Castor oil vs coconut oil for hair

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Well that depends on who you ask. This isn’t a post that will give you a definite answer that suits everyone, rather the point of looking at these two oils together is so that you can make an educated decision about which of the two are best for you. Or even better than that, can you successfully use both in your regimen where they are both effective?

I am a flex oil type of girl! I totally made that up but what that means is that I use different oils for different occasions or different instances in my regimen. In addition to that I know women who are absolutely allergic to coconut oil or castor oil so they cannot have either one in their regimen and that is what is best for them.

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is a bi-product of the coconut*, it is a fatty oil; that is, it can be useful in cooking, consuming, for your skin and your hair. Coconut oil* reminds us of hydrolyzed protein because it is one of only a limited number of oils* that can penetrate the hair strand fortifying it from the inside out.

What is castor oil*?

This oil is also a bi-product, but this time from castor beans. You can find castor oil in many manufacturing oil based products because it is a pretty heavy oil. In the hair community castor oil is mostly known for its ability to regrow edges and help with hair loss on other areas of the scalp.

When you are trying to determine which of these oils* is better, you must consider a couple of things. Are you allergic to any of them? Are you protein sensitive? Does your hair prefer a heavy oil? Are you suffering from hair loss? Only then can you decide which is better.

Are you allergic?

Nut allergies are no joke so if you have one, coconut oil* might not be the right oil for your regimen at all. In addition to that coconut* oil has been described as an “acne aggravating ingredient” for some women causing a ton of skin irritation even on the scalp. When you use it in your hair or on your skin and you discover redness, bumps or excessive fungus and dandruff, you are more than likely allergic.

Even though serious allergic reactions to castor oil* is rare, it is important to know that you can be allergic to that oil as well. The oil is known to cause itching, redness and general irritation which renders it rather ineffective for you if you are allergic. Allergies will single-handedly make one oil better for you than the other by pure default, moving on!

About Petra

Hi I'm Petra Lomax , a staff writer and editor for BlackHairInformation.com . I am Jamaican born and raised and moved to the United States in my early 20's. I have a BA in Political Science and International relations as well as an MBA and a Masters In Project Management. I love travel, culture and anything that has to do with creative media and business.

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Filed Under: PRODUCTS Tagged With: castor oil, coconut oil, oils

Want to know how to grow back bald patches or restore the natural shine of your hair? Learn about the many castor oil benefits for hair and why you should add it to your routine.

There are several age-old remedies making a comeback and becoming essential haircare ingredients. So, let’s take a look at castor oil benefits for hair and why you should use it. Ever seen your grandma suddenly sporting hair where that bald patch once was? Say thanks to castor oil. Or, were you ever jealous of your guy friends’ long eyelashes? Well, you can apparently get some of your own with this magical oil.

Castor oil - the basics

What does castor oil exactly do? Well, it not only promote hair growth but also prevents hair loss. The best part is that since it is a natural oil there are no risks to using castor oil in your hair. But – and there is always a but with these hero ingredients – it is extremely thick. This means it is a pain to wash off. So, how does one use castor oil? Let’s find out.

Castor oil benefits for hair

Hair growth

One of the major castor oil benefits for hair is that it helps in hair growth. Since it is loaded with vitamin E and other fatty acids, it strengthens hair roots and stimulates blood circulation needed to grow hair, and regulates the hair growth cycle. It also acts as a shield against pollution and free radicals that threaten to damage hair.

Anti-inflammatory

Castor oil also has ricinoleic acid which is anti-inflammatory. It lessens irritation on the scalp that may inhibit healthy hair growth. And – you’ve guessed it – it also soothes the consequences of dandruff.

Shiny hair

Packed with nourishing and moisture-locking properties, castor oil adds an extra dash of shine to the hair. It also conditions dry and damaged hair. The antioxidants in it even stimulate keratin production in the hair, making it stronger.

Healthier hair growth

Okay, we’ve already established that castor oil is a super ingredient of sorts. So, don’t be surprised if we continue to list castor oil benefits for hair. It not only helps hair growth but also makes sure that it is healthy in the most unconventional way. It dilates blood vessels which leads to better blood flow which supplies oxygen and essential nutrients to the hair roots. So, say goodbye to split ends and brittle strands.

Thicker hair

Why is castor oil a second favourite after the popular coconut oil? It is because it is said to increase hair growth by about four to five times the normal rate, while also encouraging your hair to grow thicker. This is why you must have heard of castor oil as a home remedy for thin eyelashes. There are also decades-old testimonies that it seemingly grows back bald patches.

Slows down greying

Castor oil is also an excellent treatment for preventing premature greying. Applying small amounts of castor oil to your hair can help retain its colour for relatively longer, keeping it from turning grey too early.

