Myth or Fact : Can Castor Oil Really Thicken Your Hair?

I do regularly contribute science articles to BGLH and I am cross posting this one because the question comes up time and time again.

So let us take a straw poll. How many of you have heard that castor oil can help improve the thickness of natural hair? I have seen this said many times, and since hair thickness is dictated by genetics, I have always wondered if there was any truth to the statement. I finally decided to research it from a scientific perspective.


First question - what is in castor oil?

Like many natural oils (coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil etc), castor oil is composed of several fatty acids. In reality, these acids are bound and therefore do not really behave like acids at all (note that you cannot pH an oil as it does not dissolve in water). The dominant fatty acid in castor oil is ricinoleic acid.


Can ricinoleic acid or any other of the fatty acids in castor oil increase hair thickness?

There are no scientific studies to prove that castor oil can increase hair thickness. Interestingly, in the field of male pattern baldness where hair thickness improvement is a major requirement, castor oil does not even feature as a research ingredient. Many of the other fatty acids in castor oil are similar to those found in coconut or olive oil and these are not associated with increasing hair thickness either.


What about the pictures where naturals show an improvement in hairline/bald patches by rubbing castor oil?

In my opinion this is not evidence because massaging in itself even with plain water can stimulate regrowth of hair (i.e where hair has fallen out or been pulled out, massage can help a new strand to grow back). I would add though that the study that showed this was done in rats and not humans.


Additionally, I have not seen anyone measure the actual diameter of hair to show that castor oil use has thickened their hair. Some people refer to thickness as the overall density of hair and in my view again this is not proven by the pictures as often they are just referring to normal regrowth.


Could something else be at work?

My theory in discussion with my chief chemist (i.e the husband) is that castor oil perhaps can stick to hair more firmly than most oils and therefore create an illusion of thickness. Anyone who has used it will note how thick and viscous it is. It is almost like a soft glue and tends to stay put and not move when applied. It does not transfer easily either, which means that it can attract small particles of dust and lint which may also add to the illusion of thickness.


Do you really need to change your hair thickness?

In my view, I think that life and biology is about diversity. Not everyone can have thick hair strands, not everyone can have high density hair but everyone can have great hair regardless of how thick the strand or how dense the hair .

Do you think that castor oil can thicken hair? What is your experience with it?

Comments

  1. This was a very interesting read! I've always been under the illusion that castor oil makes your hair thicker but what you have explained makes a lot of sense.

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  2. I consider myself newly natural (no relaxer in a few years but just since June with no heat styling). I'm enjoying learning my hair and seeing it respond to more TLC. I love your site, your knowledge and the science behind your posts! I just read much about castor oil thickening hair and causing regrowth. The castor oil mentioned specifically to do this is Jamaican black castor oil? Is its makeup the same as traditional castor oil? Might that be the difference?

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    1. Good question! From the research I did, I found that the chemical profile of Jamaican black castor oil is not really prominent.I did find one paper with crude Malaysian castor oil (which is similar to unrefined Jamaican black castor oil. The likely reason for the colour is actually iodine which is removed in refined clear castor oil.

      Iodine intake in food (not castor oil which is not recommended) is useful for maintenance of skin and nails. I have not seen it related to thickening of hair though (I will check some more later this week though)

      The paper reference for the Crude castor oil is - Sains Malaysiana 39(5)(2010): 761–764

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    2. Thanks for the explanation!

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    3. I am allergic to seafood and have been told by medical professionals that I may have a reaction to iodine. This may explain the unbearable itching I experienced when using JBC.

      Thanks for the scientific not market view.

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  3. Thanks, jc, for the reply! I'll wait for your further research before investing in Jamaican black castor oil.

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  4. often times like you said we misuse thickness for hair density, when we say thick we mean hair density lol i also think that massaging the hair is supposed to bring nourishment from the blood to the hair follicles so probably the action accounts for the increase in hair growth

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  5. @Anonynous & Jc, I was about to mention Jamaican castor oil as there is a difference in the formulation, But as you mention that you will look into that.

    One other question, is in regards to Jamaican Black Castor/Castor promoting 'Hair Growth', promoting faster 'regrowth, what is the real science behind this. Sorry if you have posted it in the past and I have missed it >.<.

    Keep up the awesome work you do here :).

