The speed of hair growth, their health and density are inherent in humans at the genetic level. Unfortunately, to date, they have not yet come up with such a means to radically change these indicators for the better. However, even the initial parameters deteriorate over time due to the influence of the environment, as a result of exposure to various styling tools and stress. Various nourishing masks will help to restore the previous density and give a healthy shine to the hair. With their own hands, they are most often made using castor oil.
Benefits
Castor (ricin) oil or castor oil is one of several cosmetic products often used at home. Castor oil has a viscous viscous texture and a subtle waxy aroma. It can vary in color: from almost colorless to dark brown. This oil has a natural origin, positively affects the structure and appearance of the hair, is able to control the release of subcutaneous fat. All this is possible due to the rich composition of the product, which includes a large amount of vitamin E and fatty acids such as:
- stearic - such an acid relieves tightness of the scalp, protects it from environmental influences, acts as a prophylaxis of dryness of the upper integument of the epidermis;
- ricinoleic - accelerates the process of tissue regeneration, including hair follicles, and also contributes to faster hair growth;
- linoleic - moisturizes and nourishes the epidermis, which positively affects the appearance of the hairline;
- palmitic - helps active substances to penetrate into cells faster and in a larger volume;
- oleic - activates and accelerates metabolic processes, and also restores the protective properties of skin and hair cells.
Due to the combination of these acids, ricin oil has antibacterial and brightening effects. It is a real salvation for inflamed and overdried skin, makes pigment spots and defects almost invisible. High-quality hydration of the scalp helps to cope with dandruff or seborrhea, protects against environmental aggressiveness. A mask with such an active substance protects against hair loss and retains its pristine density even after many curls and stains.
Castor fastens stratified hair cuticles, due to which they cease to split at the ends and acquire softness and shine. It nourishes the cells of the epidermis and hair follicles, not only changing the appearance of a dry and lifeless haircut, but also making the hair stronger and healthier.
Possible harm
Like any medicine, castor oil can have some contraindications and side effects, as well as be an individual irritant. It is a drug, so it must be purchased exclusively in pharmacies. Do not buy castor oil in cosmetic stores or order it on Internet sites. In this case, there is no guarantee that artificial impurities that can cause allergies or even chemical burns to the scalp are not added to the natural composition of the oil. Castor itself in rare cases can also act as an allergen. Before applying it to the hair roots, you should test the product on a small open area of the skin, the back of the palm or the inner surface of the forearm is best for this. If within 24 hours the skin area does not turn red, the rash does not appear on it, the focus of inflammation does not form, you can safely proceed to applying the mask.
Do not keep castor on your head for too long, due to the high content of active acids it can cause severe irritation of the skin. In order not to harm your hair, you must strictly follow the instructions of the drug. And also oil is not recommended for frequent use to owners of oily hair. It is enough to limit yourself to 1-2 applications per month. In this case, after removing the mask, the hair should be washed thoroughly and not once, but 2-3 times. This is necessary in order to wash off the oily film left by the preparation from the hair.
For owners of sensitive skin, a clean castor oil can cause discomfort and burning. In order to soften the effect, you can mix the oil with regular shampoo or balm and apply on the head in the form of a mask. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that such a tool is definitely not suitable for daily use.
It is worth limiting the frequency of use of oil shampoo or balm once a week.
Application rules
There are several ways to use castor oil. This and applying it in its pure form both to the strands and ends, and to the roots of the hair. It can be the manufacture of complex castor-based home remedies. It can be a mixture of ready-made store balm or mask with a pharmacy drug. The higher the concentration of pure oil, the less time you can keep it on the scalp and hairline.
Pure castor oil is enough to work on the hair for only 15 minutes, and mixed with other ingredients from 15 to 180 minutes, no more. Do not leave the mask with castor oil all night, especially on bleached and brittle hair. A warm mask has a more powerful and faster effect than a cool mask. It is best to heat it in a water bath, but not in a microwave oven and not in direct sunlight.Do not apply the mask on dirty, varnished or other styling products. Before the procedure, rinse thoroughly and slightly dry the hair.
Pure castor oil should not be used on oily hair, and diluted by other means - no more than 1 time per month. For normal hair, not more than 1-2 times a month, pure oil and not more than 1 time per week diluted. Dry and brittle hair can be fed with castor oil without impurities once a week, and diluted with shampoo or balm 2-3 times. To enhance the effect of the product, it is necessary to create a greenhouse effect. To do this, the hair on which the mask is applied is covered with a plastic bag or cling film. The whole structure is wrapped in a dense terry towel.
It is best to apply oil from the roots, gradually moving to the tips. Flushing is best done in the reverse order. You should not expect a magical effect from 1-2 procedures performed. As with any cosmetic product, the main thing here is regularity. And the correct application and removal of the mask is also important. You should not come up with new combinations and masks yourself: various ingredients can both strengthen and weaken each other.
