All genders, mostly from the beauty and grooming industry, always want to have long eyelashes and thick eyebrows. There are many products and treatments that can help achieve such a look. Most people have increasingly joined the bandwagon of applying castor oil – a natural remedy- due to its potential benefits for thicker and healthier lashes and brows.
Renowned for its generally moisturizing properties, this makes castor oil quite an easily accessible solution to boosting eyelash and eyebrow growth. But does it work or is it simply a beauty myth? Let’s find out.
It is a viscous, nutrient-rich oil because it is obtained from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. It contains a significant amount of ricinoleic acid, which is an omega-9 fatty acid possessing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These are needed to support the health of the hair follicles for the stimulation of natural hair growth.
Eyelashes and eyebrows:
– Moisturizes and strengthens the strands of hair
– They are more likely to be broken and grow thinner.
– It also prevents bacteria from attacking follicles and causing damage or infection that can hinder growth.
Castor oil’s advantage is its penetration deep into the hair shaft and scalp, hydrating and providing nourishment right where it’s needed the most.
Indications:
How to apply castor oil to eyelashes and eyebrows, without incurring any risk
Here’s how to do it right and regularly:
Step 1: Remove facial makeup well with the cleansing of the face.
Step 2: Prepare some castor oil in a small pot to dip a freshly clean mascara brush or wad of cotton into it.
Step 3: Apply the oil carefully to the base of your lashes and eyebrows without letting it come in direct contact with your eyes.
Step 4: Keep it overnight and wash off in the morning.
Consistency is the key here, and you are likely to see measurable results within an average period of four to six weeks of nightly use.
Factors as results may vary, but it is common to hear from users that significant improvements in lash and brow thickness and overall health are achieved within a month of regular use.
What the Research Says
Scientific research on castor oil for eyelash and eyebrow growth is scanty, whereas anecdotal evidence abounds. Thousands of positive user reviews on beauty forums and social media bear testimony to its effectiveness. Research has noted that:
– Because of the possible association of ricinoleic acid with prostaglandin receptors, which are known to be involved in the regulation of hair growth
– The emollient and antimicrobial characteristics of the oil might shield and feed the hair follicles to likely foster healthy growth
Even if new hair cannot directly be caused by castor oil, the oil will at least create favorable conditions for natural hair growth and help prevent premature shedding or breakage of the hair.
Which Type of Castor Oil is Most Effective?
There are a few types of castor oil present. The ones most commonly used for eyelashes and eyebrows are:
– **Cold-pressed castor oil:** The pure and unrefined one that helps retain maximum nutrients.
– **Jamaican black castor oil:** The darker roasted version, considered even more nutrient-dense.
Both work well, but the cold-pressed variety is often recommended for facial application because of its lighter texture and less pungent fragrance.
Pro tip: Look for a product that is 100% pure, hexane-free, organic for the best results.
Other than just using castor oil with cacao powder from amazon, some beauty DIYers will add it in as an ingredient in their antioxidant-rich pastes which are beneficial to the eyebrows and the skin around them to help keep them nourished and healthy.
Even as proper scientific research still has to come out and substantiate all the claims, especially the beauty-related ones that castor oil is attributed with, it remains one of the trusted basics used in natural self-care all over the globe. Want to boost your lashes and brows the safe and cheap way? Castor oil could be for you.
