Castor Oil and Coconut Oil for Hair: Do They Work?

So, why not try using them together for both soft and fast-growing hair?

If you want to use them both at once, here’s what you should know.

Why castor oil and coconut oil work together

Both castor oil and coconut oil are touted as miracle ingredients for dry hair. The fatty acids in both are supposed to help hair grow.

Coconut oil is easily absorbed into the hair, which means the hair can better absorb its fatty acids.

When it comes to castor oil, there is very little scientific research that it actually helps hair grow. Like coconut oil, the fatty acids in castor oil aid in moisturizing skin, which means it’s good for your scalp — and scalp health is tied to hair health. While it’s not known whether a healthy scalp helps promote hair growth, it can combat hair loss and breakage.

Each of these oil plays — or is supposed to play — a specific role in maintaining total hair health, so it’s easy to assume that using the two together will help keep hair strong and healthy.

What they’re rumored to do

Coconut oil is supposed to restore dry or broken hair. This is why it’s often used in a deep conditioner or hair mask.

Castor oil is said to help hair grow faster and thicker, and is popular around the world as a hair growth accelerant. Coconut oil supposedly has this property, too, but castor oil is more popular in the beauty community for hair growth.

For decades, people using castor oil have reported improved hair growth, making it a popular remedy for hair and eyelash growth.

However, there’s not much research on if castor oil does or doesn’t affect hair growth. A 2003 study suggests it improves hair’s “luster” (in other words: how well it reflects light). But there’s little-to-no detail in scientific research on how it may achieve these results.

A 2015 study also suggests that ricinoleic acid, an acid present in castor oil, may reverse hair loss. However, no definitive scientific evidence exists proving its success.

If you’re looking to improve how fast or thick your hair grows, you’re likely better off talking with a dermatologist or hair care professional.

But, if you want to find out for yourself if it will make a difference on your hair, there’s no harm in trying this combo.

Potential interactions

Both ingredients are generally safe for skin and hair, and are not known to cause adverse reactions when combined.

However, castor oil can cause allergic reactions when used on the skin, so make sure to do a patch test first before applying it anywhere on your body.

Also, consider buying pure castor oil, as the irritant may not be from the oil itself but rather any additives a brand uses to enhance scent or appearance.

Always do a patch test before applying castor oil anywhere on your body.

How to make a treatment at home

If you want to try combining coconut oil and castor oil into a treatment for longer, more luscious hair, you can easily make a DIY conditioner in your kitchen.

1. Combine one part melted coconut oil with one part castor oil.
2. Mix well.
3. Apply mixture in the shower after shampooing.
4. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse out.

For a deeper conditioning treatment or mask, simply leave the mixture in your hair for around 20 minutes before showering or rinsing it out.

You can also add some rosemary oil, which is shown to stimulate hair growth. In fact, a 2015 trial showed that rosemary oil is just as effective as minoxidil — also known as Rogaine — at preventing hair loss.

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