All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.
Yep, we’re talking about castor oil for hair growth.
Getty Images
So, we figured it was time to ask the experts dermatologists and a cosmetic chemist to weigh in.
First things first: If you’re struggling withhair lossor thinning, you’re far from alone.
It’s extremely common, impacting an estimated80 million Americans.
(Thosebefore-and-after photosare so dramatic, whether they’re real or not).
To get a real definitive answer on this popular hair growth method, we turned to the pros.
What is castor oil?
Not all castor oil is created equal.
Castor oil that is not cold-pressed is typically used as a food preservative or in vegetable oils.
What are the benefits of using castor oil?
So, can castor oil help grow hair?
The TL;DR is no.
“There is no evidence for it and no scientific theory supporting that it would work.
So yes, it’s a total myth.”
However, anecdotally, people have noticed improvement," she says.
With all of itsprovenbenefits, castor oil may promote a healthy environment for hair regrowth, Dr. Garshick adds.
For this reason, experts recommend a patch test before applying castor oil to the hair or scalp.
So if you are using it regularly, avoid your face andshampoothoroughly.
What can you do to help hair grow?
(Yes, your low bun can be contributing to your fall-out.)
Similarly to castor oil, the consensus onrosemary oilis unclear, but theevidence is promising.
Other treatments likeminoxidil(Rogaine) are proven withstudies, glowing reviews, and success stories to boot.
However, treatments like minoxidil require ongoing effort and upkeep with tool, which must be considered.
Dr. Garshick recommendsplatelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapyas a helpful tool in promoting hair growth and improving hair density.
Other treatments include laser therapy, microneedling, injectables, and evenhair replacement treatments.
Stress and traumatic events can make your hair enter its shedding phase early, causing hair loss and thinning.
More on hair loss:
Now, watch a full wash day routine:
