Uses of Castor Oil for Hair: Key Takeaways
● Castor oil moisturises hair and adds shine
● It helps reduce the appearance of split ends and breakage
● Its antimicrobial properties help contribute to a healthy scalp
● Use pure castor oil weekly; use infused products more often
● Our Dream Lengths range is formulated with castor oil for healthy-looking long hair
What is castor oil?
Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, castor oil is a vegetable oil derived from the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), which has long been used in beauty regimens around the world. Its high concentration of ricinoleic acid helps coat the hair fibre, locking in moisture and giving strands a glossy appearance.
On the scalp, its emollient texture can help condition dryness, creating a healthier environment for hair to thrive. A 2024 research paper exploring the benefits of hair oils for hair, concluded that “castor oil acts as a natural emollient for the hair and helps in retaining moisture”, also contributing to healthier-looking, more moisturised tresses.
From hydrating to helping keep your scalp healthy, there are several uses of castor oil for hair care. Keep reading to discover how to use castor oil for hair in your beauty routines.
How to use castor oil for hair
Castor oil nourishes and moisturises hair, helping prevent breakage for long, healthy-looking hair. It's recommended for all hair types, but can benefit dry, porous, and dull hair the most. Below, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about how to use castor oil for hair thickness, and for general hair health:
How apply castor oil on hair?
You can use castor oil both on your scalp and on your lengths. To use castor oil for scalp health, start by warming a few drops between your palms, then gently massage it into your scalp using circular motions to help stimulate the circulation.
If you’re using castor oil for hair lengths, work the oil through the mid-lengths to your ends to coat the strands and lock in moisture. This will give your tresses a healthy shine and a dose of hydration.
Want to keep your tresses long and healthy-looking? Our Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream is formulated with castor oil and keratin to help you reduce the appearance of split ends and breakage.
Can castor oil grow hair?
Castor oil coats the hair fibres with nourishing fatty acids, helping to lock in moisture, reduce breakage, and improve the overall appearance of thickness and shine.
Does castor oil thicken hair?
Castor oil won’t change the actual diameter of each strand, but its rich, viscous texture coats the hair fibre to give the appearance of thicker, fuller locks.
By smoothing the cuticle and sealing in moisture, it can make hair feel denser and more resilient to styling damage, contributing to healthier, more voluminous hair over time.
A great way to boost volume and protect your hair from styling damage is to use a heat protectant formulated with castor oil, like our Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Spray.
How often to use castor oil on hair?
Pure castor oil is best used as a treatment just once or twice a week because its rich, thick texture can be heavy and tricky to rinse out if applied too often.
However, when castor oil is included in formulations such as shampoos, conditioners, or masks – like our Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo, it can be used more frequently as part of your regular haircare routine.
Can you use castor oil for hair overnight?
Yes, you can leave castor oil on your hair overnight for an intensive treatment. However, our advice is to apply it sparingly, especially if you have thin hair, as its thick texture can be difficult to wash out.
Massage a small amount into the scalp and work lightly through the lengths, then cover your hair with a silk scarf or towel to protect your pillow. In the morning, double shampoo thoroughly to remove any residue and follow with conditioner.
Why not try our Long Hair Heat Hair Mask? This castor-oil-enriched mask comes in a handy tissue cap for easy and hassle-free application, even overnight.
How to remove castor oil from hair?
To remove pure castor oil from your hair, you'll need to invest in a deep-cleansing shampoo. If necessary, wash your hair twice to remove all traces of the oil and prevent residue buildup.
Our Hydra Pure 72H Purifying Shampoo is ideal to wash off hair oils from your hair, as it removes excess oil and impurities without stripping natural moisture.
