How To Use Castor Oil For Treating Dandruff?

If someone were to ask you to name the oil that is best for treating dandruff, what would your answer be? Almond, Jojoba or Olive oil? Well, the fact is you would be terribly off the mark, each time! These oils cure dandruff but not as effectively as the humble, affordable and time-tested castor oil!

So is castor oil good for dandruff? If you still doubt the ability of castor oil to cure dandruff, then it’s high time you stopped doing that. Why? Read this post for the answer!

Castor Oil – A Brief History:

Castor oil is lauded for its benefits to mankind. But, it has to contend with a bit of an evil reputation as well. It is said that Mussolini, the Italian dictator, ruled with the help of the bludgeon and castor oil. People who didn’t fall in with the dictator’s demands were force-fed castor oil causing gut wrenching diarrhoea, to make them breathe their last.

But apart from this, castor oil carries an impeccable reputation for healing – it has been known to induce labour, the US FDA has categorized it as a safe and effective laxative and Ayurveda says that it is a time tested remedy for a number of maladies of skin and hair, like dandruff and myriad scalp infections.

Castor oil is a unique substance, even though it doesn’t look that impressive. And it owes its uniqueness to the fact that it has a considerable amount of fatty acids. Ricinoleic acid forms almost 90 percent of the fats in castor oil and it is this fatty acid which gives the oil its therapeutic punch against dandruff and other scalp infections.

Scalp Matters- Understanding Dandruff:

We all know that dandruff causes dry flakes of skin on our scalps. It can be dry or oily, and it can lead to itching, irritation and severe social embarrassment. The causes of dandruff are still unknown. A few attribute dandruff to a fungus, called Malassezia that feeds on fats. It is important to get rid of dandruff as soon as you see the first flakes on your scalp, and the best way to do it is naturally.

Castor Oil For Dandruff – How Does It Work:

One of the important constituents of castor oil, Ricinoleic acid, has anti- microbial properties, and this is what gives castor oil its property to kill bacteria that cause dandruff. The ricin present in the oil also has germicidal and fungicidal properties. These two protect the scalp from microbial and fungal infections leading to dandruff and scalp infections like seborrheic dermatitis.

Castor oil is an excellent humectant, due to the high content of omega- 9 fatty acids. This oil can lock in moisture in hair and hence acts as an excellent hair conditioner. It is also great for treating split ends and making hair lustrous and silky. The moisturizing properties of omega- 9 fatty acids also help in fighting dry flakes and dandruff.

Castor oil is loaded with nutrients such as minerals, omega- 6 fatty acids and vitamin E- all of which moisturize dry dandruff flakes and fight the itchy scalp syndrome.

Tips For Castor Oil Use For Dandruff Cure:

Castor oil can be applied directly on the scalp, or it can be mixed with lighter, hair- healthy oils like Jojoba and Olive for intensifying its benefits. Warming the oil and massaging your scalp with it is best for improving blood circulation, hair growth and reducing dandruff. Castor oil can be left overnight for maximum benefits, or you could apply the oil about 20 minutes before a hair wash. It works either way, and it works wonders!

Another way to benefit from the goodness of this oil is to add a small quantity of it to your conditioner.

Have you ever used castor oil for dandruff treatment, then do let us know of your experience! Share your thoughts in the comments section below!