Castor oil is a must-have in the world of beauty. Renowned for taking care of our hair, it also has other hidden qualities if we know how to use it well.

When it comes to beauty, vegetable oils promise wonders. Between hair, skin and nail care, we can say that Mother Nature has done what is necessary to ensure that we lack nothing! In the top 5 of the most effective and popular vegetable oils for hair care. Castor oil shares the podium with black seed oil , also particularly appreciated for its moisturizing and invigorating properties for hair.

Castor oil, a natural treasure for hair and more

Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the common castor oil plant (Ricinus Communis by its Latin name), a shrub that grows in tropical regions of the world and which also produces a poison called ricin and which is also found in castor oil seeds. The castor oil used in cosmetics is recognizable by its light yellow color and viscous texture. It is ideal for hair when applied to the lengths (never on the scalp because the oil is very difficult to remove when washing and could make the hair greasy) and even the skin but it is absolutely necessary to avoid ingesting it because it is toxic... As an anecdote, it was used under the dictatorship of Mussolini as a torture agent causing severe diarrhea that could lead to death...

How to choose your castor oil?

Choosing castor oil depends on what you want to use it for. This oil has many applications, including hair care, skin, nails, and even general health. Here are some tips to consider when choosing your castor oil:

Beyond its inedible side, castor oil is especially extremely beneficial for our hair and skin. For 100% effectiveness, it is used pure and always cold pressed... It is its composition made of ricinoleic acid (omega 9) that gives it its viscous appearance but also all its cosmetic benefits.

The benefits of castor oil for hair

It is its number 1 asset, castor oil is THE star when it comes to hair beauty. No matter the type of hair, it is the one we will prescribe to boost the growth of hair, eyelashes or eyebrows. It is also the one we will recommend against brittle hair, to regain shine, strength and softness. It is ideal for dry hair that is totally devitalized, thin and dull.

But why is this viscous oil (which is also toxic) so good for our hair? It is precisely its unique viscosity that makes castor oil the ideal candidate for taking care of our strands! Its texture, rich in fatty acids, has the power to penetrate the scales of the hair fiber, to fix itself there and to provide deep hydration. Remember that hydration is the basis of healthy hair. Applying a castor oil bath prevents and slows hair loss, but above all it will stimulate its regrowth. This vegetable oil is particularly recommended in cases of alopecia or seasonal hair loss. The advantage is that castor oil is suitable for all hair types!

In the preparation of your daily care, you can also choose to combine the use of castor oil with that of a suitable essential oil such as rosemary in order to increase its effects tenfold. And if you are wondering what to choose between castor oil and an eyelash regrowth serum , know that the two are complementary.

The benefits of castor oil for the skin

We hear it less often, but castor oil is also a good friend for the skin! Once again, it is thanks to its viscous texture that it works miracles on the damaged epidermis of dry skin. In winter, castor oil is an excellent moisturizer and protector against external aggressions for hands dried out by the cold. Indeed, in addition to its moisturizing properties, the yellow oil is also purifying and healing. A perfect combo that penetrates the smallest gap in the surface layer of the skin to repair and limit the spread of germs. As a result, castor oil is also a good agent against acne. It is applied in small quantities to the affected areas.

The benefits of castor oil for nails

Just like our hair, our nails are largely made up of Keratin. They generally benefit from the same care as our hair. Castor oil thus becomes one of the most effective oils for taking care of our nails! Its rich texture impregnates the nail and helps it grow back but especially strengthen it. We then say goodbye to brittle or soft nails.

Just like for hair and eyelashes, you can also choose to alternate castor oil with a strengthening nail serum !

How to apply castor oil?

As you will have understood, castor oil may be miraculous, but it can also be toxic. It must therefore be used with full knowledge of the facts and wisely, and always choose an organic and cold-pressed oil.

Application on eyelashes

Although toxic when ingested, castor oil does not pose any danger to the ocular mucosa and can be used on eyelashes to promote their regrowth and also their strengthening.

How to apply it? Several methods are possible, the first is to slip a clean brush into your bottle of castor oil and apply the viscous substance to your eyelashes like mascara! Be careful not to put too much, be sure to remove the excess before application. Ideally, do it before sleeping so that the oil sits as a mask all night.

The second effective way to apply castor oil to your eyelashes is to mix it with your mascara! One or two drops of oil in your mascara tube will do the trick. Be careful if you overdose, the mascara will become too viscous and will no longer be comfortable to wear.

With regular application, you are sure to see results after three weeks. There is no evidence that prolonged use of castor oil is harmful, but always listen to your body and make sure you are not allergic. When in doubt, do a patch test in the crook of your elbow before applying to your eyes!

Application on nails and hands

For soft and moisturized hands and strong nails that stand up to all odds, nothing beats castor oil. You kill two birds with one stone with this magic oil. For the oil to be fully effective, apply it like a mask (once or twice a week, depending on the condition of your hands). Coat your hands well with pure castor oil, then leave the mask on with your hands in gloves. The application can last from 20 minutes to a whole night if you are looking for deep care.

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If you are looking for a nail treatment only, you can apply castor oil to your nails and cuticles with small circular massages. Repeat as many times as necessary. This step is particularly recommended in winter, when nails are most brittle.

Application on eyebrows

As with eyelashes and hair, castor oil works wonders on the most sparse eyebrows and helps restore fullness! To do this, nothing complicated, just like for eyelashes, slip a clean brush into your bottle of castor oil and brush it on your eyelashes. No need to remove the excess, since castor oil can be applied as a generous mask on the eyebrows without risking getting into the eye. Ideally, repeat the operation every night before bed for a month. The first results should be seen after three weeks. Don't hesitate to make it a ritual every year, to keep your eyebrows full, shiny and soft for as long as possible!

For men, application on the beard

Castor oil also allows men to take care of themselves! In addition to being excellent for their hair, it also allows for good maintenance of their beard. To promote hair growth and allow a fuller beard but also to protect the skin under the beard thanks to its antibacterial properties. It can be used as a beard oil or in addition to a regular care.

What to Avoid with Castor Oil

As we explained above, castor oil should never be ingested! Although its presence is possible at very low doses in certain medications, pure oil should not be consumed... Note that this is the only known contraindication, since even pregnant and breastfeeding women can apply castor oil to their skin, hair, eyelashes, eyebrows and nails without danger.