Looking at recent haircare trends, it’s clear that people are asking themselves, “Does castor oil promote hair growth?” In fact, according to Google Trends, Google searches for this question have increased 22% in the past year, with an additional 13,000 searches within the past month looking into whether castor oil is used for hair growth.
Shop TODAY spoke to dermatologists and trichologists to get their opinion on this viral infection. Their opinion may inspire you to turn to alternative treatments. Read this article to find out more about why castor oil is not the best product for your hair growth needs and find proven alternative solutions recommended by experts.
Castor oil for hair growth: does it work? | What products help hair growth? | Alternative solutions for hair growth | Does castor oil have positive effects on hair? | Castor oil products | How to choose | Meet the experts
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Hair Growth Alternatives
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Castor oil for hair growth: does it work?
You’ll see people on social media claiming to use castor oil to promote hair growth, but trichologists Penny James and Annabel Kingsley say there’s no scientific evidence that castor oil actually helps hair growth.
James warns that using castor oil on the scalp can cause felting, which is when hair becomes tangled and difficult to untangle. Kingsley adds that for people with pre-existing conditions such as alopecia areata, castor oil can make scalp problems worse.
“There’s a danger in listening to what people say on TikTok and Instagram and following trends that aren’t backed by science,” Kingsley said.
Meanwhile, dermatologist Dr. Michelle Green says that castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which may promote hair growth, though more research needs to be done to determine if this is true.
What products help with hair growth?
While castor oil may not be the solution to growing hair, there are other products on the market that are proven to help hair grow.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry, rosemary oil may be one of them, as it’s “equivalent to 2.5% minoxidil,” a percentage that Dr. Henry previously described as “pretty impressive” in an interview with Shop TODAY.
“Minoxidil is a drug that extends the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle and revitalizes inactive hair follicles,” Green explains.
Minoxidil is also an ingredient Kinglsey recommends looking for in hair growth products: He says it’s FDA-approved and has data to back up the claims that it helps with hair growth.
Still, if you’re struggling with hair loss, Kingsley recommends seeing a trichologist or dermatologist, as it can be hard to know on your own what’s going on and what to do. “Finding the cause is really important, and then treating it based on that,” she says.
Alternative Solutions for Hair Growth
Multitasking: Majestic Pure USDA Organic Rosemary Essential Oil
What we like
Natural IngredientsCruelty FreePure Rosemary Oil
Size: 1 oz | Main Ingredient: Organic Rosemary Oil
If you’re looking to try a more natural option, this product contains 100% rosemary oil. James says she uses a lot of rosemary oil in her clinic because the natural herb is rich in vitamins A, C, B6, iron and calcium. “The oil has many benefits, including reducing stress through its fragrance, and keeping the scalp clean and preventing dandruff,” she says.
A Gentler Option: Hers Minoxidil Topical Hair Growth Solution
What we like
Eye drops provide targeted treatment Formulated for women
Size: 1 oz | Main Ingredient: Minoxidil
The brand develops products and treatments with the goal of better health, with hair regrowth being one of their focuses, and the dropper applicator makes it easy to incorporate this product into your haircare routine while you wait for hair growth results.
The product has also previously been recommended by hairstylist Maria Elisabeth, who told Shop TODAY: “The 2% minoxidil in this solution actively promotes hair growth by causing old hairs to fall out and be replaced with new, stronger hairs.”
You may also be interested in: Toppik Hair Building Fibers
What we like
Easy to use as it is resistant to wind, sweat and rain
Points to note
Complaints about usability, maybe not color accurate
Size: 42 oz | Available in 9 colors
While this isn’t a hair growth product, Kingsley recommends it to “disguise areas of thinning hair while you’re waiting for treatment to work.” She says the product camouflages hair loss very well and comes in a variety of colors.
By simply shaking or spraying these fibers on your head and gently tapping them on, the fibers will adhere to the hair follicles instead of the scalp, making your hair look fuller.
3 month supply: Amazon Basic Care Minoxidil Topical Solution USP 2% Hair Growth Treatment
What we like
Contains 2% minoxidil, fragrance-free
Points to note
Use twice daily
Size: 6 oz | Main Ingredient: Minoxidil
If you’re looking for a weaker minoxidil formula, this solution only contains a 2% minoxidil topical solution, whereas Rogaine contains a 5% minoxidil topical solution. This pack is a three-month supply, which is ideal because, according to Kingsley, it takes at least three months for any product to have any effect.
Proven: Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Topical Aerosol for Women
What we like
FDA approved for fragrance-free hair growth
Points to note
Complaints about difficulty in use
Size: 2.11 oz | Main Ingredient: Minoxidil
One of the best-known brands of hair growth creams is Rogaine, which contains 5% minoxidil for topical use. According to Kinglsey, it has been proven effective in treating female-pattern and male-pattern baldness. Apply the foam once daily to dry hair, massaging the foam directly into the scalp and hair.
