Based on recent hair care trends, it’s clear that people are asking themselves, “Does castor oil make hair grow?” In fact, Google searches for that very question have been up 22% the past year, per Google Trends, with an additional 13,000 searches within the past month inquiring about castor oil being used for hair growth.
Shop TODAY spoke with dermatologists and trichologists about their opinions on the viral hack — and what they said might have you reaching for a different remedy. Read on to learn more about why castor oil might not be the perfect product for your hair growth needs, and discover alternative tried-and-true solutions recommended by experts.
Castor oil for hair growth: Does it work? | What products help with hair growth? | Alternative hair growth solutions | Can your hair benefit from castor oil? | Castor oil products | How we chose | Meet the experts
Castor oil for hair growth: Does it work?
Although you may be seeing people using castor oil for hair growth on social media, trichologists Penny James and Anabel Kingsley say there is no scientific proof that it actually does help hair grow.
James actually warns that castor oil use on your scalp can result in felting, which is when your hair becomes matted and you can’t remove the knots. Kingsley adds that castor oil can also worsen scalp issues for people who have pre-existing conditions such as alopecia areata.
“This is the danger of listening to people on TikTok and Instagram and following these trends that have no scientific backing,” Kingsley says.
On the other hand, dermatologist Dr. Michele Green says castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which could potentially increase hair growth. That said, more research needs to be done to determine if this is true.
What products help with hair growth?
Castor oil may not be the solution to growing your hair, but there are other proven products on the market to help grow your locks.
Rosemary oil may be one of them, which “is equivalent to 2.5% minoxidil,” according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry. Henry previously spoke with Shop TODAY, calling this percentage “pretty impressive.”
Green explains, “Minoxidil is a medication that lengthens the growth phase of the hair growth cycle and restores inactive hair follicles.”
Minoxidil is also the ingredient Kinglsey recommends looking for in your products for hair growth. She says it is FDA approved, and there is data to support the claim that it helps with hair growth.
Still, Kingsley recommends seeing a trichologist or dermatologist specializing in hair if you are experiencing hair loss, because it’s hard to know yourself what is happening and what you should do. “It’s really important to find the cause, and then the treatment is based on that,” she says.
Alternative hair growth solutions
The multitasker: Majestic Pure USDA Organic Rosemary Essential Oil
Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Organic rosemary oil
If you are looking to try out the more natural option, this product contains 100% rosemary oil. James says her clinic uses a lot of rosemary oil because the natural herb is packed with vitamins A, C, B6, iron and calcium. “The oil has many benefits, including reducing stress because of its aromatic smell and keeping the scalp clean and free of dandruff,” she says.
Also helpful: Toppik Hair Building Fibers
Size: 42 oz. | Shades available: 9
While this is not a product for hair growth, Kingsley recommends it to “disguise the appearance of thinning areas while you’re waiting for treatments to work.” She says this product camouflages hair loss very well and comes in a variety of colors.
Simply shake or spray these fibers onto your head and tap them in to disperse, leaving a fuller-looking head of hair as the fibers cling onto hair follicles and not the scalp.
A gentler option: Hers Minoxidil Topical Hair Regrowth Solution
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Minoxidil
This brand works to formulate products and treatments aiming towards better health, and one of their focuses is hair regrowth. The dropper applicator makes this an easy product to implement into your hair care routine as you wait for hair growth results.
This product was also recommended previously by hairstylist Maria Elizabeth, who told Shop TODAY, “The 2% minoxidil in this solution actively promotes hair growth by shedding old hairs and replacing them with new, stronger ones.”
Three-month supply: Amazon Basic Care Minoxidil Topical Solution USP 2% Hair Regrowth Treatment
Size: 6 oz. | Key ingredients: Minoxidil
If you are looking for a minoxidil formula that is a little less strong, this solution only contains 2% Minoxidil topical solution, compared to the Rogaine which has 5% Minoxidil topical solution. This pack is a three-month supply, which is the ideal time length, because Kingsley says any product will take at least three months for results.