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    1. Thanks for the compliment. No, I have not written anything about castor oil and promoting faster regrowth. I did a search on what can accelerate hair growth and the results are here -

      http://www.thenaturalhavenbloom.com/2009/06/hair-growth-myths-miconazole-birth.html

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    2. I have tried the black castor oil its not like what they say it would do. I have been using it for 2mos. now all my hair have been falling . Now I am having to wear a wig!!!!!

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  6. What I heard is that castor oil strengthens hair strands. I also believe that there's a degree of truth to this, from my experience.

    What do you say about this?

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    1. I think that if there is a strengthening effect it is temporary, in the same way most products work. For example protein conditioners will temporarily strengthen hair, coconut oil will temporarily prevent breakage i.e only during the wash and immediately after, hair conditioner helps to soften hair temporarily.

      I think that products including oils like castor oil can help us manage our hair but ultimately it is how gentle you are physically that makes all the difference.

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  7. I believe that the rubbing motion and the oil can stimulate dormant follicles and therefore when there is new growth your hair appears thicker.Now i have no scientific sources to provide proof this is just a thought. :)

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    1. No there are no studies on castor oil beyond using it for shine. Yes as stated in the article, there is some evidence in mouse studies that massage may help stimulate regrowth from an already existing follicle, so there may be some truth to that. As to whether castor oil also plays an additional role - nobody knows

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  8. I don't think anything can truly thicken a hair strand. There are products/treatments that give that illusion (ex: hair color) but, as you mentioned, they are temporary.

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  9. Awesome post...and this is why I love your blog! The research and information is always helpful!!

    ~Shae of AfroniquelyYou.com

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  10. "massage can help a new strand to grow back). I would add though that the study that showed this was done in rats and not humans" -- how would you like that job?

    Thanks for the info, it's good to know it's more about the actual massage than it is the oil action if anything.

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  11. I had better luck using herbs like fo-ti and rosemary to thicken and grow in hair in thin spots on my scalp where I yanked it out taking out braids. I was so scared that the traction alopecia spots would be forever bald. But after some research I put together a concoction based on those herbs and others that seems to work for me. And castor oil ain't in the mix! lol

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  12. Thank you for this informative article. I was misguided all this time!

    Also, I would like to know, does caster oil has anti-fungal property and help reduce dandruff?

    The source which told told me that it helps the hair to thicken, told me about anti-dandruff property as well :(

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    1. It doesn't. I was one of those people who ran out and bought before looking for any scientific leg work done on it. I noticed all the websites I was reading the "information" from were sponsored by the sellers, or on popular natural hair websites funded by the sellers. It in fact worsened my niece and I' s dandruff issues by clogging up our follicles. (We only used a nickel sized amount fro our whole heads)

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  13. I don't believe this article is correct, what so ever!!!

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    1. lol I normally ignore comments like this. You are clearly new here. This is a scientific evidence based blog and you are completely free to disagree here (hence the disagree button above). However, in order for your view to matter, it would greatly help to simply elaborate on what you think is incorrect, not just make a blanket statement like 'that is wrong'.........what, why, how?

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    2. Jc, I agree. It aggravates me when folks comment and fail to express in detail why there is a disagreement. I happen to appreciate any information I read. So thanks to all contributors. Our main goal is healthy hair. Right?

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    3. Lol that was pathetic. Cognitive dissonance at it's finest.

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    4. This is the furthest from scientific i could possibly imagine. This community is based on heresay and individual experience, backed up by the biased opinion of the "chemist" husband, who probably cooks meth in a trailor. Castor oil has MANY proven useful applications, and MANY unproven useful applications.....vinegar and newspaper cleans windows better than windex, but dont tell SE johnson waX THAT. this article is disgraceful.

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    5. lol I published your Meth comment because it was so hilarious to me!

