Ah, the eternal struggle between wanting long hair and wanting healthy hair wages on. In my quest to achieve mermaid-length hair minus yards of split-ends, I have looked into probably every product that claims to help hair growth. Biotin? Done it. Scalp massages? Why not. Avoid heat? Haha, sure.
If you’ve ever struggled with restoring your edges, excessive shedding, or thinness, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about the alleged miracle hair growth properties of castor oil. A quick search on YouTube yields dozens of positive testimonials that show brows restored to Cara Delevingne status and edges even Alicia Keys would envy. But is there any scientific evidence to back castor oil’s growth stimulation claim? To find out, we talked to two hair experts: board-certified dermatologist and hair restoration expert Dr. Nikki Hill and certified trichologist (that’s a hair doctor, if you didn’t know) and colorist Bridgette Hill.
What is castor oil and what are its benefits?
Castor oil, also known as Ricinus communis, is nutrient-rich vegetable oil from castor beans. Although it originates in tropical east Africa, it is widely used in India and the West Indies for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Castor oil is usually clear or pale yellow unless derived through roasting or boiling, known as black castor oil.
Down to a molecular level, castor oil is a long-chained fatty acid. “Fatty acids provide essential proteins and nutrients to hair follicles and prevent hair follicle inflammation,” says Bridgette Hill.
Aside from being anti-inflammatory, castor oil has a few other noteworthy properties. “Some benefits of using castor oil include increased gloss or shine of the hair, increased hair shaft flexibility by coating the hair shaft, [and] providing antimicrobial properties,” says Dr. Hill.
Does castor oil stimulate hair growth?
“No studies exist showing castor oil can increase hair growth >1cm/month, which is the FDA standard of hair growth,” says Dr. Hill. “However, I have patients tell me different all the time. Additionally, 90% of castor oil is made up of the fatty acid ricinoleic acid. [It] is known to stimulate the Prostaglandin E2 receptor, leading to blood vessel dilation. When applied to the scalp, increased blood vessel dilation increases the flow of oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood to the powerhouse of your follicle, the dermal papilla, or the root of the hair.”
Bridgette Hill agrees that castor oil indirectly promotes hair growth. “Because of the nutrients in castor oil, it protects the hair follicle from outside cellular and tissue invaders that destroy the health and vitality of the hair follicle.”
Is castor oil safe to use on the eyelashes and eyebrows?
The short answer: yes to the eyebrows, but be cautious with the eyelashes. “If there isn’t an allergy to castor oil after patch testing, it is safe to use on the eyebrows,” says Dr. Hill. “There is no safety data about castor oil and eye health, so I would be cautious and speak with an ophthalmologist about applying castor oil in close proximity to the eye.”
How should castor oil be applied to your hair and scalp?
Although castor oil is widely used, it is not meant for everyone. Therefore, the importance of a patch test comes into play again before applying it to your scalp. “Apply a small amount behind the ear or the inner upper arm for a week,” says Dr. Hill.
Once you determine that castor oil is compatible with your scalp, Bridgette Hill has a few suggestions for each hair type:
Fine to medium straight hair: Castor oil can be used as a deep treatment to protect the very ends of your hair fiber, the last 2-3 inches of hair. Use it as a pre-shampoo treatment to help keep the tangles away. Be sure not to overuse—shampoo out and style as desired.
Medium to thick straight/wavy hair: Apply throughout the entire head for an intense pre-shampoo treatment. Add heat or steam for deeper penetration into the hair cuticle.
Wavy to loose curls: I suggest mixing drops of castor oil into conditioners during these hot and humid summer months.
Curly to tightly coiled: I suggest using castor oil as needed throughout your regimen, [as a] pre-shampoo, added treatment, or as a weekly moisturizer. It is essential to perform a proper monthly detox shampoo when using heavy oils like castor oil.
What is the best type of castor oil to use?
Both of our hair experts recommend cold-pressed castor oil.
“Cold-pressed castor oil can be used on the hair shaft. However, black castor oil should be applied only to the scalp,” explains Dr. Hill. “If black castor oil is applied to the hair, a cuticle-sealing technique should be used afterward. Both forms will provide sufficient components of ricinoleic acid.”
