I have successfully used castor oil to grow my hair after I started losing hair as a result of androgenic alopecia. I recently started using it for my beard, and below is an account of my findings and results.
So, is castor oil good for beard growth? Castor oil is good for facial hair growth. When topically applied castor oil for beard growth will moisturize it, add shine, prevent dandruff, make facial hair darker, and appear thicker and fuller, and soft. When combined with Rogaine/Minoxidil Castor oil will help promote beard growth even for those who can’t grow a beard naturally.
Based on my experience, castor oil alone will not do much towards helping you achieve your dream beards. If you are struggling to grow a beard you should combine castor oil with minoxidil or rogaine.
For those who have already grown a beard, castor oil is great for grooming, it will make your beard dark hence fuller, moisturize it, soften it and make it easier to comb through.
Table of Contents
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is a type of vegetable oil that is obtained after pressing castor beans of the castor plant or Ricinus communis.
Castor oil has been widely used throughout the evolution of mankind for different purposes, ranging from medicinal and beauty products.
Cold-pressed castor oil is the best form of castor oil, compared to castor oil processed using higher temperatures.
Why is castor oil good for beard
Ricinoleic acid
One of the components
of castor oil is ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid has tons of benefits to the hair and it makes about 90% of castor oil.
A property that helps in promoting the health of the skin beneath the beard plus the wellbeing of the hair follicles, making castor oil a good oil to grow facial hair and protect against beard loss.
Castor oil is odorless
Though some people claim that they can feel a slight smell. This property of castor oil makes it easy to be used in beard oils as they are applied on facial hair whose proximity to the nose is close.
Comedogenic rating of 1
Comedogenic rating helps in determining the ability of an oil to block the skin pores. The lower the comedogenic rating the better the oil for skin uses. Given that castor oil does not block skin pores means that you can even use it on your face.
Palmitic acid
This acid acts as a catalyst that helps the other components of castor oil to penetrate the skin and makes it possible for the hair follicles to absorb the nutrients in the oil. Which promotes the growth of the beard.
Stearic acid
Stearic acid makes castor oil one of the best moisturizers by enhancing the balancing of nutrients. Stearic acid ensures the skin preserves moisture hence protecting your skin from adverse weather conditions.
Oleic acid
Oleic acid aids in enriching the hair follicles and activating hair growth. Additionally, oleic acid also acts as a moisturizer.
Racinolic acid
This acid enhances the growth process of beard hair. It strengthens and improves the elasticity of the hair follicles.
Vitamins A and E
The two vitamins aid in collagen production. Besides triggering the hair growth process, they also give hair a sense of density.
What can I mix castor oil with for beard growth?
Alcohol is known to penetrate the skin easily, therefore mixing 70% of castor oil with 30% alcohol will help castor oil penetrate into your hair follicles, improving blood circulation and promoting facial hair growth.
Additionally, castor oil mixes perfectly with alcohol.
Benefits of castor oil for beard
Moisturizer
One of the most significant factors to growing or maintaining a healthy good looking beard is moisture.
A dry beard is a recipe for problems, a moisturizer is essential not only for the beard but also for the skin beneath the beard.
Castor oil is one of the best natural moisturizers for the beard. Apply castor oil twice a day, in the morning after taking a warm bath as this will open your skin pores and make it easier for the skin the absorb castor oil.
Make sure your beard has absorbed the oil properly, you may or may not wash it off. Daily application of castor oil is essential for anyone looking to grow a beard.
Filling in patchy beard
One of the problems or challenges that most people encounter while growing a beard is when they can’t grow a beard in certain areas of their cheeks.
To fill in the patchy area using castor oil, you will need to first observe a few things such as get a good rest by getting enough sleep, exercising, eating a good diet with vitamins and proteins.
Secondly, use a good derma roller designed for growing beards. After derma rolling wait for about two to three hours before applying castor oil especially if you are using Rogaine or minoxidil.
A combination of a good derma roller with castor oil and Rogaine should give you a full beard if you use them correctly.
Castor oil for beard growth
If you are wondering whether castor oil can grow facial hair, you will be surprised to know how much you have been missing.
It will not only moisturize your beard and skin beneath it, but it will also help you grow a strong beard that will not break when combing or brushing.
Castor oil contains between 80-95% of Ricinoleic acid, a monosaturated fatty acid that has been supported by lab studies to help increase hair density in animals.
Ricinoleic acid promotes the growth of thicker hair by inhibiting prostaglandin production PGD2. PGD2 was found to be at high levels in men who were experiencing hair loss in this study.
Another study showed that ricinoleic acid inhibits the production of prostaglandin. And promotes the production of PGE2 which is associated with promoting hair growth.
Castor oil also enhances beard growth by stimulating the circulation of blood in the cheeks.
When growing beard, circulation of blood is important as it ensures that your hair follicles are replenished sufficiently.
To improve the penetration of castor oil into your facial hair follicles, mix castor oil with about 30% of alcohol and apply it to your cheeks.
Additionally, when combined with a derma roller as mentioned above, derma roller will help in supplying collagen to your cheeks to promote beard growth.
