The top 5 castor oil benefits for hair thickness & health

A deeper look at why this age-old remedy still holds a powerful place in modern hair care routines.

Castor oil has long been a go-to for those seeking natural beauty remedies. And when it comes to hair care, its reputation is more than well-earned. Used in cultures around the world for centuries, this thick, nutrient-dense oil is now making its way into more modern routines—not as a fleeting trend, but as a time-tested staple for supporting hair that feels stronger, fuller, and more hydrated.

At The Lauren Ashtyn Collection, we believe in supporting hair from root to end. Whether you’re navigating seasonal shedding, chronic dryness, or slow regrowth, the key isn’t just finding the right style—it’s creating a foundation that lets your natural hair thrive. Castor oil is one way to support that foundation.

Let’s walk through the top five castor oil benefits for your hair—and how to incorporate it into a nourishing, modern routine that fits your lifestyle.

 

What makes castor oil so special?

Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant and contains a high concentration of ricinoleic acid, a type of fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It also boasts vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids, and a deeply emollient texture that can help seal in moisture.

Unlike lightweight oils like jojoba or argan, castor oil is thick and sticky—more of a treatment than a daily styling oil. It’s especially beneficial for those with:

• Dry, brittle hair prone to breakage
• Thinning hair or areas of shedding
• Scalp flakiness or buildup
• Dullness and split ends
  
  

While castor oil won’t “grow” new hair where follicles have permanently closed, it can support the environment that healthy hair growth depends on—especially when paired with a smart routine.

1. Castor oil supports a healthier scalp

Hair growth starts with the scalp. If the skin at your roots is inflamed, tight, or congested with product buildup, it can block follicles and reduce healthy growth over time.

One of the most valuable castor oil benefits is its ability to calm irritated scalps, ease flakes, and rebalance the microbiome. Thanks to its natural antibacterial and antifungal qualities, it can help:

• Reduce scalp itchiness or dryness
• Clear minor buildup that clogs follicles
• Create a more balanced scalp environment

You can apply castor oil directly to the scalp 1–2 times per week as a pre-wash treatment. Massage it in for 5–10 minutes to stimulate blood flow, then let it sit for 20–30 minutes before washing out. If it feels too thick on its own, blend it with lighter oils like coconut or grapeseed.

Tip: Try this routine the night before your wash day—it’s a calming ritual that doubles as self-care.

2. It may encourage stronger, thicker hair

Let’s be clear: no oil can miraculously regrow hair overnight. But what castor oil can do is help reduce breakage, protect the hair you have, and potentially improve density over time.

By coating the hair strand with a rich barrier, castor oil:

• Locks in moisture and reduces protein loss
• Minimizes breakage, especially during brushing or styling
• Protects hair from environmental stressors and styling tools

Used regularly, this can translate to the appearance of thicker, more resilient strands. If your ponytail feels thinner than it used to or your ends are splitting quickly, castor oil can be a protective addition to your weekly care plan.

3. It adds natural shine and softness

Dull, dehydrated hair is often a sign that the cuticle (the outermost layer) isn’t sealing properly. That leads to moisture loss, frizz, and an overall lack of shine. Castor oil’s emollient texture helps smooth the cuticle and reflect light more evenly.

A few key ways to use it for softness:

• Add a pea-sized amount to your palms, rub together, and apply only to the mid-shaft and ends
• Use it as a post-blowout shine serum (just a touch goes a long way)
• Pair it with a lightweight leave-in conditioner for even more detangling power
  
  

Castor oil’s high ricinoleic acid content helps replenish moisture in the scalp while creating a natural seal along the hair shaft. This is especially helpful for those with textured, color-treated, or over-processed strands that tend to dry out easily.

If your hair tends to tangle easily or snap when brushed, that’s often a sign the cuticle isn’t sealing properly—which makes it more vulnerable to breakage. Castor oil helps coat the hair shaft and smooth the outer layer, making it easier to detangle and less prone to damage from daily wear. And while its thick texture may seem intimidating at first, it actually plays a protective role, especially for ends that are dry, frayed, or overly porous. Over time, consistent use can improve elasticity and make your strands more resilient to stress from heat, brushing, or friction.

After rinsing out a castor oil treatment, we recommend misting hair with Moisture Hydrate & Heat Protectant Spray. This formula adds hydration without weighing strands down and layers beautifully under styling tools. It’s also perfect for replenishing softness between treatments.

4. It aids in gentle detangling and styling

Thick oils like castor don’t just hydrate—they add slip. And when used properly, that extra glide can make detangling much easier, especially for coarse, curly, or textured hair types.

