Castor oil is a cult favorite among beauty enthusiasts seeking fuller brows and longer lashes. If you’ve spent even a minute browsing beauty blogs or watching YouTube tutorials, you’ve probably heard this sticky oil touted as the key to power brows and fluttery lashes. Before you bring it into your nighttime routine, however, it’s worth looking beyond the hype and knowing what castor oil can—and can’t—accomplish.
Some of castor oil’s popularity stems from its historical appeal. Applied for centuries in folk remedies, it’s now making a comeback with modern bells and whistles from millions of personal testimonials and social media campaigns. Most users claim thicker brows and lengthier lashes with regular application, and while those assertions are persuasive, they’re not supported by rigorous research. There is no clinical evidence to show that castor oil promotes hair growth on brows or eyelashes directly. On the other hand, it does have ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid with anti-inflammatory effects, which may help lead to a healthier hair environment.
The scientific consensus remains elusive despite its popularity. Although castor oil is filled with fatty acids and antioxidants, present studies have not established that it accelerates or initiates hair growth. Some initial research indicates ricinoleic acid could help slow hair loss by disrupting an enzyme associated with thinning hair, but this is preliminary and not limited to facial hair. So you may not notice drastic improvement overnight, but incorporating castor oil into your routine isn’t a bad bet, particularly if you appreciate a bit of self-indulgent ritual.
Should you decide to try it, quality counts. Seek out cold-pressed castor oil or Jamaican black castor oil, both of which are more nutrient-rich due to the way they’re processed. Cold-pressed oil is pressed without heat, and Jamaican black castor oil is produced from roasted beans and is particularly recommended for coarse or thick hair types. Avoid products with added perfumes or unnecessary components, as these can dry out the sensitive skin around your eyes.
Application is easy, but a bit of technique will do wonders. For eyebrows, you may use pure castor oil or mix it with ingredients such as aloe vera gel, Vaseline, or rosemary oil to come up with your conditioning formula. For eyelashes, mixing them with thinner oils such as almond or coconut can soften the sticky consistency and ease application. Use a freshly cleaned spoolie or mascara wand, dip it in your oil blend, and apply it to your brows or lashes lightly, just like you would apply regular mascara. Everyone does it at night and washes it off in the morning. The important thing is consistency. Use at night for four weeks, and even results usually take time.
Cleanliness is also key. Always apply with a fresh, clean applicator to prevent transferring bacteria, and never double-dip dirty brushes into your primary bottle of oil. If you do warm the oil first before applying, make it merely slightly warm—never hot. Although castor oil is relatively safe for most individuals, allergic reactions can occur for some. In that case, if you find redness, itching, or swelling after applying it, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist. It’s also important not to get it directly on your eyes; if this happens, wash with water thoroughly.
Of course, castor oil is not the only game in town. If it’s too heavy, irritates your scalp, or simply doesn’t fit with your routine, options such as coconut oil, almond oil, or diluted rosemary oil are trendy and provide similar moisturizing properties. None of these oils are ever going to promise miraculous growth, but they condition the hair and keep a healthy atmosphere for hair to grow.
Castor oil is not a miracle cure-all, perhaps, but it’s simple to understand why it has such a loyal following. Whether you’re looking for thicker brows, thicker lashes, or even just a little pre-bedtime pampering, knowing what it does can make it easier to determine whether or not it’s the best addition to your beauty routine.