Gets rid of dandruff

Castor oil is a natural elixir for your mane. Since it is antifungal and antibacterial, it kills the fungus that causes dandruff and other infections, which reduces flakes and calms itching and irritation. Plus, it maintains the pH balance of your scalp so that you don’t get dandruff in the first place.

Types of castor oil

Organic castor oil

While it is predominantly for hair, organic castor oil is also good for skin. It is a natural moisturiser that cleanses skin and hair even if you have an oily surface. It comes in a cold-pressed version when it is extracted directly from castor seeds, without heating.

Jamaican black castor oil

Used to treat specific skin and scalp-related issues, Jamaican black castor oil is used to treat acne and dandruff. It is collected by roasting castor seeds and is better absorbed by the hair.

Hydrogenated castor oil

This is a diluted but thicker form of castor oil. Castor oil undergoes hydrogenation which processes the oil in the presence of a nickel catalyst. It is mostly used in lotions and creams for its thick consistency.

How to use castor oil for hair

Castor oil and coconut oil

Along with the many castor oil benefits for hair, coconut oil is similarly rich in fatty acids. This means it also helps strengthen hair, to enhance hair growth and prevent damage. It goes deep into the hair cortex and cuticles. It also helps against the damage of chemical hair treatments. So, it only makes sense that together with castor oil this mask can do it all from preventing hair fall to getting rid of dandruff.

Mix two tablespoons of castor oil and coconut oil each in a bowl
Massage the mixture on your scalp for about five minutes
Make sure you have applied it to your hair from roots to ends

Cover your head with a shower cap or towel
Keep this mask on for two hours or overnight
Wash off with lukewarm water and shampoo

Repeat this twice a week and continue for two months to see a difference in hair growth.

Castor oil and olive oil

Olive oil is known to be rich in mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. This protects and seals the hair’s natural moisture barrier. Olive oil also serves as a natural conditioner, reduces hair loss, and helps with hair growth. Together with castor oil, this is a very effective mask for healthy hair.

Mix two tablespoons of both oils
Heat the mixture for about 10 seconds on medium flame
Apply and massage for about 10 minutes

Cover your hair with a steamed towel for an hour
Wash off using lukewarm water and a hydrating shampoo like the paraben-free Tresemme Pro Pure Moisture Shampoo

This shampoo has nourishing elements like aloe vera, sunflower seed oil and coconut oil that are perfect for all types of hair. It also cleanses hair of excess oil and grime while strengthening weak locks. Try this treatment once a week for luscious locks in the long-term.

Castor oil and aloe vera

If you thought aloe vera is only a great skincare product, you are in for a surprise. Aloe vera is instrumental in stripping the hair off all the excess oil, dirt, and impurities reducing hair loss and treating dandruff. Being rich in vitamin A, C, and E, it also reduces the stress on the scalp.

Take 2 teaspoons of castor oil and half a teaspoon of aloe vera gel
Mix it with a teaspoon of basil powder and two teaspoons of fenugreek powder aka methi
Blend all the ingredients well to form a thick paste

Apply it covering the entire scalp and hair length
Wear a shower cap and let it soak in the hair overnight
Rinse off with lukewarm water and shampoo

Castor oil and onion juice

Onion juiceis known to boost hair growth and reduce hair fall. It also provides strength and adds shine to the hair. Together with castor oil, it forms a mess-free hair mask that contributes toward fuller and shinier hair.

Take two tablespoons of castor oil and mix it with two tablespoons of onion juice.
Blend the two and apply the mix.
Massage it and leave it on for about two hours.
Rinse it off with lukewarm water and shampoo.

FAQs on castor oil benefits for hair

How often should I use castor oil for my hair?

Oil, in general, should be used at least once or twice a week for optimum results. If you use castor oil in combination with your regular hair oil, you can use it once or twice a week.

Which is the best type of castor oil for hair growth?

It has been proven that Jamaican castor oil is good for the hair and has more benefits. It is thick in consistency, helps nourish the scalp and treats hair thinning. Cold-pressed oil is also loaded with benefits and is more popular because of its easy availability.

Are there any side effects of castor oil?

Castor oil has many benefits, but should be used with caution. You should always carry out a patch test 24 hours before use, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Castor oil not only helps reverse hair damage but also can restore your hair to its former glory. From curbing hair loss and promoting hair growth, to eliminating dandruff, discover the many castor oil benefits for hair – the key to healthy-looking and luscious locks.

Can I mix castor oil with coconut oil for hair?

Mix one tablespoon of castor oil with two tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil, two tablespoons of sweet almond oil and another two tablespoons of sesame oil. Warm the oil for faster penetration, and massage into your hair from roots to ends. For best results, leave it on overnight and wash off the next morning.