Castor oil has been renowned for many years for its benefits on eyelashes. But what about its action on hair? Here’s the answer.
Baldness is the common term for androgenetic alopecia. It is characterized by hair loss on the top of the head. It is estimated that 40% of men over the age of 40 suffer from alopecia, and this figure rises steadily with age.
Genetic predisposition and the effect of androgens (male hormones) are often the two main factors favoring the appearance of baldness. In addition to hair transplants and drug treatments, natural active ingredients are proving to be a therapeutic target in the fight against hair loss.
In this context, ricinoleic acid, a major component of castor oil, has been studied for its ability to block the precursor of prostaglandin D2, which is prevalent in balding men.
This prostaglandin not only miniaturizes hair follicles, but also inhibits hair growth. Ricin oil could therefore be a natural solution for limiting hair loss and preventing the onset of baldness.
A study on baldness
A study has shown that a molecule is responsible for the absence of hair growth in balding men. Researchers have observed that prostaglandin D2 is present in high quantities in the scalps of these men. Prostaglandin D2 is thought to inhibit hair growth.
It also induces hair follicle miniaturization, i.e. a reduction in the diameter of hair follicles. This results in thinner, more fragile hair.
Over time, excessive miniaturization can prevent new hair growth. A second study has shown that ricinoleic acid blocks the production of Prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTGDS), the synthesis product of prostaglandin D2.
Ricinoleic acid is thus seen as a potential target for the treatment of baldness. Ricinoleic acid is found in 80-92% of castor oil.
However, researchers cannot state with certainty that inhibiting prostaglandin D2 will restore hair growth in bald individuals. Further studies or clinical trials are required to confirm this hypothesis.
Operating modes
IN STAND-ALONE MODE
Pour a few drops of castor oil into the palm of your hand. Gently massage the oil into the scalp for better penetration, then leave for 1 hour. Then shampoo as usual. Repeat 1-2 times a week.
IN SYNERGY
In a 100 mL bottle, add :
- 1 tablespoon castor oil
- 3 tablespoons Argan vegetable oil
- 30 drops Ginger essential oil
- 30 drops Atlas Cedar essential oil
Close the bottle, homogenize and label. The synergy is ready to use. It generally keeps for 6 months, protected from air, heat and light.
Apply a sufficient quantity to the scalp, massaging gently for better penetration. Leave on for one hour, then rinse thoroughly.
Then wash hair with your usual shampoo. Avoid contact with eyes, as this product contains substances that are irritating to the mucous membranes of the eye.