Blended with a few drops of a lightweight oil, castor oil can:

• Soften knots and snags before brushing
• Make braiding or twisting smoother
• Serve as a light styling cream for sleek buns or flyaway control

This is especially useful on protective styles or between washes when your hair needs a little help laying flat. Just avoid applying directly to the scalp unless you're doing a full pre-wash treatment—too much oil at the roots can make hair look weighed down or greasy.

5. It creates a grounding scalp massage ritual

Sometimes, your hair care routine can also be your nervous system reset.

A gentle scalp massage with castor oil not only supports circulation (which may aid in follicle health), but it also helps release tension, especially around the temples and neck. That’s powerful for anyone navigating stress-related shedding, postpartum hair changes, or burnout-related thinning.

Stress can shift hormone levels, interrupt the growth cycle, and lead to increased shedding. Adding a weekly castor oil massage can help you:

• Create space for calm
• Stimulate blood flow to the scalp
• Nourish the hair from the root in more ways than one

You don’t need to overdo it—just 5–10 minutes, 1–2 times a week, with a focus on intention over perfection.

 

How to use castor oil on hair the right way

Here’s how to build a simple, manageable castor oil routine:

1. As a scalp treatment

• Apply a small amount directly to the scalp using your fingertips or a dropper
• Massage in circular motions for 5–10 minutes
• Leave on for 30–60 minutes or overnight (use a shower cap)
• Wash thoroughly with shampoo—sometimes twice is necessary

2. As a conditioning treatment

• Mix castor oil with lighter oils like argan, jojoba, or coconut
• Apply mid-shaft to ends on damp hair
• Let sit 20–30 minutes, then rinse

3. As a finishing product

• Rub a few drops between your palms
• Gently smooth over styled hair to tame frizz and add shine
• Avoid the roots

A small amount goes a long way—especially if your hair is fine, straight, or prone to buildup.

What to expect when you add castor oil to your routine

Adding castor oil to your hair care ritual is a beautiful way to slow down and support your strands—but like any truly nourishing practice, it takes time. If you’re hoping to see instant results, you may be tempted to overuse it or give up too soon. The reality? Castor oil works best when you treat it like a long-term investment in your hair’s health, not a quick fix.

You likely won’t notice dramatic changes overnight. Instead, look for small but meaningful improvements: less shedding on your brush, less breakage at the ends, more hydration and softness after wash day. These signs show that your hair is becoming stronger, more resilient, and better able to hold onto moisture.

To help castor oil do its best work, pair it with foundational habits that support overall hair health:

• Eat a protein-rich, balanced diet
  Hair is made primarily of keratin, a protein. Without adequate protein, your hair may become weak, dull, or slow to grow. Pair castor oil treatments with meals that fuel your body from the inside out.
  
  
• Avoid harsh sulfates and drying alcohols
  These ingredients can strip the scalp and hair of natural oils, leading to dryness, brittleness, and irritation—counteracting the moisture you’re working so hard to build. Look for gentle, hydrating cleansers and nourishing conditioners that support your oiling routine.
  
  
• Minimize heat and tension
  Tight ponytails, high-heat tools, and aggressive brushing can cause breakage at the shaft or stress at the root. If your goal is thickness and strength, try air-drying more often, using silk scrunchies, and reducing daily heat exposure.
  
  
• Incorporate hydrating stylers and soft-hold leave-ins
  These products keep hair pliable and moisturized between washes, helping preserve the effects of your castor oil treatments. Leave-ins are especially helpful in preventing tangles and minimizing friction on the strands.
  
  

Need something lightweight to seal in moisture post-wash or add softness before heat styling? Our Moisture Hydrate & Heat Protectant Spray is the perfect companion to castor oil. It layers effortlessly, protects against heat damage, and helps smooth down the cuticle—boosting shine without ever feeling greasy.

The bottom line: be patient, stay consistent, and give your hair time to respond. With a supportive routine and the right balance of hydration and protection, castor oil can become one of the most grounding, reliable parts of your hair care journey.

 

Castor oil meets modern care

Castor oil has stood the test of time for a reason. It supports hydration, protection, and strength in a way that few ingredients can—especially for hair that needs a little more support. When you bring it into your routine intentionally, with consistency and care, you give your hair the foundation it needs to grow with grace.

At Lauren Ashtyn, we believe in rituals that restore—not routines that overwhelm. Whether you're navigating hair loss, rebuilding thickness, or just looking for that next layer of softness, castor oil can be a grounding, effective place to begin.