Is your hair not growing and looking dry and damaged? Are you wondering how you can make it grow faster and look and feel healthier?
Perhaps these issues and questions have led you to castor oil and wonder, “Can I leave castor oil in my hair overnight?”. Read on to learn if leaving castor oil in your hair all night is a good idea.
What Is Caster Oil?
Castor oil is a type of vegetable oil created by pressing castor beans to extract the oil from the bean. The castor bean grows on evergreen shrubs or small trees, which can grow to 40 feet tall. While castor beans are called beans, they’re actually seeds.
Castor oil is typically colorless, but it can have a pale yellow hue, and humans have used it as a multi-purpose oil for thousands of years.
Can You Leave Castor Oil in Your Hair Overnight?
Yes, you definitely can leave castor oil in your hair all night. This way, the natural ingredients get enough time to sit, enhance hair growth, and make your hair healthier.
Besides making fine or low porosity hair look greasy and maybe causing those with sensitive skin to break out, there are no risks for leaving castor oil in your hair overnight. It won’t damage your hair in any way.
However, since some people tend to toss and turn in their sleep, tying the hair up or wrapping it can prevent the oil from smearing on your pillows and bedding.
What Are the Benefits of Using Castor Oil on Hair?
Next, let’s discuss the benefits of using castor oil on hair. Since you’re thinking about leaving it on your hair overnight, you should know what castor oil can do for your precious strands.
Moisturizes Dry Hair
Castor oil is an excellent source of Vitamin E and fatty acids, and thanks to these, it makes an excellent emollient and will leave your hair feeling and looking softer and smoother.
Soothes Irritated Scalp
Because castor oil is 90% ricinoleic acid, it’s known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. So, thanks to ricinoleic acid, castor oil can help soothe irritated skin like your scalp and even lessen the itch from pesky dandruff.
Adds Shine
Since castor oil possesses humectant properties, it can add lustrous shine and a glossy sheen to your hair strands. The best way to achieve this is by smoothing through from the midway of your hair to the ends.
Below are a few more benefits your hair can reap by using castor oil.
Hair Growth and Scalp Health
- Boosts Blood Circulation: Increases blood flow to the scalp, promoting healthier hair.
- Stimulates Hair Growth: Massaging castor oil into the scalp can increase hair growth, some claim up to five times the usual rate.
- Fights Scalp Infections: The antibacterial and antifungal properties in castor oil can help reduce dandruff and other scalp issues.
- Reduces Inflammation: Omega-6 fatty acids in castor oil may help reduce inflammation in hair follicles.
Hair Conditioning and Hydration
- Hydrates Hair: Castor oil is rich in Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, helping to moisturize dry and irritated scalps.
- Natural Conditioner: Makes hair healthy, shiny, and soft with its emollient properties.
- Locks in Moisture: Helps trap natural oils in the hair, sealing in moisture.
Nutrient-Rich Composition
- Rich in Antioxidants: Helps combat oxidative stress, which is linked to hair loss.
- Rich in Vitamin E: Contributes to shiny hair and reduces excessive hair loss.
- Aids Protein Synthesis: Helps maintain a normal growing and resting cycle for hair.
Other Benefits
- Increases Product Absorption: Castor oil can enhance the efficacy of other hair care products.
- Versatile Use: Castor oil can also promote hair growth in other areas like eyebrows and eyelashes.
Remember that while many swear by the benefits of castor oil, there is limited scientific evidence to back up these claims.
How to Apply Castor Oil
To get the most out of castor oil, apply it to dry hair and scalp. Warm the oil in your hands and then massage it into the scalp, particularly at the top of your head to relieve stress. Spread any leftover oil through the length of your hair.
Let it sit for at least 20 minutes, or you can leave it on overnight for deeper hydration. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, followed by a shampoo.
A second shampoo may be needed to ensure all oil is removed. You can usually skip the conditioner, as the oil itself is highly hydrating.
Which Castor Oil Should I Use?
Experts generally recommend cold-pressed castor oil for hair treatment. It’s pale gold and quite thick, so it’s often best when diluted with a lighter oil like coconut or almond. If you’re considering using black castor oil, it’s best applied only to the scalp. Both types of castor oil are rich in ricinoleic acid, beneficial for hair health.
Things To Consider Before Using Castor Oil on Your Hair
As with anything, there are always things to consider before purchasing or using anything. Below are a couple of helpful facts to keep in mind about using castor oil.
Can Clog Hair Follicles
Castor oil’s thickness can even clog your hair follicles which will cause your roots to look greasy. So, if you have very fine, thin hair or hair with low porosity, then you must use this oil sparingly. You can still reap the great benefits of castor oil but try only to use it weekly.
First, apply a dime-sized amount to your hand and then smooth from midway to your ends. Afterward, you can gently apply the remaining oil to your roots if desired.
Then, gently towel dry hair to remove excess oil. Your hair should look shiny and smooth but not weighted down or greasy after brushing it.
May Clog Pores and Cause Breakouts
While castor oil has anti-microbial properties and a low comedogenic score, there have been reports that it can irritate skin and cause acne breakouts or even worsen them.
So, while it’s considered relatively safe for sensitive skin, if your skin is overly sensitive or prone to acne breakouts.
Now, you know that you can leave castor oil in your hair overnight as well as what precisely castor oil is and how it can benefit the health of your hair. If you keep in mind the things to consider before using castor oil, your experience with the multi-purpose oil should be a beneficial one with your hair looking and feeling healthier.