Elle: Is Castor Oil The Secret To Hair Growth?

Ah, the eternal struggle between wanting long hair and wanting healthy hair wages on. In my quest to achieve mermaid-length hair minus yards of split-ends, I have looked into probably every product that claims to help hair growth. Biotin? Done it. Scalp massages? Why not. Avoid heat? Haha, sure.

If you’ve ever struggled with restoring your edges, excessive shedding, or thinness, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about the alleged miracle hair growth properties of castor oil. A quick search on YouTube yields dozens of positive testimonials that show brows restored to Cara Delevingne's status and edges even Alicia Keys would envy. But is there any scientific evidence to back castor oil’s growth stimulation claim?

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Nikki Hill, board-certified dermatologist and hair restoration expert
• Bridgette Hill, certified trichologist (that's a hair doctor, if you didn't know) and colorist

What is castor oil and what are its benefits?

Castor oil, also known as Ricinus communis, is nutrient-rich vegetable oil from castor beans. Although it originates in tropical east Africa, it is widely used in India and the West Indies for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Castor oil is usually clear or pale yellow unless derived through roasting or boiling, known as black castor oil.

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