Tried and true: Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Topical Aerosol
Size: 2.11 oz. | Key ingredients: Minoxidil
One of the most well-known brands for hair growth is Rogaine, which contains 5% Minoxidil for topical use. Kinglsey says it is proven for treatment of female- and male-pattern hair loss. Use the foam once a day, every day on dry hair by massaging the foam directly into your scalp and hair.
Editor loved: Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil
Size: 3.4 oz. | Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, tea tree oil, castor oil and bisabolol
This editor-approved hair oil contains rosemary and castor oil to help pull benefits from both, all while being easy to use with its squeeze-top dispenser.
This product was previously tested by editor Madison San Miguel who said it’s a simple product to add into your routine with incredible results. “It doesn’t take too long to apply, nor is it a burdensome task to distribute and wash out,” she says. “Even with thin hair, I found that this product wasn’t overbearing for my strands, so it should work for almost every hair type.”
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Are there any benefits of castor oil for your hair?
While castor oil may not necessarily help with hair growth, it can still have its place in your hair care routine. Hair experts say castor oil can add moisture and hydration when used in small amounts on your mid lengths and ends of your hair (not your scalp).
“They [castor oil products] definitely have their place on the hair, to condition it, to prevent breakage [and] to add shine.”
James recommends mixing castor oil with a bonding oil or adding it to your conditioner and applying the formula to the ends of your hair for hydration.
Kingsley says castor oil and olive oil are good for moisturizing if mixed into an emulsion in cream form, too.
“[Castor oil products] definitely have their place on the hair, to condition it, to prevent breakage [and] to add shine,” Kingsley says.
Castor oil products
Cold-pressed and pure: GreenIve 100% Pure Castor Oil Cold Pressed
Size: 4 oz. | Key ingredients: Castor oil
If you are interested in adding moisture and hydration to your hair, this 100% pure castor oil product is a good choice. Trichologist William Gaunitz and Green both recommend looking for cold-pressed castor oil because of its extraction process.
“Cold-pressed castor oil has a more natural extraction process, allowing it to retain all of its minerals and vitamins during the extraction process, unlike refined castor oil with a more chemical extraction process.” Green says.
The hybrid: Choey Rosemary & Castor Premium Hair Oil
Size: 2 oz. | Key ingredients: Castor oil, rosemary oil and batana oil
This castor oil also contains rosemary oil, which is a great way to incorporate additional hair care needs. Green says, “It is essential to look at the ingredient list to ensure there are no irritating ingredients, such as alcohol, in its formulation.”
Long-lasting bottle: Seven Minerals Pure Castor Oil Cold Pressed & Unrefined
Size: 32 oz. | Key ingredients: Castor oil
If you already know you love to use castor oil on your hair, this large bottle of cold-pressed castor oil might be the perfect castor oil product to grab. In addition to being a cold-pressed solution, this castor oil is unrefined, unscented and undiluted, so you know you are really getting the purest formula.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should use castor oil on their hair?
Green says, “Castor oil is best for dry, brittle, frizzy hair, as individuals with oily hair or scalps may find it too greasy.”
She also advises individuals with sensitive skin, inflammatory skin conditions or allergies to perform a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure no irritation from the product, if you wish to use castor oil on your scalp (although, it is not recommended to use castor oil on the scalp).
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is a thick oil derived from the castor plant, Ricinus communis L., which is mainly cultivated in Africa, South America and India.
James says, “Castor oil has been used for centuries and has medicinal benefits” like moisturizing your skin.
Does castor oil expire?
Yes, castor oil does expire and has a “best used by” date. According to the Castor Oil Center, it can last from to two to three years if stored in a cool, dark place and tightly sealed.
How we chose
To find out if castor oil works for hair growth (and to discover alternative hair growth products), Shop TODAY spoke with trichologists and dermatologists who provided advice on the trend as well as product recommendations.
Meet the Experts
- Anabel Kingsley is a New York-based consultant trichologist and the brand president of the Philip Kingsley Clinics and product ranges.
- Penny James is a board-certified trichologist, who became a trichologist due to her own hair loss. She has over 30 years of experience in the beauty business and runs her own trichology center in New York City called Penny James Trichology.
- William Gauntitz is a certified trichologist based in Arizona and the founder of Evolution Hair Loss Institute and Advanced Trichology Products.
- Dr. Michele Green, M.D., is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City.
