According to Hairline.com & Purewow.com, 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 others 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. So you know, there are two types best known for their root-boosting benefits - castor oil which is golden in colour and black castor oil, which is made from roasted castor seeds and is said to be more clarifying due to its more alkaline make-up. Both are quite heavy in feel and texture which can be a little off-putting, but they make up for that with their impressive vitamin E and fatty acid content. “Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid which has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties,” says Guy Parsons, certified trichologist and founder of My Hair Doctor.
How much of it do you need everyday?
Because castor oil is much richer than other oils and, unless you have Afro, thick or curly hair, using it neat can actually end up being counterproductive. “Use it in a diluted form, as it may be very difficult to remove and any benefit from the oil will be undone if you overwash your hair to get it out.
If you’re using it as a scalp or moisture treatment, he recommends diluting it so that it’s one part castor oil, five parts almond or argan oil (which are both lighter). Apply sparsely to start with - if you have hair that gets greasy quickly, just apply it to mid-lengths and ends (hair’s more damaged towards the ends anyway) and avoid using it in conjunction with other moisturising products to prevent a case of ‘over-hydration’. If greasiness fears are still weighing on your mind, look for it as a core ingredient in your hair care products instead.
CASTOR OIL WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON THE SITE