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    6. This person must sell castor oil and you are screwing up her rent money JC lol

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    7. This person must be selling castor oil lol

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  14. I prefer lighter oils so I'd not use a castor oil to find out if it increases thickness or encourages growth :-) I have bad memories of.being made to drink it when constipated lol

    Ms. Amena
    Fb/Instagram:: Torrid Tresses by Ms. Amena

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  15. I don't believe castor oil itself increases growth but it may help in retention. I say that because it may help lock in moisture a little longer than lighter oils. Hair loves moisture. Dry hair breaks as does over moisturized hair. However, using too much castor oil can cause a problem as well in terms of product build up on strands and the scalp. If there is too much, moisture from the air will have a hard time getting through. From what I read in the past, castor oil is supposed to act as an humectant as well. With that said it can draw moisture in or draw it out depending on the environment. Understanding that, my theory is it doesn't accelerate growth but helps retain temporarily. I hope that makes sense. In addition, I've used it and haven't seen any accelerated growth. In terms of growth, I tell people to regard their strands as a delicate fiber. You don't wash your best items with terrible cleansing agents so you shouldn't do so with your hair. You don't purposely tug and misuse your delicate garments so don't do the same with your hair. Treat your body well, eat right, sweat via exercise, and love the inner and outer you. It will all come together in time.

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  16. I feel that each individual is different, therefore, different things works for different people. I swear by Castor Oil. I was bald on both sides of my head from pulling out micro-braids and I had used everything in the hair growth section for about five years. I heard about JB Castor oil and I started to use it, after about 8 weeks, I started seeing new growth and it has continued to grow, so don't comment if you have not tried it for yourself. studies and research are fine, but if you have not tried a thing, you really cant say what do or does not work.

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    1. Yes I must agree with you. I too have seen incredible results with jbco. I think people should try it out for themselves to see how it may work for them. I am totally happy with the results I've gotten over the past 7weeks

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    2. I too agree with both comments - I have seen results of hair growth in the last 8 weeks on bald spots on both sides from years constant on/ off braids extensions. Now a full natural (4b/c) I use JBCO every night along with a light massage (not too heavy handed) Having tried other various concoctions of hair growth for this area JBCO is the one for me and will remain so for the time being.

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    3. hi, can u plz suggest what should be the dosage to apply castor oil.
      also can it be applied daily if so for how much time...............

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    4. Would u plesse let me know if u are natural if have relaxed hair? I have read that the JBCO can have negative affects on relaxed hair due to the salt it contains. Thanks to all for the information.

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    5. Yes!!! I totally agree as well.. I've had bald spots on both sides of my temples since 6th grade.. I've tried everything marketed towards this specific kind of scalp issue known as Traction Alopecia with no success..I'm now 25 years old and this Sept. I decided to go natural and actually stick it out.. I have tried to go natural in the past but kept giving up because the bald spots on my sides weren't filling in.. I started using the JBCO every night since Oct 1st and OMG MY HAIR HAS GROWN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY TEMPLES.. They are just thickening and becoming fuller every month.. I now know the value of Patience and trying things out for yourself.. Had I read this article before trying it I honestly might not have tried it and stuck with it.. So everything ain't for everyone.. No one shouldn't knock something unless they tried it.. I swear by it!!! OFFICIALLY ~"To each is own" scientific isn't always correct.. My opinion

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    6. well said, if you haven't tried don't say anything,studies and research are fine!

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  17. castor oil is used widely in India..for a newly born child castor oil is massaged to his body and head.we believe that it protects his soft scalp in his tender age and also stimulates hair growth.For skin it gives moisture and smoothness.There is no age limit for its use.But if over used it may sometimes cause over heat in the body.But really as you see the people who use it daily for their skin and hair have no problem with the affect of pollution.Now i have a longer hair,a strong one,and a bright Indian skin.I swear castor oil did well for me!!

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    1. Thats great to know Sammy. Would like to know how do you use it on your hair (daily / weekly, an hr/ full night etc) and on skin to have that brightness? Thanks in advance!

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  18. i have used castor oil and it has healped tremendously .. yes i feel it works.

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  19. Bridget, sorry all the previous comments and discussions on scientific analysis and anecdotal evidence are now deleted as the anonymous commenter has now taken to spamming this blog daily, naturally I am not entertaining this type of nonsense.

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  20. And I was going to buy a bottle today to "grow my hair".... thank you so much!

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  21. I like science and how they try to see beyond everything else and give a person another perspective but I really don't like the idea when they have to overanalyze everything, i.e, coffee is good, coffee is bad, so what is it, good or bad?, that is where I tend to draw the line, I say try for yourself and if it works good and if not good, just don't burst everyone's bubble that's all I have to say.

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    1. So pretty much, even if it doesn't work, let them think it does? If people reject new and proven information just because they don't want to accept it, then why do scientists and researchers even bother helping people by doing all the work they are incapable or unwilling to do?

