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Castor Oil for Hair Growth: How to Use and Benefits

By: Ivanna Nguyen

By: Ivanna Nguyen

Trusted for generations and now trending in the 2025 beauty world, castor oil has reemerged as a star ingredient in hair care. With minimalist routines, clean beauty trends, and a return to natural solutions taking center stage, castor oil has become a must-have for anyone wanting to nourish their hair without complicated steps. Its viral rise on TikTok and support from holistic beauty influencers has amplified its popularity, but its benefits run deeper than this.

Castor Oil Is a Go-To for Natural Hair Care

Castor oil’s reputation in hair care is rooted in centuries of Ayurvedic and traditional remedies. Its appeal lies in simplicity: one ingredient with many uses. It’s naturally rich in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that’s known for improving circulation to the scalp and delivering deep nourishment to hair follicles. It’s also packed with omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, which help lock in moisture and promote resilience from root to tip.

In today’s era of simplified beauty, castor oil has become a staple in DIY routines. It’s a top pick for custom hair masks, scalp treatments, and moisturizing oil blends. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, thinning, or just want a healthier scalp, castor oil is an easy, low-cost addition to your hair care routine. And its benefits don’t stop there: castor oil can also support the growth of lashes and brows. Formulated with cold-pressed castor oil, Godefroy's Double Lash and Brow Serum helps promote longer, fuller-looking results.

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Castor oil is also highly adaptable—safe and effective for all hair types, including straight, wavy, curly, and coily textures. Coarser hair types often use it to retain moisture between washes, while those with finer strands may dilute it with lighter oils like jojoba or argan to prevent heaviness/oily looking hair.

A quality bottle of cold-pressed castor oil typically costs between $6 and $15, making it a budget-friendly essential in any natural hair care routine.

Curious how it works for lashes/brow growth too? Check out our castor oil lash growth blog for expert tips and results.

Person applying a dropper of oil to their hair

Key Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair

Here’s what makes castor oil a standout:

Supports stronger, fuller hair: Its high content of ricinoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids helps nourish both scalp and hair.
Minimizes breakage: By sealing moisture into strands, it reduces the risk of split ends and damage.
Soothes the scalp: Naturally antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, it helps reduce itchiness and irritation.
Enhances brows and lashes: As featured in our Double Lash and Brow Serum, castor oil encourages a thicker, glossier appearance with regular use.

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How to Use Castor Oil for Hair Growth

To get the most from castor oil, proper application is key:

Scalp massages: Use a dropper to apply directly and massage for 5–10 minutes to stimulate blood flow.
Hair masks: Blend castor oil with lighter oils like rosemary or jojoba to improve absorption, reduce heaviness, and avoid clogged pores. Leave the mixture on for 30–45 minutes before rinsing for a nourishing deep treatment.
Lash and brow treatments: Use a clean spoolie or applicator to brush a small amount of castor oil onto your brows and lashes before bedtime. Daily use yields the best results over time.

Eyebrow gel in a clear container with a black handle, placed on a gold plate against a beige background

@strongbysim Replying to @Sara i swearrrrr by castor oil!!! best product for hair growth + best alternative for gel in my opinion 🫶🏼 #hairgrowth #hairtips #hairoiling #slickback #slickbackhair #tips #foryou #foryoupage ♬ 3 strikes - lyriq

Best Practices and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Make the most of your routine by avoiding common pitfalls:

Choose cold-pressed castor oil: It retains more nutrients and avoids chemical residues often found in refined versions.
Don’t apply it straight to your hair: Castor oil is very thick. Using it undiluted can lead to buildup, clogged pores, or even cause matting—especially on finer hair types.
Avoid overuse: Less is more. Use a small amount and always dilute with lighter oils like rosemary, jojoba, or argan to improve spreadability and reduce heaviness. Rinse thoroughly to keep your scalp clean and healthy.

Hand pouring a liquid from a glass container into a white bottle on a light surface.

What to Expect and When to See Results

While some users notice subtle changes in two weeks, more noticeable results—like improved shine or reduced shedding—typically appear after 6–8 weeks. When using castor oil on brows or lashes, daily application yields the best results.

Remember, castor oil is not a miracle solution, think of it as a natural support system for your body’s existing growth cycles. Consistency, a balanced diet, and scalp care all contribute to optimal long-term growth.

Conclusion

Castor oil is more than a social media trend—it’s a proven staple in holistic hair care. Whether you’re nourishing a dry scalp, dealing with thinning strands, or hoping to boost your lashes, it’s a budget-friendly solution with real benefits.

Looking for targeted, easy-to-use support? Our Double Lash and Brow Serum uses cold-pressed castor oil, along with other natural oils, to visibly improve lash and brow health.

Thanks for reading! If you'd like more beauty tips and tricks, be sure to check out last week's blog post.