Castor oil is everywhere in the beauty world right now. But does it actually grow hair—or is it just hype? Here's an honest look at the science, the results, and how to use it correctly.
By Liz · · 7 min read
If you've spent any time on beauty TikTok or YouTube in the last few years, you've probably seen castor oil everywhere.
People are putting it on their scalps, their eyebrows, their eyelashes, their faces. The claims are bold: thicker hair, faster growth, fuller brows—all from a bottle of thick, amber oil that costs about ten dollars.
But does it actually work?
I've been using castor oil for a while now, and I've done a lot of research on it. So let me give you an honest answer—not hype, not dismissal, but the real picture.
I'm Liz, I'm 48, and here on Stylish & Grateful we talk about how to look better, feel better and live better after 40.
Before we talk about castor oil, it helps to understand what's happening to your hair as you get older.
After 40—and especially around perimenopause and menopause—many women notice:
Most of this comes down to hormones. Estrogen and progesterone help hair grow and stay in the growth phase longer. As those hormones decline, hair spends less time growing and more time resting—which means more shedding and less volume over time.
This is incredibly common, and it can feel alarming when it starts happening. You're not imagining it.
Castor oil is a vegetable oil pressed from castor beans. It's thick, viscous, and rich in ricinoleic acid—a fatty acid that makes up about 90% of its composition.
It's been used for centuries in traditional medicine and beauty practices across many cultures. It's not a new trend—it's an old remedy that's having a modern moment.
Here's where I want to be honest with you: the scientific evidence for castor oil as a hair growth treatment is limited.
There are no large-scale clinical trials proving that castor oil directly stimulates new hair follicles or reverses hair loss.
What we do have:
The honest answer is: castor oil probably doesn't create new hair follicles. But it may help the hair you have grow longer, break less, and look fuller—and for many women, that's a meaningful difference.
Based on research and personal experience, here's what castor oil is genuinely good for:
Reducing breakage. This is probably its biggest benefit. When hair breaks less, it retains length and appears thicker and fuller over time.
Moisturizing a dry scalp. If your scalp is dry or flaky, castor oil can help. A healthier scalp is a better environment for hair growth.
Thickening the appearance of hair. The oil coats the hair shaft and adds weight and shine, making hair look and feel thicker.
Eyebrows and eyelashes. This is where the anecdotal evidence is strongest. Many women see real, visible improvement in brow fullness and lash length with consistent use.
Scalp massage benefits. The act of massaging castor oil into your scalp—regardless of the oil itself—increases circulation and may stimulate follicles.
If you want to try castor oil, here's how to get the best results:
What you need:
How to apply:
How often: Once or twice a week is plenty. More isn't better with castor oil—it's heavy, and buildup can actually clog follicles if you overdo it.
Important: Because castor oil is so thick, mixing it with a lighter carrier oil (like argan, jojoba, or coconut oil) makes it easier to apply and rinse out. A 50/50 blend works well.
Apply a tiny amount with a clean mascara wand or cotton swab before bed. Be consistent—results take 4–8 weeks of nightly use.
Use a clean mascara wand to apply a very small amount to the base of your lashes before bed. Be careful not to get it in your eyes.
Castor oil is not a quick fix.
Consistency is everything. Most people give up too soon.
Not all castor oils are the same.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) is made from roasted castor beans and has a darker color and slightly different composition. Many women swear by it for hair growth specifically.
Cold-pressed castor oil is lighter in color and slightly thinner. It's great for eyebrows and lashes.
Both are effective. Look for 100% pure, hexane-free options.
The castor oils I personally use are in my oils favorites list on Amazon — these are what I actually use in my own routine.
I've been using castor oil on my scalp, brows, and lashes since November 2023.
My brows are noticeably fuller—that's the most dramatic result I've seen. My hair feels thicker and breaks less, and I've noticed more baby hairs around my hairline.
Is it a miracle? No. But it's a low-cost, low-risk addition to a hair care routine that has made a real difference for me.
If you're dealing with thinning hair after 40, castor oil alone probably won't solve the problem—especially if hormones are the root cause. But as part of a broader approach to hair health, it's absolutely worth trying.
If you're experiencing significant hair loss, it's worth talking to your doctor. Thyroid issues, iron deficiency, and hormonal imbalances can all cause hair loss and are treatable. Castor oil is a complement to good health, not a replacement for it.
Does castor oil grow hair? Probably not in the sense of creating new follicles from scratch.
Does it help hair look and feel thicker, reduce breakage, and support a healthier scalp? Yes—and for most women, that's exactly what they're looking for.
Give it 90 days of consistent use before you decide. Take a before photo so you can actually compare. And be patient—hair growth is slow, and the results are gradual.
If you're a woman over 40 who wants to look better, feel better and live better, I'd love to have you join me here on Stylish & Grateful.
And tell me in the comments: Have you tried castor oil? What were your results?
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LizLiz is the creator of Stylish & Grateful — helping women over 40 look better, feel better, and live better.
More from Stylish & Grateful
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase through one of my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products I genuinely use, like or think may be helpful.
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