It is best to use one of the ready-made proven recipes for home cosmetology.
Mask recipes
Homemade masks from any ingredients are made exclusively for one use in a small volume and are not stored. This is due to the fact that many components of such natural mixtures very quickly deteriorate and lose their effect. And also all products should be selected, taking into account individual allergies and skin reactions. Masks with castor oil differ in several types depending on the type of action.
For enhanced hair growth
One of the options for such a mask may be a mask with an egg and olive oil. This will require the following ingredients:
- 1 chicken yolk;
- 1 teaspoon of castor oil;
- 1 tbsp. a spoon of olive oil.
All components are mixed and applied to the hair roots and scalp with light massage movements. The mask is covered with a film on top and wrapped with a towel. After an hour, the hair is thoroughly washed and dried naturally.
Another option for a mask for hair growth is a mask with pepper or mustard. They slightly irritate and stimulate the hair follicles, due to which the hair grows several times faster. Such masks should be done no more than 1 time per month and carefully monitor the sensations: it should cause a slight burning sensation, but not strong pain. For the first time, it’s better to add less pepper to understand your tolerance. The following ingredients will be required for preparation:
- 2 teaspoons of castor oil;
- 2 teaspoons mustard or pepper tincture.
The components are mixed and applied to clean scalp. Everything is covered with a film and a towel and aged 10-15 minutes. In no case should you hold such a mask for longer, otherwise you can get a severe skin burn.
Against hair loss
The best masks for hair loss are nourishing masks. The hair follicles, which are saturated with useful substances, become stronger and hold the hair in its rightful place longer. To prepare the first mask, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. castor spoon;
- 1 teaspoon of honey;
- 1 chicken yolk;
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
The ingredients are mixed and heated in a steam bath to a temperature of + 40– + 43 degrees. Distribute the mask on the scalp and on the hair roots, cover with polyethylene and a towel. Holds the composition on the head for 30 to 40 minutes, while the towel retains heat.
In the presence of oily hair, lemon juice can be replaced with any strong alcohol, such as cognac or vodka. They dry fatty roots and do not harm delicate sensitive skin.
The second nourishing mask is made in the form of a mixture of two oils with different effects and glycerin for a more comfortable application. The following ingredients will be required:
- 4 teaspoons of castor oil;
- 4 hourstablespoons of burdock oil;
- 2 tbsp. tablespoons of glycerin.
All ingredients are mixed and heated in a steam bath to a temperature of + 40– + 45 degrees. The mixture is applied to the entire surface of the hair from the roots to the ends, covered with a film and a towel. Glycerin will allow the oil not to slide off the surface of the hair, but to stay on it and penetrate deep into. After 40-60 minutes, the oils are washed off with water, acidified with vinegar or lemon juice, which will remove a greasy film of thick burdock and castor oil.
Against split ends
A mask of castor oil and kefir will be a wonderful vitamin mask against dryness and split ends. To prepare it, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 tbsp. spoons of fermented milk product;
- 1 chicken yolk;
- 1 tbsp. a spoonful of castor oil.
Apply the mixture to clean and completely dry hair, especially carefully brushing the ends. To enhance the effect, you can wrap your hair in a film and a towel. Such a mask is aged for about 60 minutes and washed off with the most gentle shampoo in the direction from the hair roots.
The second mask, which is more likely a prevention of split ends, is a mask with sea salt, rich in vitamins and iodine. To prepare it, the following ingredients will be required:
- 4 teaspoons castor oil;
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt.
The mask can be applied even immediately before washing your hair on wet hair. With massage movements, the mixture is rubbed into the scalp for 15 minutes.
Grains of sea salt will give an additional exfoliating effect, which will also help cope with dandruff.
After a light massage, the hair is thoroughly washed with an ordinary shampoo, and a nourishing balm or milk is applied to them.
Reviews
According to online reviews, most women are satisfied with the effect. Such homemade masks allow you to restore shine and health even to hair lightened in ashen blond. Many note enhanced growth and greater density of previously weakened hair after six months of regular procedures. Almost everyone noted the ease of combing and styling after applying castor oil. Hair became softer and more obedient.
As a rule, no cosmetic product can do without negative reviews. Some customers expressed dissatisfaction with the complexity of washing off the oil. Girls note that the hair becomes greasy and dirty after castor. However, most often this effect is due to the fact that the hair was not thoroughly washed after the mask. With high density, 1-2 washings are not enough, you will have to spend more time to remove residual fatty oil from the scalp.
Almost no one castor has caused an allergic reaction, but complaints about burns after a pepper mask periodically appear in various forums and blogs. This is due either to the high sensitivity of the skin, or to the improper use of the mask. Summing up, it can be noted that most people who used castor oil correctly and regularly are very pleased with the effect they have, as well as the ease of use and low price of the funds received.
Whether it is suitable for a specific type of hair and skin, you can find out only by trying it yourself.
For proper use of castor oil mask, see below.