Editor’s Favorite: Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Oil
What we like
This serum can be used before washing your face or before going to bed at night. Users say it’s not sticky.
Points to note
Users say it’s expensive for its size
Size: 3.4 oz | Key Ingredients: Rosemary Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Castor Oil, Bisabolol
This editor-approved hair oil contains rosemary and castor oil to help unlock the benefits of both, and its squeeze dispenser makes it easy to use.
The product was previously tested by editor Madison San Miguel, who said it’s a product that’s easy to work into your daily routine and delivers amazing results. “It doesn’t take too long to apply, and it’s not a chore to apply and rinse out,” she says. “Even though my hair is thin, the product isn’t heavy on my hair, so I think it would work for almost all hair types.”
Courtesy of Madison San Miguel, Shop TODAY Editorial Assistant Courtesy of Madison San Miguel, Shop TODAY Editorial Assistant
Does castor oil have any benefits for your hair?
While castor oil won’t necessarily help your hair grow, you can still incorporate it into your hair care routine. Hair experts say that using a small amount of castor oil on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair (not on your scalp) can help moisturize and hydrate.
“Castor oil products are definitely beneficial for hair as they condition it, prevent breakage, and add shine.”
James recommends mixing castor oil with a bonding oil or adding it to your conditioner and applying it to the ends of your hair to moisturize them.
Kingsley says that combining castor oil and olive oil into a creamy lotion can also be very hydrating.
“[Castor oil products]are definitely beneficial for hair, as they condition it, prevent breakage and add shine,” Kingsley says.
Castor Oil Products
Cold Pressed and Pure: GreenIve 100% Pure Castor Oil Cold Pressed
What we like
Organic Chemical Free Dropper Applicator
Points to note
Bottle leaking complaints Strong odor
Size: 4 oz | Main Ingredient: Castor Oil
If you’re looking to moisturize and hydrate your hair, this 100% pure castor oil product is your best bet. Trichologists William Gaunitz and Green recommend opting for cold-pressed castor oil because of the extraction method.
“Cold-pressed castor oil is made using a more natural extraction process, which allows it to retain all of the minerals and vitamins during the extraction process, unlike refined castor oil, which is made using a chemical extraction process,” says Green.
Hybrid: Choi Rosemary & Castor Premium Hair Oil
What we like
Dropper Applicator with Rosemary and Castor Oil
Points to note
Strongly scented, mainly composed of batana oil
Size: 2 oz | Key Ingredients: Castor Oil, Rosemary Oil, Batana Oil
This castor oil also contains rosemary oil, making it perfect for further satisfying your hair care needs. “It’s important to check the ingredients list to make sure it doesn’t contain any irritating ingredients like alcohol,” says Green.
Long-lasting bottle: Seven Minerals Pure Castor Oil, Cold Pressed & Unrefined
What we like
Pure, undiluted and unrefined castor oil
Points to note
Sold in large quantities
Size: 32 oz | Main Ingredient: Castor Oil
If you love using castor oil on your hair, then this large bottle of cold pressed castor oil is the perfect castor oil product for you. In addition to being a cold pressed solution, this castor oil is unrefined, fragrance free, and undiluted, so you know you’re really getting the purest formula.
FAQ
Who should use castor oil for hair?
“Castor oil is great for dry, brittle, frizzy hair; those with oily hair and scalp may find it too oily,” says Green.
They also advise that people with sensitive skin, inflammatory skin conditions, or allergies, if they want to use castor oil on their scalp, to do a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure the product doesn’t irritate them (although they don’t recommend using castor oil on the scalp).
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a thick oil extracted from the castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), which is grown primarily in Africa, South America and India.
“Castor oil has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, including moisturizing the skin,” James says.
Does castor oil have an expiration date?
Yes, castor oil has an expiration date, or “use by” date. According to the Castor Oil Center, if stored sealed in a cool, dark place, it should last for 2-3 years.
Reasons for choosing
To find out if castor oil works for hair growth (and find alternative hair growth products), Shop TODAY spoke to trichologists and dermatologists to get their advice on trends and product recommendations.
Meet Our Experts
Annabelle Kingsley is a New York-based consultant trichologist and brand president of the Philip Kingsley Clinic and product line. Penny James is a certified trichologist who became a trichologist after experiencing hair loss herself. She has over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry and owns Penny James Trichology Trichology Center in New York City. William Gauntitz is an Arizona-based certified trichologist and founder of Evolution Hair Loss Institute and Advanced Trichology Products. Michelle Green, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City.
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