If you’re looking for something to solve all of your hair issues, then castor oil is your answer.
I’ve had numerous people complain about how hard it is to maintain their hair and how nothing seems to work. I’m here to tell you that castor oil could be the answer to all your hair problems.
But you don’t just go for any product. Consider my list of the best castor oils for hair growth & thickness.
The Definitive Guide to Best Castor Oil Chart (2021)
Rankings | Products | Liquid Volume | Type | Editor's Rating |
#1 | Best Overall  | 2 Fl Oz | Cold-Pressed | 4.8 |
#2 |  | 1 Fl Oz | Cold-Pressed | 4.4 |
#3 |  | 1 Fl Oz | Jamaican Black | 4.5 |
#4 |  | 16 Fl Oz | Cold-Pressed | 4.6 |
#5 |  | 4 Fl Oz | Cold-Pressed | 4.5 |
What is Castor Oil?
Many manufacturers consider castor oil as the “miracle oil for all ailments”. Its use dates back to thousands of years ago by cultures all over the world.
Many people use castor oil as a hair enhancement and moisturizer product, although its earlier iterations weren’t as pure as what we see in stores nowadays. Technology and advancement in the skincare industry have revived the oil to a better and more effective substance.
Castor oil is obtained from ‘Ricinus Communis,’ which is the nomenclature for titular castor bean. The oil is naturally rich in a type of fatty acid known as ricinoleic acid (1). This acid is important as it reduces hair loss and promotes hair growth.
Castor oil improves hair growth by soothing the scalp and helping it alleviate inflammation and irritation.
It makes the scalp an ideal place for hair growth. It also eliminates fungal infections and gets rid of excessive bacteria.
As if that’s not enough, castor oil also contains the omega-six fatty acids. These acids are known to improve blood circulation in the scalp. It will nourish your hair, making it healthier than before.
How to Choose the Best Castor Oils For Hair Growth?
Having deeper knowledge on factors to consider in castor oils will give you higher chances of settling for the right product.
Here are 5 factors that I considered when compiling my list.
1. Type of Castor Oil
Although castor oil products come from the same plant, there are three different types of castor oils. Each type has different effects on your hair.
The different types are as a result of variation in the extraction process. They are as discussed below:
- Organic Cold-Pressed
Organic Cold-Pressed Oil is popular among numerous hair products. You’re more likely to come across this type than the others.
This oil is extracted using the cold-pressed process. High pressure from the machine used extracts the oil without the need to cook the seeds. There are claims that this process results in higher and better value castor oils, but no scientific proof is present to corroborate the claim.
All in all, the process undeniably results in high-quality castor oil. This is because it retains all the ingredients associated with the oil.
Organic cold-pressed castor oil is characterized by a pale yellow color.
Pro Tip:
The organic cold-pressed castor oil is the choice to go for if you’re looking for a nourishing or hair reparative effect.
- Jamaican Black Castor Oil
The Jamaican Black Castor Oil is one of the most common castor oil type found in many products. Haircare products use it as a subsidiary ingredient or carrier oil.
This type is created by roasting the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. Manufacturers then press this seed using different machines to extract its oil.
The oil that is extracted is then mixed with the ashes that were created during the roasting phase. This is what gives this type its distinctive black color.
Jamaican Castor Oil provides better results with thick and dry hair than the other two types. Moreover, it has higher alkalinity, but with similar nutritional value as the other castor oil types.
- Hydrogenated
Hydrogenated castor oil is obtained by hydrogenating oil already extracted oil using a nickel catalyst. The result is a thick substance that resembles wax more than oil.
Hydrogenated oil is odorless, insoluble in water, and breaks quickly under little pressure. These characteristics make it commonly used in cosmetic products and polishes. Turn to the cold-pressed and Jamaican castor oils if you want something for your hair.
The two types have better nutritional value and are generally better for your scalp.
Pro Tip:
Hydrogenated castor oil may accidentally clog your pores and create room for dandruff. It’s not ideal for your hair.
2. Grade
Castor oils are graded according to their quality. We have three different grades: the AA Standard Grade, Middling Grade, and Industrial Grade.
AA Standard Grade is of the highest quality. This also means that it is obtained from the first pressing of the seeds. The oil obtained here is thin at first. It is then cold-pressed to improve its quality.
The middling grade is mediocre. These oils retain most of their nutritional value and are of good quality generally. However, they aren’t as good and beneficial as the AA Standard Grade Oil.
Least in the ranks is the industrial grade. This oil grade is mixed with the next batch of seeds, and the process is repeated severally to obtain nutrient saturation.
