Castor oil: what the pros really think

Your clients are most probably guilty of digging around the internet for ways to get longer and thicker hair. With that said, it’s most likely they’ve come across this rumoured hair hack called castor oil. Which is why, we asked the pros what they really think…

What are the benefits of castor oil?

Applying castor oil to hair is the rumoured secret to fuller and longer looking locks. By increasing the blood flow to the scalp, it leaves those who use it with stronger, better hydrated and healthier hair. But what do the pros think?

What the pros really think

Sophie Benson, head of education at Keune UK says: “The miracle oil has been the talk of the hair world for a while, and I think it deserves all the positives it can get. It’s rich in nutrients, meaning when used alone or in products it supports shine, nourishment and flexibility through the mid-lengths and ends, resulting in healthier looking and feeling hair.” And in relation to hair growth, Sophie is all for the said miracle oil: “Castor oil helps with hair growth as it’s a fatty acid and therefore can provide nutrition to the hair follicle, supporting a healthy scalp environment.”

With a healthy scalp being key, Shona Bisset, development chemist at Windle London, also explains how the benefits of castor oil on the scalp could aid in hair growth: “Castor oil is a vegetable oil and like all oils, will keep the scalp and hair well moisturised as well as improve the scalp’s ability to retain moisture. Keeping the scalp healthy is number one for hair growth, and with castor oil being very rich, it is good for this purpose.”

However, Lisa Carter, Vivienne Johns A-List hairdresser admits that from personal experience, she is unsure it promotes extra hair growth or makes hair grow any faster but agrees with the benefits it has on hair. “Castor oil does have a host of benefits for the hair which includes strengthening and hydrating. You can use it on the hair or with a carrier oil on the scalp which can be highly nourishing,” says Lisa.

Furthermore, Aline Knee at Simi Hairlab reveals this tip to share with clients: “Section the hair and massage oil from scalp to tips a few hours before bed. In the morning, wash the hair before starting the day and enjoy the benefits.”

What should I tell clients?

Castor oil can benefit the hair by adding moisture, nourishment, and shine. “Investing in a high-quality bottle is a great way to help fragile and dry hair become strong and moisturised,” says Vivienne. “But there are also many oils which hold similar benefits,” adds Shona, “so it can be easily swapped out.” In terms of hair growth, it seems castor oil holds key ingredients that keeps the scalp healthy and moisturised, and in turn could give clients those luscious long locks they’re longing for.