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    2. Obviously it has worked for some people, or something has anyway. Whether it be the massage or the oil or the combination of the two, some people believe castor oil has helped. Science has it's advantages, but it doesn't always explain everything. For instance, the placebo effect. So, YES, let someone think something will work and maybe it will whether scientific evidence backs it up or not.

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    3. @ Anonymous above. The role of science is not to let everyone think something will work when it's been proven not to. If you think science should function in that manner, you are insane and we'd all be in deep trouble. If you believe in magical thinking, then the placebo affect can still work for you, or at least you'll have the delusion that it does, and you don't need science to support you in your delusion. Carry on. I prefer science, so please don't speak for others. I don't want science to allow me to think something works that does not!!

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  22. I am really sorry to differ here. Not that I have any scientific(western) proof.
    But I have a bald(absolute) area grew hair and are getting dense?

    No joke, no exaggeration. I was bald and I have hair now when i type this.
    It getting denser day by day.

    I have no explanation to this but I am happy with the results.
    We are not here debating this but I would like to add that...
    Science is a methodical attempt to know nature and its evolving.
    Limiting our attempt to pursue happiness just because Science has not yet found a proof is erroneous.

    Science is too meagre to base our life on.

    Try anything on your body that makes you comfortable doesn't matter if it contradicts Science(western Science).

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    1. i am also using castor oil for hair growth it 100 percent works .science has not done his home work it is their fault. science is not always judge.we can also judge ourself.wrong article.

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    2. Very good, If you have a real problem then try this, because it's harmless anyway, that way you can help solve your problem.We are not looking to see who is right or wrong, but rather that we may get solutions to our problems.

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  23. i don't agree with this article because the proof is in all the people using Black Castor oil and getting results. Castor oil does many things in the holistic world including reducing uterine fibroids. There is money to be made my convincing people that home remedies don't work and pharmaceuticals do. I am currently using Haitian Black Oil by Okay brand, and the reason I am using the Haitian brand is because I remember as a kid all the Haitian girls having long think fat plats, which I had never seen before, and all the Haitian girls had it. I also don't recall ever seeing a Haitian female adult with hair problems, they all have long flowing hair. So Haiti has a secret when it comes to hair and I think it's the black castor oil used in the hair. I don't remember any Jamaicans or other Caribbean people using castor oil in the hair, That is why I call it the Haitian hair secret.

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    1. Proof in my book means documented quantifiable results. If someone did actual measurements then I would accept it, but this does not exist. I am all for holistic treatments but I think that does not mean that I will believe what anyone says. It is really not that difficult to set up an experiment and the results.

      We obviously have very different ideas of what 'proof' is.

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    2. I have been dealing with baldness in hairline for years. Please help me find some thing that actually works:(

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    3. Wrong. Correlation does not imply causation, neither do anecdotal claims and beliefs Hair can grow and not grow at different times. There are many variables involved. Simple as that. There is no evidence it has anything to do with castor oil. The staggering number of humans who do not have the ability to reason and therefore fail to comprehend their own flawed logic is frightening.

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    4. Haiti does not have a secret. What you have observed is due to genetics.

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  24. i purposely came on here to see what you have to say about this, though I think i've read this article a few times in the past. I just watched a YT video where the individual showed her "thickened" strand as a result of using castor oil. I just shook my head because anyone with afro hair knows that you can mould it into any shape or form. You could make it look thicker, thinner, shorter, longer, curly and what not if you want. Like curl pattern, you can't change your hair thickness, unless you happen to take some sort of medicine which changes the shape of your individual hair follicles.
    Thanks for this insightful post. I'll be using many of your research to prove to women that most of the claims they hear about out there are false and not scientifically proven.

    The Mane Captain

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    1. By thicker they are referring to the thickness of the hair as a whole, not individual strands. aka formerly dead hair follicles regenerating and spring up new hairs.

      I've personally been using it recently for the past few weeks on a spot which was total and completely bald! My mother burned the front of my scalp at age 7 and killed the follicles and it's been bald ever since. I'm now 25. I've used it three weeks and three new visible strands have formed on the once bald section of my hair. They are very short because it's only been a few weeks, but they are definitely there! The proof is in the pudding for me. I've always been so self conscious about this area and have examined it all the time and these strands were DEFINITELY not there before. Planning on doing a before and after photo.

