Oilypedia.com – Benefits And Uses Of Supplemental and Essential Oils 
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Castor oil is well known for its beneficial properties. The oil is used as a laxative and pain killing remedy. But the main application of castor oil is hair care. People have applied castor oil for hair and skin treatment for centuries. Why is castor oil good for hair?
Contents
Benefits of castor oil for hair
Moisturizing and nourishing
Castor oil is so effective for hair care due to the presence of the ricinoleic acid in its composition. According to Wikipedia ricinoleic acid is an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. It helps moisturize and nourish the hair. It easily penetrates the hair follicles and keeps the moisture inside the hair. It coats the hair and prevents it from drying. If you have dull and weak hair castor oil will help. It makes the hair stronger and shinier from within.
SEE ALSO: Astonishing Benefits of Grapeseed Oil for Hair
Antimicrobial and antifungal actions
The ricinoleic and undecylenic acids possess germicidal, antifungal and insecticidal properties. Castor oil can be used to treat scalp diseases, for example, seborrheic dermatitis, caused by fungi or bacteria.
Prevention of hair loss
As castor oil strengthens the hair and helps eliminate hair problems it prevents hair loss (read more about castor oil for hair loss treatment). It doesn’t grow the hair as the hair won’t grow faster but the usage of castor oil on hair helps have thick hair and allows to avoid baldness.
Dandruff treatment
As the ricinoleic acid in castor oil has the healing effect it can help eliminate the reasons of dandruff. It is a good idea to add jojoba oil (benefits of jojoba oil for hair are also amazing) to castor oil and massage the scalp after shampooing the hair.
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How to apply castor oil on hair
When you apply castor oil for hair care you should not apply the oil on the hair. It is necessary to massage it onto the scalp and put on the roots. Distribute the oil evenly. Castor oil will penetrate the hair follicles and roots and take care of your hair. The oil is thick and if you apply it on the hair it will be difficult for you to rinse it. Cover your head with a towel and eave for several hours. Rinse well.
If you want to apply castor oil directly to the hair mix it with lighter oil, for example sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil or olive oil (olive oil is used for hair growth). It lightens the oil density and the oil will be removed more easily. You may add extra virgin coconut oil to castor oil as coconut oil is effective for recovering brittle and dull hair. You may also add a few drops of essential oil to the blend, for example rosemary oil or lavender oils. Essential oils are healing too and may double the effect.
Carry on with castor oil application twice a week for at least a month. Don’t use the oil too often; you’d better add food rich in vitamins B and E to keep your hair healthy. Caution! Sometimes castor oil causes an allergic reaction so conduct a patch test before application.
