The various oils on your scalp form a vital part of hair health. A lack of proper oils in your hair can cause it to become dry, brittle, and—in extreme cases—can lead to hair loss. Castor oil can serve as a supplement for dry and brittle hair.
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a type of vegetable oil derived from the castor bean. It has long been used as an additive in various hair and skin care products as a natural moisturiser. Additionally, castor oil has long been used to treat various skin diseases, fungal growths, and infections due to its antimicrobial properties. Cold-pressed castor oil is a particularly common lathering agent in many soaps.
How Does Castor Oil Help With Hair Loss?
Castor oil has a wide range of benefits for a healthy scalp.
Moisturises a dry scalp
Castor oil offers dual benefits for a dry scalp. First, it cleanses away any dead skin cells, built-up sebum, and dirt, clearing the way for healthy hair to grow. Second, Castor oil works as a humectant, keeping moisture locked in for longer.
Improves blood circulation
Castor oil contains a large amount of ricinoleic acid which is known to enhance blood circulation and nutrient flow to the scalp. This leads to healthy hair follicles and helps to prevent hair loss.
Assists other products
Castor oil allows for deeper penetration and better absorption of other skin or hair care products.
Prevents hair loss
The blend of fatty acids, antioxidants, and nutrients make castor oil an excellent tool to incorporate into a hair care routine to help prevent hair loss from damaged hair.
How Do I Use Castor Oil To Prevent Hair Loss?
Applying castor oil is a rather straightforward process. Before getting started, you’ll need a few basic items:
- Castor oil
- An applicator brush
- An old t-shirt
- Latex (or nitrile) gloves
- A comb
- A shower cap
- A large towel
Step by Step
- Put on an old shirt you don’t mind staining. Castor oil tends to leave stains on clothes.
- Section off your hair as well as its length allows.
- Put on the latex/nitrile gloves and use the applicator brush to apply the castor oil.
- Massage the castor oil into your scalp, making sure to achieve a thorough and even covering.
- Apply the castor oil evenly and completely to your sectioned-off hair. Use the comb to ensure an even coat. Your hair does not need to be completely wet but should be moist throughout.
- Put on the shower cap, making sure that all hair is tucked inside.
- Wait at least two hours to give the castor oil enough time to be properly absorbed.
- Finally, thoroughly wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner.
How Often Should I Use Castor Oil On My Hair?
Castor oil should not be used more than once a week. While it is a harmless substance, using it more frequently than this can lead to an excess of oily buildup and can lead to issues such as matting and tangling which can lead to hair breakage and further hair loss.
What If My Hair Is Still Falling Out?
If your hair loss is persistent and conventional treatments have not worked, it is likely that your hair loss is genetic. The most common reason for chronic hair loss is alopecia areata (pattern baldness). This is a genetic disorder that cannot be treated by medications or lifestyle changes. The only solution for hair loss, in this case, is a hair transplant.
Hair transplants in Turkey are truly permanent solutions for hair loss wherein healthy hair follicles are removed from a donor site (commonly the back of the patient’s scalp) before being implanted into the recipient area to cover up the areas left behind by thinning hair.
Dr Serkan Aygin has helped over 15,000 patients in his 25-year career and has achieved a hair regrowth rate of 98%. Contact us today for your full, free consultation.