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  25. I do believe that the other reason for the color of the JBC is the method that is used to extract the oil, I read that JBC has its color is due to the fact that the seeds are roasted before being pressed and with the clear oil the seeds aren't roasted, some argue that the cold pressed clear castor oil is slightly better, but i have no comment on that as i only use the clear one. And in my experience I have noticed a higher hair density an more new growth, i simply apply the oil to my hair before bed( no massage as i'm too tired and i basically just wanted the conditioning benefits of the oil) but i was pleasantly surprised with the new hair growth and general all round improvement of the condition of my hair.

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  26. If you want proof, look at the many people on youtube that show you their results from beginning to end. I too must say castor oil has helped my situation tremendously. I am a natural and I suffered with a thinning crown, I massaged my scalp every night and saw results in about 3 weeks. I have used all types of oils and I BELIEVED they would all work to no avail and jbco is what worked for me. Don't believe any of us, science or experience, if you've tried everything else why not add jbco to the list... you never know.

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  27. What if it doesn't change the coarseness of the individual hairs, but rather stimulates growth at the scalp follicles and helps prevent shedding? In that case, the overall volume of the hair would be thicker. It is a stimulant to the bowels when taken internally. Could it be a stimulant to the skin and hair follicles as well? With so much anecdotal evidence, I hardly want to discard the possibility.

    I've read from scientific literature that castor oil won't induce labor for pregnant women near term, but midwives around the world know it will, and I've personally used it, with success, in this way. So maybe science doesn't have any explanation or evidence about castor oil working on the scalp to promote growth, but it may, in fact, work for this purpose. I suppose the only way to know for sure if it will work for you is to take measurements once a month for a few months to know your average normal growth rate (without doing anything special). Then try massaging without oil and take another measurement a month later and see if it has made any difference in your growth rate. Then try it with the oil and see if that makes any change a month later.

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    1. I good point, I like your summation

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    2. Great Post! I agree.. I have found that it hasn't thickened my actual strands... but it has produced more strands making my overall hair combined thicker. You can see many before and after photos of people who have used this method and had great success. Also I noticed the article says "Castor oil" rather than "Jamaican Black Castor Oil" JBCO is the oil that is said to induce growth in the hair follicle.

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  28. GREAT ARTICLE!!
    I've been using JBCO for a while now and I have seen an increase in growth BUT before I started using the oil, I was suffering from extreme breakage which appeared as if my hair was not growing. I think JBCO has helped with the breakage, which has helped me to retain more length but for some this may appear as if the hair is growing "faster".

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  29. Hi, this is an interesting article and find. Thanks for sharing. As a natural hair care stylist, I have clients who have put the JBCO/Organic cold-pressed pure Castor oil to the test and showed me the result of how it made their hair line grow back in, and their hair does appears thicker which is their desired outcome anyway. No arguments from me. So I came to the same conclusion as you and your husband have that, because of the oil's texture (ability to stick to strands), level of moisture it adds to the hair and scalp, and with the (main effect)-scalp massages, this combination is great! I must point out that many of their hair's density was originally thick (genetically) but fell out due to meds, friction against fabrics and traction alopecia, and their follicles were still open. I recommended that they can also mix the castor oil with coconut, olive, safflower, shea butter and avocado oil and once a month scientific brushing to help stimulate hair growth. Thank you!

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  30. I read that castor oil helps "grow" hair. I watched videos on youtube ahowing women using it and they claim it grows hair faster.

    so I went out and bought a $10 bottle of 100% pure castor oil.

    About me: 42 turning 43 next month. I have thinning hair on top. When spiked with gel it shows the shining scalp through the hairs.
    I was told to look in to getting help with hair growth from family and friends. They said to get minoxidil or hair transplants.

    I looked in to that. Reading, youtube and hearing how good minoxidil works. But... one thing... you have to keep using it or your new hair will fall out!!! Scary! I decided to end the idea of ever using that. Dont want to shell out money on a product that you have to use or you hair falls out.

    so this brings me to castor oil. I heard you can use it every few weeks or less. So picked up a bottle of it for $10 and tried it. A website said to mix it with coconut oil. I didnt have any so I used it as is. I used an old hair die bottle with the nozzle. Squirted it on parts of my scalp and massaged it in. Left it over night. They say to cover it with a shower cap but I didnt.
    the next morning I woke up with a headache! Ouch! I washed it out. Used it again tge week after and got another headache.
    I then waited and looked in the mirror. It looked like there were little hairs. Closer inspection pushing my hand flat on my hair, the little new hairs popped up! I was AMAZED!!! Now its about a month and a half and I see hundreds of little hairs now about the height of a dime. The best part, when I gel my hair there is no shine of my scalp!!

