Castor Oil For Hair Growth: We Look Into The Claim + Healthy Hair Benefits

Castor oil is certainly one of those ingredients that garners significant fanfare. The classic oil is thought to be the golden elixir of hair growth, but most professionals and the research says, ehh, not really. 

It is a vegetable oil pressed from castor beans. This endlessly popular oil has been a beauty stable for many, many years. "Castor oil1 is one of the oldest forms of medicines worldwide, like in India, where it's widely available and used in ayurvedic medicine," writes Bindiya Gandhi, M.D., of castor oil's many health benefits. It's also very popular beauty staple for black beauty fans—or more specifically a castor oil variation called Jamaican black castor oil, which has a thicker consistency and a darker hue from the extraction process (the beans are roasted and boiled first).

It is especially high in ricinoleic acid1 (around 85 to 95% content), as well as oleic acid and linoleic acid. It's also rich in vitamin E, unsaturated fatty acids including omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, minerals, and other antioxidants. Thanks to these properties, "castor oil has documented1 anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial2, immune-boosting, and analgesic properties," Gandhi says.  

Here's what board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D., had to say: "There's no published data showing that castor oil can help, but I do have the occasional patient who swears by it." And that's basically the best answer you are going to get. There are just no studies, research papers, or published resources to suggest that castor oil is actually helping hair grow faster or spurring regrowth—and, yet, anecdotal evidence abounds. 

Maybe it's not aiding in growing your long locks, but it's still a highly beneficial oil. Like your skin and body, your hair and scalp need antioxidants, fatty acids, and minerals for optimal health, hydration, and shine. This oil, like we've noted, is chock-full of them.