When should you avoid castor oil?
It is best to avoid using castor oil on your hair if you’re suffering from dandruff. Both of our experts say it can make the condition worse.
Castor Oil Picks
Castor Oil
Dr. Nikki Hill recommends that people invest in “cold-pressed, heat-free, lighter-colored” castor oils. This is one of her favorites.
B. Well Organic + Cold-Pressed 100% Castor Oil
Briogeo sephora.com
$34.00
Trichologist Bridgette Hill loves cold-pressed oils since the extraction process preserves its full nutrients without adding impurities. Her number one choice is this organic, fair-trade oil from Briogeo.
Dominican Forbidden Oil
Bomba Curls was born from founder Lulu Cordero’s efforts to improve her traction-based alopecia with Dominican beauty secrets. Coffee seed oil stimulates the scalp’s blood circulation, black cumin seed oil provides antihistamines to treat hair loss, and castor oil provides nutrient-rich moisture.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Tropic Isle Living amazon.com
$12.62
This oil gets its name from its syrupy color, which results from the ash residue when the Jamaican castor beans are roasted. This ash is what many users attribute to helping with hair growth (although this information is not scientifically vetted).
Haitian Black Castor Oil – Chocolate
Kreyòl Essence ulta.com
$100.00
Castor oil is notorious for having a strong, heady scent that some people find unpleasant. Cocoa essential oil gives this oil an intoxicating chocolate scent while also promoting scalp circulation.
HIGHBROW| Brow Enhancing Serum
Nourishing castor oil and amla fruit extract provide brows a potent shot of nutrients to help them grow. One commenter said it gave her Brooke Shield-esque results.
Castor Oil USDA Organic Cold-Pressed
Did you know that pesticides can creep their way into your hair oils? Be sure to purchase an organic castor oil to avoid them, especially if you plan to use it around the sensitive eye area.
Elasticizer, Deep Conditioning Treatment
PHILIP KINGSLEY amazon.com
Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslett, and Georgia May Jagger are all fans of this deep-conditioning pre-poo product. It uses castor oil and hydrolyzed elastin to moisturize and restore manageability.
Bb. Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Hot Oil Concentrate
Bumble and bumble ulta.com
$30.00
It only takes two minutes to reap the benefits of this castor oil infused treatment. However, users claim that leaving it on for 30 minutes under a shower cap gives them the silkiest tresses.
Strengthen, Grow & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner, Jamaican Black Castor Oil Combination Pack
SheaMoisture amazon.com
$22.99
Curly and coily hair types love that this pair gives their hair great slip.
Reviewers with dry, color-treated, and permed hair claim this sulfate-free set revitalized their strands.
Black Jamaican Castor Oil Leave In Conditioner
Although this product works great for all hair types, it’s best suited for curly and coily textures since it’s formulated with heavier moisturizers like black castor oil and shea butter.
Tatjana Freund Beauty Commerce Writer Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends.
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On Wednesday night, Jennifer Lopez arrived in Los Angeles with her 13-year-old twins Max and Emme. The family was likely there to join Lopez’s boyfriend, Ben Affleck, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Lopez recently returned from the much colder climate of British Columbia, Canada, where she was filming her latest project, The Mother.
J. Lo touched down in her private jet wearing a teddy fur coat from Coach’s Autumn/Winter 2019 collection, and a pair of Ugg boots. Classic airplane outfit, celebrity style. Lopez and Affleck originally dated in 2002 and broke up in 2004. Their romance was rekindled earlier this year, soon after Lopez ended her relationship with baseball player Alex Rodriguez. The new couple went official in July, while celebrating Lopez’s 52nd birthday abroad.
Affleck’s most recent relationship with Ana de Armas ended in January after about a year together. He had divorced ex-wife Jennifer Garner in 2015 after being married for almost a decade. Garner and Affleck had three daughters, Violet, Seraphina, and Sam.
Before traveling back to the U.S., Lopez posted a story to Instagram Reels about how grateful she was to be headed home.
“Hey everybody, it’s my last day here shooting on The Mother out in Smithers in the snow, it’s been beautiful, but tonight I’m on my way home,” she said, as she walked through the wild landscape in a black coat and beanie.