    Ok. So there is my story. It HAS stimulated hairs to grow that were dorment. This is my own experience. Whether it made my hair thicker hair folicals, I dont know. But what I do know is there are hundreds of dime high new growth hairs coming in.... and I am loving it!!!

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    1. That's why it is recommended that you mix it with a carrier oil, like coconut, olive, or almond oil. The pure form may be too strong for you. I myself use it straight out the bottle, because I want fast immediate results.

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  31. one of my relative's bald spot filled up after using Jamaican black castor oil, Now I am using it but the problem is that I color my hair and may not be able to massage after hair color. It is so much better than conditioner because conditioners weigh your hair down while shampooing well after oil massage gives more body to your hair.

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  32. now this is from personal experience I have extremely this hair relaxed & in my naturalness it is unbelievable. but my edges are no where near where I want them. I watched a lot of YouTube videos to see how I could help them grow & ran across JBC and even though it was 8$ for this jar my husband got it for me and I've been using it for 3 months EVERYDAY and I see no difference. I moisturize & wash often sleep on a silk pillow with a silk scarf. the only difference I saw was that my hair stayed moisturized & shiny (my leave out looked great). I just want them long enough to cover my tracks when I pull my hair up in a ponytail.

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  33. I am so sorry if I missed this in another post, but what does JBCO stand for? What is it? I read a post that some said they use JBCO on their temple area and it grew the bald spots in. I have had the same problem for years and nothing seems to work. Thanx in advance.

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    1. JBCO is Jamaican Black Castor Oil

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  34. Well I am 100% certain that JBCO not only accelerated growth in my 4c hair when it was relaxed and also now that it is natural, but also my eyebrows. I have used other oils, I do message it in when I have time, but usually I don't have time and just apply it to my scalp and now my eyebrows. I've used other oils and took biotin. The only thing that has worked for me is JBCO. I don't judge my hair growth when it's dirty but when it is freshly washed. Maybe it does not work for everyone, but it certainly works for me. My eyebrows grew noticeably thicker and sparse areas filled in in a little over 3 weeks.

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  35. I am 34 yrs of age and my hair started falling when I was 25 yrs. I tried using many products like oils and medicine but not got sufficient results and after stopped medication it hair fall again. 2 months before one of my friend told me to use the Castor Oil with mixup of Olive Oil, Coconut oil and Almond oil with equal ratio. I am using this since last two months every night for over night there is superb results I found in my scalp. My hair are shiny looks natural black, visible hair growth, thick hair. In my experience it work and it is good product. you must check it for 2 months may be it will give you some good experience.

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  36. I apply castor oil to my scalp and massage it in...I do not put it directly on my hair strands. My hair is pretty thick, so I should add that thickness is not what I am looking for. What I have seen and experienced is less breakage. I have also seen an increase in retention and thus hair growth. I am not a chemist or anything of that nature; however, I am having some trouble with this article as it has not cited any references to support the claim that castor oil does not thicken hair. Having done research on social issues, I for one know that no one will ever take an article serious without references or citations. As such, your claims are false and the article itself is invalid.

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  37. This is an interesting article. I'm new to castor oil. Pure organic castor oil pressed I think. I think it said unrefined on the bottle too. So I've started that literally today to massage it into my scalp and hair
    Honestly, this article at least gave evidence for shedding reduction and some stimulation for hair growth. I don't really know if it works or not. But it's like I don't want to believe that it doesn't work. Because then I'd be giving up hope. My hairs okay thickness. Just little bit of gaps on my head crown top bit because I wear tight headbands and scarves sometimes. Maybe this caused the thinning. My hairs not that thin tbh like its okay but could be thicker and stronger.

    I like castor oil as a moisturizing oil. Don't know if it'll help growth or thickness but worth a try you know?
    Either way this article was useful and I'm glad it's scientific because well that's just proof. However, I'm going to use it because I want to :D end of.
    Adios.

