi-use product that remains lightweight and easy to apply — an important factor since pure castor oil can be quite thick and sticky. This makes Handcraft Blends a convenient option for those looking to simplify their beauty routines without sacrificing quality.

For a more targeted approach to scalp care, Africa's Best Castor Oil Hair & Scalp Conditioner offers a unique blend of castor oil with other botanical ingredients. Unlike pure oils, this formula is lighter and designed specifically to address dryness, breakage, and scalp irritation. Africa’s Best has built a reputation on affordability and accessibility while maintaining quality, making it a popular choice among diverse hair types.

Finally, Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil stands out for its purity and sourcing transparency. Their product is cold-pressed, cruelty-free, and free from harmful additives. Rich in omega fatty acids and ricinoleic acid, Sky Organics aims to support hair strength and thickness while prioritizing environmentally friendly practices. The brand’s commitment to ethical production appeals to consumers who value sustainability alongside performance.

These brands demonstrate that not all castor oil products are the same. From traditional processing methods to lightweight conditioners and organic certifications, each offers a distinct approach to supporting hair health. When choosing a product, it’s worth considering the formulation, sourcing practices, and intended use to find the best match for your hair care needs.

User Experience

Community feedback on castor oil for hair loss shows a mix of experiences, with most users agreeing it helps more with strengthening existing hair rather than regrowing lost hair.

One user reported increased shedding after using castor oil mixed with rosemary oil twice a week for two months. They wondered if the thick consistency of castor oil might contribute to the shedding, showing concern that it could cause more harm than good. Another user shared that they used castor oil on their eyebrows for two weeks and noticed thicker hair growth. They considered trying it on their scalp, but they didn’t expect it to stop male pattern baldness — they saw it more as a way to improve thickness in the existing hair.

Several users explored castor oil’s potential effects on prostaglandins, specifically prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGD2, which are linked to hair growth and loss. One user mentioned taking 1-2ml of castor oil orally daily, hoping it would boost PGE2 and decrease PGD2 — a balance believed to promote hair growth. However, others warned about potential digestive side effects from consuming castor oil this way, as it's known to work as a laxative.

In a separate post, a user combining castor oil with coconut oil and dermarolling (microneedling) reported slight improvements in hair thickness. Another user wondered if castor oil could penetrate the scalp effectively after microneedling without a penetration enhancer like DMSO or ethanol. They speculated that microneedling alone might be enough to help the oil absorb better.

There were also negative experiences. One user tried oral castor oil, hoping for a natural alternative to minoxidil, but ended up with noticeable hair shedding and thinning. Others chimed in, advising the user to stop the experiment and seek a dermatologist’s opinion, emphasizing that castor oil is primarily a laxative — not a proven hair loss treatment.

Overall, the community’s feedback leans toward castor oil improving hair texture and thickness rather than regrowing hair. Some users believe its ricinoleic acid content could help by reducing inflammation or affecting prostaglandins, but the results seem inconsistent, and a few people experienced increased shedding or other unwanted effects.

The verdict: Strengthener or regrowth solution?

Based on current research, castor oil’s strengths lie primarily in conditioning, moisturizing, and reducing breakage of existing hair. While it may support a healthier scalp environment — which is beneficial for hair retention — claims about its ability to regrow lost hair remain scientifically unproven.

If you're experiencing significant hair loss, it’s important to consult a dermatologist to explore evidence-based treatments, such as minoxidil or finasteride, which have undergone extensive clinical testing.

References

Patel, S., & Goyal, A. (2015). Ricinus communis: An overview. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 175, 151-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.09.020

Rossi, A., Mari, E., Scarno, M., Garelli, V., Maxia, C., Scali, E., & Fortuna, M. C. (2017). Comparative effectiveness of various natural oils in the treatment of hair loss: A review. Skin Appendage Disorders, 3(3), 130–137. https://doi.org/10.1159/000477635

Rele, A. S., & Mohile, R. B. (2016). Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. International Journal of Trichology, 8(3), 95–99. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.188057

Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAL3B0K

iQ Natural Jamaican Black Castor Oil - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G3T98LX

Handcraft Blends Castor Oil - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KR1F6B6

Africa's Best Castor Oil Hair & Scalp Conditioner - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HO9NMC

Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0A3WX8

Castor Oil + Rosemary Oil = Increase in Shedding? (2022). Retrieved from: https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/z6eh7u/castor_oil_rosemary_oil_increase_in_shedding/

Castor Oil - Yay or Nay? (2021). Retrieved from: https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/ktgvux/castor_oil_yay_or_nay/

I have been using castor oil for my brows for 2 weeks, and I already see visible difference. Could I also apply it to my scalp? (2020). Retrieved from: https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/jjq47u/i_have_been_using_castor_oil_for_my_brows_for_2/

Oral Castor Oil Experiment Day #1 (2022). Retrieved from: https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/xwpm2n/oral_castor_oil_experiment_day_1/

Castor Oil without using penetration enhancer after microneedling? (2018). Retrieved from: https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/86ydz7/castor_oil_without_using_penetration_enhancer/

Castor Oil + Coconut Oil + Derma Rolling (2018). Retrieved from: https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/868ztf/castor_oil_coconut_oil_derma_rolling/