Castor and Coconut Hair Oil the Miracle Combo for Thinning Hair

byAfsheen1

117 followers

5 years ago

Thinning hair is a problem of epidemic proportions these days. And age is of no consequence. Young men are going bald, while young women frantically try different hair styles and hair aids to cover the thinning hair on their head. It’s much worse with older women of course, their problem is empty patches. Is a wig the only option then?

It’s sad because long, thick hair will always remain a standard of beauty. But our unhealthy lifestyle with a heavy component of processed foods, coupled with the environmental pollution, makes our healthy hair ideals seem impossible to achieve. In addition, we punish our hair by repeated washing, drying with a hair dryer, coloring, bonding and using other chemical products, including shampoos and conditioners that damage the hair cuticle. But do not panic. There is hope.

So, Is There a Solution?

If the wig idea does not sound prepossessing, then you need to explore different options to stop, if not reverse, the hair thinning process. Many treatments are suggested and probably many of them are good, but there is one treatment that I have used personally and that has really helped stopped my hair falling, at least to start with. And I am counting the new hair strands peeking out. I was skeptical at first, but using a combination of organic castor oil and organic coconut oil twice a week for two months actually not only stopped the hair falling, but also started regrowing.

What is the reason for this?

Well, if you are interested in the science behind this claim, then here goes: Castor oil or Ricinus Communis has always been known more for its general health benefits and used for centuries. However, it is only more recently that its efficacy for hair health as well was noticed. It is made up of omega-6 and 9 and Ricinoleic Acid, minerals, vitamin E and fatty acids. This is apparently what helps it penetrate the outer layer of the hair shaft which helps reduce hair fall and aids regrowth.

An added bonus is that castor oil also can make your eyelashes and eyebrows grow longer and thicker. Actually, it is its high protein content and its antifungal and antibacterial properties that make it so uniquely effective for dealing with scalp infections and to help restore hair health. And castor oil does make hair appear thicker. Partly because of it fibrous quality and also because it contains, as mentioned above, 85-95% Ricinoleic Acid which, apart from making the hair darker, locks in the moisture which makes the hair thicker.

Coconut oil, which is a health giving oil and good for many things, including cooking, is predominantly made up of a medium-chain fatty acid called lauric acid, which is more easily absorbed deep into the hair shaft. Studies have shown that coconut oil is better at preventing protein loss in hair.

Why combine these two oils?

Well, if you have ever used castor oil, you know its dense, fibrous quality. While excellent to use on its own for the eyebrows or eyelashes, it is less advisable to use directly on the hair. It works best when mixed with another oil, more liquidy oil like coconut or sweet almond oil. I prefer coconut. When mixed together, it is much easier to massage into the scalp and along the hair shaft and the results are better.

In fact, please DO NOT aopply castor oil directly onto the hair. While the best oil for stopping hair fall, making hair thicker and in helping regrow the hair, it is thick, viscousand sticky and difficult to wash out. It can also cause hair matting, which is a nuisance.

How to prepare and use?

You will need:

• 2 tablespoons organic castor oil
• 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil

How to apply:

• Coconut oil usually solidifies in cooler weather, so you need to liquefy it by scooping out two tablespoons and putting it in a container (preferably like a wide mouthed jam jar) and inserting it in a bowl of hot water to melt. You can microwave if time is an issue, but PLEASE BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERHEAT. Will scald the scalp and not necessary to be hot, warm is fine - 15 to 20 seconds should be enough.
• Once coconut oil is a liquid, mix the 2 tablespoons castor oil in the container and again warm both oils, whichever method you prefer – in a bowl of hot water or very slightly in the microwave.
• Now, you can turn the oil into an open bowl which will be easier for you to apply from. Yes, the application process can be a bit messy, so cover your clothes or wear something that is okay to get oil on. Separate your hair, dip your fingers in the oil and start applying throughout the head, starting from the front in gentle, circular motions. This is best done over the kitchen or the bathroom sink. Continue applying till your whole head is covered. Some people like to use cotton wool to apply. I find that cumbersome, but it’s your choice. Now, don’t comb through. Just gather your hair together and either put a scrunchie around it or a clip.
• This part is optional, but I find it very helpful to get the oil absorbed into the scalp faster. Again, you need a bowl of hot water and a small towel or a dishcloth to dip in the water, then squeeze out the water and wrap around your head. Repeat three times. At this stage, if the water is hot, please wear rubber gloves to wring out the excess water from the towel or dishcloth. No point burning your hands.
• Leave the oil mixture on for 30 minutes and then shampoo with warm water and condition as normal.
• It is best to continue with this oiling routine twice a week, for at least two months to see noticeable results. I noticed my hair falling and breakage had reduced by the third application. Hair growth is a slower process but just reducing or stopping the excess hair fall is a major success.

Wishing you Good Hair Health!