Castor oil is probably the most recommended oil in the world for hair growth. It's also one of the few to have undergone a systematic review—and the verdict of that review doesn't at all match what social media promises.
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What does castor oil contain?
Extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis , castor oil owes its uniqueness to its composition: approximately ninety percent ricinoleic acid, a hydroxylated fatty acid not found in significant quantities in any other common oil. This explains its extreme viscosity and its particular behavior on the fiber.
- Its thick texture makes it very film-forming and occlusive.
- Ricinoleic acid has documented anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- It has been used since ancient Egypt, both in cosmetics and in pharmaceuticals.
Castor oil is the perfect example of an active ingredient whose real benefit has been overshadowed by a promise it doesn't keep. It does a remarkable job of coating the hair, reducing breakage, and soothing. That much is verifiable. But it doesn't make hair grow back, and repeating that won't change anything.
Does castor oil make hair grow?
A systematic review published in 2022 analyzed 22 studies on castor oil. Its conclusion: weak evidence supporting increased shine, and no solid proof of an effect on hair growth. No randomized controlled trial showed that castor oil increased hair density or accelerated hair growth.
The risks of castor oil on hair
Its use is not without risk, and some precautions are necessary:
- Acute matting: documented cases of long hair suddenly clumping together into an inextricable mass that had to be cut.
- The accumulation of residue and its viscosity make rinsing difficult.
- Contact dermatitis, rare but reported, on sensitive scalps
- The weighing effect on fine hair, which loses all volume
- The so-called "black" versions, which are more alkaline, are less well tolerated.
Diluted in a more fluid oil, applied without rubbing and rinsed gently, castor oil remains usable without difficulty.
Verified review
"Incredible! I didn't really believe it, but it's true: by taking care of the roots, the ends follow. My hair is shiny, nourished, and the application is super easy. Very, very good product."
Chloé B., a customer for 2 years
Discover the solutionThe protocol for stronger hair
If your goal is stronger, less brittle hair, castor oil can help—but it only works on the surface. Strong hair is built from the root: exfoliate the scalp to expose the follicle, wash with a pH of 5 to limit swelling of the hair fiber, and then nourish the lengths with easy-to-rinse treatments.
Dry & Damaged Hair Protocol
Comprehensive treatment for dry & damaged hair
To remember
- Castor oil contains approximately 90% ricinoleic acid, unique among oils
- There is no solid evidence of castor oil having an effect on hair growth.
- Its real benefit is strengthening and reducing breakage
- Acute matting is a documented risk in long hair.
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