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  38. All I know is My hair has been really thin all of my life ive been using Black jamaican castor oil for almost a year now and my hair is so thick now that I can hardly fit in a rubber band without popping it has truly transformed my hair I am all natural no perms and get dominican blow outs black castor oil has made my hair beautiful I suggest it to anyone who wants hair to grow and my edges are really nice and strong (i use everyday )

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  39. I have use castor oil for 4 years and my hair is thicker , longer and grows faster. People are amazed at how fast my hair grows and how thick it is. I did a before and after on myself and I couldn't believe how thick and beautiful my hair was. My own cousin didn't want to waste hair time and buy castor oil, so I got the oil for hair and poured the entire bottle in with some hair grease and she tried it. She said her hair reverted back to its original thickness and her edges grow in. It is now a staple in a regiment. There are many women on you tube how also show a difference in their hair after using castor oil. I don't know where your getting your information but it's not good information. Castor oil is the truth and I live by that!

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  40. JBCO IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!! IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE IT, GIVE IT A TRY FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH. (YOU'LL SEE GREAT RESULTS)

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  41. I don't know the connection of castor oil and thickness. What I know is that I use castor oil and I like the outcome so far. Will observe if it really thickens. Thanks for posting this interesting article.

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  42. So is it a fact or a myth? Insufficient evidence does not lead me down the path to either of them. And your "hypothesis" doesn't either. Honestly, guys tell me what you learned from this article. She's basically saying that there isn't insufficient evidence out their to lead her to believe that castor oil lead to thickness and growth. But that does nothing to disprove that castor oil leads to thickness and growth. She could have saved time and wrote for her title.."does castor oil cause thickness and growth...I don't know"

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    1. Agreed, to many people like to make claims all under the name of science when it takes time and patience to get results. Science proves nothing, only provide the best evidence that the hypothesis or claim is null. It does not show that it is, really only that it is not.

      And that is fine; but I dislike when people's own blogs say "I don't know" in science lingo convincing readers that they do know and when people try to rebuttal, the poster gets upset and shames the person and their fans jump on the bandwagon like they know as well.

      Does castor oil work? I have no clue. But what I do know is that many people have found results, whether it works for them because of diet, genetics or environment, truly we will not know unless a census on different factors are taken but this blog establishes itself as fact when it is not.

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  43. If someone says this made their hair thicker they may mean their hair was thinning from hair loss and this caused their hair to grow in. Not that their fine strands were made medium or coarse. I personally wouldn't use the term "thin" to refer to the diameter of my strands. I say fine. Castor oil did help me grow hair from follicles that had become dormant however my hair was fine before and is fine now. There are scientific studies that essential oil blends can stimulate growth for some people with Alopcia Areata which is what I had had. EOs helped me too
    .
    .http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9828867

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    1. This is my experience -- my edges thinned due to stress. I applied castor oil and scalp massaged and they grew in nicely (pics on my blog).

      I get that scalp massaging, in general, increases blood flow and prompts growth because I had great success with scalp massaging at the start of my healthy hair journey.

      Castor vs. Scalp Massaging -- I guess it's an argument that can go both ways. However, I personally believe in the power of castor oil. This post also reminds me I need to resume my scalp massages -- I use to do them nightly back in the day but feel out of the habit.

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  44. Castor has changed my hair.
    Besides locking in the moisture of the coconut oil I use every night, I also feel castor oil has added volume to my hair.
    Between castor and coconut oil, my hair is totally different and healthier than it has ever been.
    Maybe the density of the hair strands will not be increased but my volume over all def has been. Also I have no breakage and no split ends.
    Castor oil has also made my eye lashes super long, I use it on my face every night as well as my hair.

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  45. Just like many other people here in the comment section, I swear by castor oil! I always had balding temples and I've tried many treatments over the years, tried plain massage as well, it didn't change anything for me. About 6 months ago I've started using Castor Oil once or twice a week and for the first time in years I see new hair growth around my temples. If we're talking about hair thickness, I haven't noticed any difference, my hair was always rather thin (maybe even frail). But if you asked me about overall density, there's definitely a noticeable difference. So to anyone wondering, I'd like to suggest to just try for yourself!

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  46. What actual evidence do you have that says it doesn't work? Your opinion is no different than those who say it does work.

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  47. love how your article is based on theoretical and no real data! nice to hear your opinions.

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  48. Can men use JBCO for receding hairline???

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