“I’m so excited for Thanksgiving! I hope everybody has an amazing weekend with their families and their loved ones, there’s so much to be grateful for this year. I’m on my way!”
This is the first major holiday of the year since Lopez and Affleck reunited, so it’s likely to be a big one for both families.
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This is not a drill: Everlane just kicked off its Black Friday sale. Now through Monday, November 29, the direct-to-consumer brand is offering 20 to 40% off its cozy sweaters, minimalist activewear, and popular jeans. If you’re not super familiar with Everlane, let me spell it out for you: this is a big deal.
The e-tailer might be known for making sustainable, ethically made clothes and accessories at a fair, affordable price, but Everlane rarely has sales beyond its Choose What You Pay section. So, if you want to stock up on cute basics for less, now’s your time to shop.
And, in true Everlane fashion, the brand is taking this opportunity to give back. Everlane is partnering with Rodale Institute and help U.S. farmers transition their farmland to regenerative organic—and donating $15 per order to the cause. A great sale that gives back? I’m sold.
But, hurry! These deals are going to sell out fast, so you won’t want to waste any time filling your e-cart.
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1
The Cloud Turtleneck
$150 $105 (30% off)
Sweater weather is officially here, so why not pick up a few fresh layers? This turtleneck is the S’s: snuggly, stylish, and on sale.
2
The Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny Jeans
everlane
$78 $58 (25% off)
Looking for a great pair of jeans, minus the markup? Everlane’s classic skinny style is not only super stretchy, but it’ll look good with everything from chunky sweaters to silky blouses.
3
The ReNew Teddy Slippers
everlane
$65 $39 (40% off)
Why limit the shearling trend to the upper half of your body? These plush slippers will give even your most worn-in sweats a stylish edge.
4
The Chunky Cardigan
everlane
$110 $77 (30% off)
Sure, this may not be the cardigan Taylor Swift was talking about. But, with an exaggerated collar and ribbed finish, this style would definitely score top marks from the singer herself.
5
The Canvas Utility Boots
everlane
$115 $59 (40% off)
Brave the cold weather in style with Everlane’s chic boots. The canvas uppers and thick sole make these an ideal, all-weather option.
6
The Lofty-Knit Henley
everlane
$150 $105 (30% off)
Made with a nubby blend of merino wool, alpaca, and recycled nylon, this henley is perfect for a cozy night in, yet stylish enough to wear in public.
7
The Perform Bike Shorts
everlane
$45 $22 (51% off)
No, you can never have too many stretchy pants. Everlane’s bike shorts ooze major Lady Di vibes — for under $25, no less.
8
The ReLeather Court Sneakers
everlane
$110 $66 (40% off)
Made with recycled leather, these refresh sneakers will serve up major curb appeal — and Mother Nature’s seal of approval.
9
The Field Dress
everlane
$100 $60 (40% off)
Found: a fun, flouncy frock you can wear year-round. For a wintry take, pair with opaque tights and your favorite chunky boots.
10
The Cozy-Stretch Wide-Leg Sweatpants
everlane
$150 $75 (50% off)
With a straight-legged silhouette and wool material, it’s safe to say these are the chicest sweatpants we’ve ever seen. To sweeten an already enticing offer, this pair is half off.
11
The Organic Cotton Flannel Popover
$80 $56 (30% off)
Everlane reimagined the traditional flannel with a cropped silhouette, voluminous sleeves, and a slew of minimalist colors.
12
The Studio Bag
everlane
$275 $192 (30% off)
Large enough to fit all your essentials, but not too big that it’ll weigh you down, Everlane’s Studio Bag is the perfect everyday purse.
13
The ReNew Long Liner
everlane
$158 $118 (25% off)
House Stark was right: winter really is coming. Made with recycled materials, this liner is a great layering piece that’s considerably chicer than the yesteryear’s Michelin Man-worthy parkas.
14
The Felted Merino Beanie
everlane
$50 $30 (40% off)
All set on clothes? Pick up this cheery beanie, which is 40% off its original price.
Kelsey Mulvey Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Marie Claire, Women’s Health, and Men’s Health, among others.
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