Who doesn’t wish to have glowing skin and luscious mane! Castor oil is one such magic potion that can help you achieve the same. As a matter of fact, this wonder has been used since ancient times as a beauty remedy. Here we throw light on its umpteen benefits and how you can best use it to your advantage.
Pointers to keep in mind:
- Due to the rather thick consistency of castor oil, you might have to mix it with a carrier oil, especially for the hair.
- While any castor oil is effective, the cold pressed version gives the best results.
Benefits of castor oil for hair
Take heed to these tips to flaunt that mane you have always wanted…
For promoting hair growth
One of the best reasons to incorporate castor oil in your haircare routine is for hair growth. This wonder is infused with ricinoleic acid that helps in maintaining the pH level of your scalp. Hence if you’re experiencing hair fall or thinning, a natural remedy is to massage your scalp with the castor oil before going to bed.
What you should do:
Just warm castor oil and apply it onto your scalp, roots and hair. Keep it overnight and wash it off with a mild shampoo the next morning. Repeat this around 2 to 3 times a week and you’ll start to notice the changes in a few weeks. In case you have an oily scalp, you can mix castor oil with any base oil like coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil and massage the mixture on your scalp. Wash it off the next morning and you’ll be left with soft, shiny and lustrous hair.
Split ends remedy
To prevent breakage and split ends, you must provide your tresses with deep conditioning. Castor oil has properties that restore the moisture and promotes a healthy mane. For this very reason, it can be used to reduce split ends and hair damage.
What you should do:
Warm a few drops of castor oil and apply it on the ends of your hair. Leave it on for around half an hour. Post which, you can wash it off with a suitable shampoo. Repeat this process 2 to 3 times a week and you’ll notice lesser split ends and an improvement in the texture of your hair too.
Thicker eyelashes and eyebrows
While we all desire fuller brows and thick lashes, not all are blessed with them. Fret not, as there is still some hope. Castor oil can thicken both your lashes and brows since it has follicle stimulating properties. What’s more, it nourishes them and helps to fight against micro-organisms that inhibit the growth of eyebrows and eyelashes.
What you should do:
Take a clean Q-tip or mascara wand and dip it into castor oil. Gently apply the oil on your brows and lashes before you go to bed. Repeat this daily for a couple of weeks and you’ll notice your eyelashes and eyebrows looking fuller and thick.
Taming baby hair
We often try to make different hairstyles, but it ends up looking shabby due to those flyaways popping out from the head. Worry not, you can use castor oil to tame them and make them stay in place.
What you should do:
Take 1-2 drops of castor oil and smoothen your baby hair by gently applying it wherever you find them. Do this along your hairline and you’ll be left with a neat and clean hairstyle.
Castor oil for skin
A simple addition in your beauty routine can make a world of difference in how your skin looks and feels…
Clearing acne and scars
One of the biggest skincare concerns today is acne and getting rid of the bacteria that causes it. Castor oil can come to the rescue once again. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties (thanks to ricinoleic acid) that not only aids in treating acne but also preventing it in the first place. The essential fatty acids in it further heal and restoring the moisture in your skin. The oil also works as an astringent by restoring the skin’s pH balance too.
What you can do:
Take a few drops of castor oil, rub it between your fingers and apply it on the affected areas. You can leave it on for around 20 minutes (depending upon how your skin takes to it) and wash it off with a mild and gentle cleanser. To deeply moisturise your skin, you can also steam your face. This will open the pores and absorb the oil more effectively. Just make sure that you follow it up with ice cold water or ice cubes to close and tighten the pores.
Natural moisturising agent
Castor oil is great for hydrating the skin and locking in the moisture. It acts as a natural moisturiser, leaving your face and body soft as well as supple.
What you can do:
Before your bath, take the required amount of the castor oil and massage it on your knees, elbows, face or any area of your body that you feel is dry. You can also apply it on your cuticles and nails to soften them up and keep them healthy and nourished. For best results, do this every day or every alternate day.
Reduction of wrinkles
This oil can help you get rid of wrinkles, fine lines and crow’s feet and make your skin look a lot younger. Being a natural emollient, it penetrates deeply into your skin and nourishes it without clogging the pores. The goodness also helps in reducing the acne scars and blemishes on your skin.
What you should do:
Take a few drops of castor oil and massage it onto your skin gently every night before you go to bed. Wash it off the next morning. However, if you have skin that is oily and susceptible to breakouts, you can leave it on for around 10 – 20 minutes and then wash off. Repeat this every day for about 4-6 months. You’ll notice visible results and your skin will appear healthy, young and supple.
Castor oil has deep moisturising and nourishing properties for both your skin and hair. Incorporate it in your beauty routine for gorgeous results!
Article by – Shalini Srivastava
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