Whether or not this process is beneficial, I don’t know. What I know, on the other hand, is that this oil grade is whack. You don’t want to put this oil anywhere near your face.
As expected, the costs differ from the oil grades. AA Standard Grade is the most expensive, while Industrial Grade being very cheap. Your budget will dictate on what grade to settle for.
3. Liquid Volume (Amount)
How much oil are you getting with your purchase? Is it worth it?
Most men use a tablespoon amount of oil (or more) in one application. This implies that you can burn through your bottle very quickly.
Therefore, you can decide to either limit the amount of oil you use per application, or alternatively, go for a larger purchase.
The frequency of use also plays a huge role here. If you’re the type to use the oil once in a while, then you’ll be in for quality more than quantity. If you’re on a budget and are looking for daily application, then you should go for products with more castor oils in their bottles.
There is no right answer on what amount is correct. It all depends on your budget.
4. Purity
The oil’s purity is also another important factor to consider during your purchase.
What is oil purity?
Simple – the presence or absence of other subsidiary ingredients. Some manufacturers include artificial ingredients in their products to enhance the effects or change the outcome. Such artificial ingredients include alcohol and fragrances.
This results in such oils having better scents or having anti-greasing effects. But the cons outweigh the pros by far. Alcohol (as you probably know) doesn’t work well with sensitive skin. Moreover, other ingredients may have side effects on your skin.
That’s why 100% pure castor oils are better. They don’t run the risk of irritating your scalp and also don’t result in dandruff issues.
Pro Tip:
Always try to find 100 pure castor oils. These are of better quality compared to those with added elements in their formulae.
5. Absence of Hexane
You should also check whether hexane is present in every castor oil you’re about to pick.
Why is this important?
To start with, hexane is a chemical solvent used by manufacturers to extract oil from the plant seeds. It makes the extraction process much easier.
But at the same time, hexane affects the overall quality of the castor oil by changing its stability and chemical composition. It makes the oil less effective in its quest to nourish and treat your hair.
Pro Tip:
Always try to find hexane-free castor oils. Such oils might be more costly, but worth it.
Here is a video illustrating how you can make DIY caster oils at home.
5 Best Castor Oils That Improve Natural Hair Growth Reviews & Top Picks
1. Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil
- Type: Cold-Pressed
- Amount: 2 Ounce (60g)
Leading my list is one incredible product that I have grown fond of, Kate Blanc Cosmetic Castor Oil. For starters, this oil doesn’t contain any hexane, and so you shouldn’t expect any side effects from it.
Secondly, oil is versatile and can be applied to different body parts. The same versatility is also seen in its benefits. Although the initial purpose of the oil was for eyebrow and eyelash growth, the Men Glow Up testers found that this oil also improves the hair thickness and growth.
The manufacturers included applicator tools inside this oil’s package. Upon purchase, you receive an eyebrow, eyelash, and dropper applicator.
What of the formula?
This oil’s formula is also good. It does an incredible job of retaining moisture throughout the hair and across the scalp. Its formula consists of organic ingredients that have been cold-pressed to retain their nutrients and health benefits.
The sad thing is that you only get 2 ounces of oil with this product. If you’re looking to use your oil daily, you can as well buy a couple of this. There is also the option of purchasing a 4-ounce bottle for extra bucks. This is a more reasonable idea.
Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil makes up for its low amount with impeccable quality. I would rather settle for the four-ounce of this oil, than 20 ounces of any other product – an honest opinion!
Pros
- Has applicator tools
- Ideal for use on other body parts
- Purely natural with no synthetic chemicals
- Excellent for a dry scalp
Cons
- Tiny amounts with the purchase
2. NAMSKARA Organic Castor Oil
- Type: Cold-Pressed
- Amount: 1 ounce (30g)
There isn’t much included in this castor oil, but its health benefits are tremendous.
If you’re looking for castor oil to help with specific spots on your head, then the NAMSKARA Organic Castor Oil is an excellent choice. Several reasons make this product stand out.
For starters, the castor oil is 100% pure without any synthetic chemical hexane. You can, therefore, rest assured that no crap will interfere with your hair.
Secondly, the manufacturers designed the oil’s bottle with an easy-applicator dropper and two tools; one for the eyelashes and the other for the eyebrows.
I love the fact that the oil is versatile and can be used on other body parts. Apply it on your cuticles and nails to reduce inflammation and irritation. It is all organic, and you should be less worried about developing rashes and skin irritation.
A bid downside with this oil is that it only contains 1 oz in its bottle. Comparing it with products that feature up to 16 oz for their products, this is a huge joke from the manufacturers. To be honest, I don’t think any price would justify this amount.
