Castor oil has a long tradition of use as a remedy for baldness. However, its benefits on the hair are many, including the ability to moisturize dry hair, to counteract the frizz effect and to dissolve knots. Regular use of castor oil also helps make hair stronger and thicker. For the treatment to be effective, however, you need to follow some simple rules, not just applying it to the hair in a hurry. The method of oil preparation will also affect the simplicity of application. This article will show you how to properly prepare and apply the oil on your hair.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Prepare the Oil
Step 1. Prepare everything you need
Applying castor oil on your hair might seem pretty easy, but it's good to take some steps to ensure a really simple and effective process. Here is a list of the necessary items:
- Castor oil.
- Another oil (for example of argan, avocado, coconut, jojoba, sweet almond).
- Hot water.
- A bowl.
- A glass jar.
- A shower cap.
- A towel.
- An old shirt (optional but recommended).
Step 2. Dilute the castor oil with another oil
Castor oil is very thick and this characteristic can make it difficult to distribute. Try using a part of castor oil and a part of another oil of your choice, for example: argan, avocado, coconut, jojoba or sweet almond. All of these oils are widely beneficial for the hair. If you wish, you can also try one of the following combinations:
- 3 tablespoons of castor oil.
- 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil.
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
Step 3. Consider adding a few drops of essential oil to mask the sometimes unpleasant smell of castor oil
If its fragrance bothers you, try mixing castor oil with 2-3 drops of a fragrant essential oil, such as rosemary, mint or tea tree.
Step 4. Pour all the oils into a glass jar and shake it vigorously to mix the ingredients
Screw the lid on tightly and shake the jar for a few minutes. When you are sure you have done a good job, remove the lid.
Step 5. Fill a bowl with hot water
Note that the container you choose will need to be large enough to hold the jar. Your goal is to heat the oil blend to make it easier to apply. Don't try to heat oils in the microwave.
Step 6. Immerse the jar in hot water and wait about 2-4 minutes
Check that the water level is equal to or above the oil level and make sure the jar is completely airtight to prevent the oils from diluting.
Step 7. When the oil is hot, transfer it to a small cup
This will make it easier to pick it up with your fingers at the time of application.
Consider pouring it into a container with a dropper to apply it directly to the scalp
Part 2 of 2: Using Castor Oil
Step 1. Start with damp, but not wet hair
The oil will penetrate more effectively. The best way to quickly moisten your hair is to fill a spray bottle with water, then direct the stream towards the scalp.
Step 2. Cover your shoulders with a towel
It will prevent the oil from staining your clothes. To avoid unpleasant inconveniences, choose to wear an old shirt anyway, in case the towel is not enough to protect it.
Step 3. Squeeze the oil with your fingertips and massage it into your scalp for about 3-5 minutes
Don't overdo the quantities: small gradual doses will ensure the desired effect. Distribute the oil on the roots evenly, massaging the scalp with small circular movements.
If you prefer, you can distribute the oil directly to various points on the scalp using a dropper. The application may turn out to be simpler and more orderly. Again, massage the oil into your hair roots for about 5 minutes
Step 4. Distribute the oil over the rest of the hair
Squeeze an additional small amount of oil with your fingers and rub it between your palms. Run your hands through your hair, using your fingers to comb it to distribute the oil more evenly. As previously suggested, start with a small dose of oil, the quantities required are almost minimal.
Step 5. Cover your hair with a shower cap
Gather the hair softly on the top of the head. If necessary, you can secure them with a clothespin. Wear a shower cap to help trap heat and prevent your hair from drying out.
Step 6. Wrap a warm towel around your head
Heat it by immersing it in very hot water, then squeeze it to drain the excess water. After wrapping it around your head, you can secure it with a large clip or by inserting a flap under the "turban". The heat released by the towel will make the treatment even more effective.
Step 7. Leave it on for between 30 minutes and 3 hours, then proceed with shampooing
You can also leave it on overnight if you wish, although there is little evidence that it is more effective. Note that to properly remove the oil you will need to perform a rather long and thorough rinse. In this regard, some people believe that it is advisable to apply conditioner only, omitting the use of shampoo.
Step 8. For the treatment to be fully effective, repeat it once or twice a week
Importantly, improvements will take some time. Try using castor oil for a period of four weeks before evaluating its validity.
Advice
- Castor oil can be purchased in both pharmacies and herbalists. Often it can be mixed with other ingredients that make it usable even cold.
- Opt for an unrefined, cold-pressed product. A completely natural castor oil will certainly be more effective and rich in nutrients. Refined and adulterated products have been deprived of most of their nutritional elements and are therefore less effective.
- Castor oil is very moisturizing, making it ideal for use on dry hair. Among its many beneficial properties there is also that of counteracting the frizz effect.
- If your hair tends to get tangled easily, thanks to this treatment you can make it smoother and more manageable.
- Castor oil also helps reduce dandruff and soothes an itchy scalp.
- Castor oil promotes the growth of stronger and thicker hair, a quality that makes it suitable for counteracting hair thinning.
Warnings
- Do not use castor oil if you are pregnant or suffer from chronic digestive disorders.
- If you have sensitive skin and have never used castor oil before, perform a skin test to ensure safe use. Pour a small amount on the inside of your wrist and wait a few hours. In the absence of allergic reactions or irritation you can use it with peace of mind.
- Given its high density, castor oil may tend to slightly darken lighter hair. However, this is a scarcely visible and only temporary effect.
- Castor oil can help relieve some clinical conditions, such as itchy scalp and baldness; but sometimes it can even make them worse.