Collagen is one of the most important ingredients that promote beard growth. Coupled with a good lifestyle, enough sleep, and a good diet plus Rogaine, castor oil will definitely help you grow a healthy thick beard.
Preventing split ends and beard breakage
Split end and beard breakage make it hard to comb or brush your beard effectively. Split ends are usually caused by a lack of moisture in your beard.
On the other hand, weak beard breaks easily when subjected to a slight pressure example when combing or brushing.
As mentioned earlier, castor oil is a good natural moisturizer for your beard. It will hydrate your skin, hair follicles, and your entire beard hair strands. It will also make your beard stronger, softer, and smoother.
Using castor oil will also make your beard appear denser than it actually is. Given that castor oil is quite dense, it will make your beard appear thicker and fuller.
One of the components of castor oil is ricinoleic acid, based on scientific studies, ricinoleic acid has been proven to increase the density of hair by promoting the production of prostaglandin E2, a component associated with enhancing the hair growing from the hair follicles.
Will castor oil alone be enough to promote beard growth?
The simple answer is no, castor oil alone will not help you grow a beard. You need to combine it with other factors so as to grow facial hair.
For you to be able to grow facial hair, using castor oil genes must be on your side and also have enough beard growing hormones namely testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.
Word of caution, even after observing all these factors you need to know that a beard won’t grow where there are no hair follicles. So do not expect miracles, if genes are against you castor oil will not help you either.
Fight dandruff or beardruff
Due to its moisturizing, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, castor oil will prevent flacking of the skin beneath your skin and help you fight off dandruff in your beard.
How to apply castor oil for beard growth
- Wash your face with warm water using a good beard shampoo
- Use a beard scrub or derma roller
- If you are using Rogaine or minoxidil you can apply it
- To make castor oil easily absorbable mix it with alcohol, 70% castor oil 30% alcohol
- Apply the mixture 2-3 hours after using Rogaine
- Make sure to massage it gently to help it penetrate further
- You can either choose to rinse it off or let it stay in the beard especially if it is at night.
Castor oil for patchy beard
When using castor oil to help fill in a patchy beard, you will have to combine castor oil with a derma roller, Rogaine, or minoxidil and then mix castor oil with alcohol and apply it on the patchy areas of your beard.
RELATED: Can vaseline help grow beards?
Castor oil side effects when ingested
Ingesting castor oil may result in the following side effects
- Pelvic congestion
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Skin rashes
- Throat tightness
- Hallucination
- Abdominal cramps
- Low blood pressure
- Electrolyte disturbance
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a mixture of castor oil and coconut oil stimulate beard growth?
A mixture of castor oil and coconut oil will stimulate beard growth. Coconut oil is another natural oil packed with benefits for beard grooming and growth. You should also mix it with other oils such as olive oil, Jojoba, and argan oil for a softer beard. Incorporate castor oil and coconut oil for a beard daily grooming routine.
Can I use castor oil for beard growth overnight?
Yes, you can leave castor oil into your skin overnight to promote the growth of the beard. Given that castor oil has a comedogenic rating of one, it will not clog your pores. For better penetration into the hair follicles mix castor oil with 30% alcohol.
How many days does it take to use castor oil for the growth of a beard?
Beard grows about half an inch every month, that said it will take thirty days for you to start seeing changes if you are using castor oil to grow a beard. Mix castor oil with alcohol for better results
Will castor oil and coconut oil make beard hair thicker?
Castor oil will make your facial hair thicker. As mentioned earlier, Castor oil help thicken your facial hair follicles. Castor oil is also thick hence it will make your beard hair appear thicker.
Can I use black castor oil every day?
You can use black castor oil every day. Black castor oil has a comedogenic rating of one, meaning it does not clog the skin pores. Using it every day will moisturize your skin and give you a youthful look.
How effective is castor oil for beard growth?
On its own castor oil will not help you grow a beard and even more so if you cannot grow a beard naturally. Combined with other factors such as enough testosterone, sensitive androgen receptors, healthy lifestyle castor oil should help you grow a beard.
Is castor oil good for the patchy beard?
Castor oil is good for a patchy beard. Castor oil combined with enough testosterone, a healthy lifestyle, a healthy diet, and increased sensitivity of the beard-growing genes can help fill in a patchy beard.
Will castor oil cause unwanted facial hair?
There has been anecdotal evidence of castor oil causing unwanted facial hair especially on people who have lots of hair on their bodies. That said there are a lot of reasons these people could have had unwanted hair. There is no scientific evidence to prove this claim. However, theoretically applying castor oil on your face could cause unwanted facial hair especially if you a hairy body overall.
Is Jamaican black castor oil good for beards?
Jamaican black castor oil is good for beard growth and glooming. Jamaican black castor oil will moisturize your facial hair, add shine, and promote growth. Apply about 6-8 drops of Jamaican black castor oil on your beard twice a day after taking a bath for maximum benefits.
Conclusion
Castor oil serves as a great ingredient in beard oils and can also serve as a beard oil substitute. It is loaded with benefits that your beard needs to grow and thrive. However, while castor oil can help you regrow hair, it may not have the same effect on the beard.