You should consider using it sparingly or purchasing a couple to last you longer.
All in all, the product is of high quality and incredible results. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone as long as you plan on using it in minimal amounts or once in a while. The tools included in it make applying it easy.
Pros
- Versatile and can be used on nails and cuticles also.
- Features applicator tools
- All-natural, without synthetic chemicals
Cons
- The bottle comes with tiny amounts
3. Hair Thickness Maximizer Organic Castor Oil
- Type: Jamaican Black
- Amount: 1 ounce (30g)
The dark, stylish bottle of this product stole my heart. Besides, it is one of the best dropper caps that you’ll come across.
The Hair Thickness Maximizer Organic Castor Oil is the result of the best extraction process. It is designed for men who strictly into quality – although you only get one ounce with its purchase.
Not many products can compete with this in terms of quality. It is of the Jamaican Black type. The oil is also cold-pressed to retain its natural nutrients and health benefits.
What I love most about the oil is that it gets absorbers easily and very quickly. Moreover, it is phenomenal in terms of boosting your hair’s thickness and soothing the scalp. That’s not all; the product will also get rid of bacteria and fungi, causing dandruff.
Since not much oil is included in the bottle, I’d suggest using the oil sparingly.
Pros
- Very high quality
- Features one of the best dropper applicators
- Nice packaging
- Has a nice moisturizing effect
Cons
- There is only one ounce inside the bottle.
4. Shiny Leaf Pure Castor Oil
- Type: Cold-Pressed
- Amount: 16 ounces (500g)
Shiny Leaf shows other manufacturers how to package their products with its Pure Castor Oil. This bottle comes with 16 0unces of castor oil, all of which are of high quality. And although it has a strong fragrance, the results are incredible.
This caster oil is designed for men who are looking to use their caster oils daily. The amount present is decent and should last you long, even with intense use. However, this is if you don’t mind its strong scent.
The oil is also ideal for men with sensitive skin.
I especially love the fact that this product is still highly affordable. This is an underappreciated feature, and the company deserves all accolades. You get high amounts of oil at affordable pricing. What more could you ask for?
Moreover, the castor oil is soothing and moisturizing. It is cold-pressed to retain its ingredients and health benefits. The product is USDA Certified, meaning that you don’t have to worry about any synthetic components (hexane included) with it.
The biggest downside and turn-off with this oil is its fragrance. Shiny Leaf Castor Oil contains the strongest fragrance of all the reviewed products. For those of us who don’t like strong scents in their caster oils, you can opt for another choice.
If you don’t mind the scent, then there is nothing to bar you from purchasing this incredible castor oil.
Pros
- Lots of oil in the bottle
- Highly affordable
- Soothing and moisturizing
- High quality
Cons
- Has a very strong fragrance
5. RejuveNaturals Organic Castor Oils
- Type: Cold-Pressed
- Amount: 4 ounces (120g)
Closing on my list is the RejuveNaturals Organic Castor Oil. What you’re settling for with this product is lots of applicator tools and plenty of excellent oil – two essential factors.
Who is it for?
This product is best for men who are still new to the world of castor oils and want something to experiment with. The oil doesn’t contain hexane or any other synthetic chemicals. With this, you can be assured of your safety with its use.
It is applicable in the eyelashes, eyebrows, and head hair. You don’t get 16 ounces of oil with this product like Shiny Leaf.
Instead, its bottle is fitted with 4 ounce, which is still reasonable. To make up for this, the manufacturers included five eyeliner-style and mascara brushes to assist with the application.
It also has a high-quality dropper in its package. You’ll love the moisturizing effect of this castor oil. It’s one of the best to deal with inflammatory issues that I have come across so far.
I didn’t love its somehow strong fragrance. But my taste might differ with yours. The scent is noticeable, but not strong enough to overwhelm your senses. On the contrary, it might be the best choice for guys who love smelling nice all through.
Since you’re only experimenting with this product, the four-ounce in it should be enough to last you a couple of weeks. This is until you decide whether you’ll settle for it or go for another oil product. It is pretty much like rebound-caster oil.
Pros
- Reasonable amounts in the bottle
- Has a moisturizing effect on the scalp
- Comes with a high-quality dropper
- Lots of extra applicators
Cons
- You might find its scent to be too strong.
Final Thoughts
I’m sure you’ll not spend more than five minutes the next time you’re buying castor oils.
And if you are in doubt about what to go for, always counter-check with my buying guide. It will provide you with all the important info you need.
One common thing with the products that I have reviewed, apart from being of very high quality (of course), is that they all lack hexane.
As explained in my buying guide (mentioned above), hexane interferes with the overall quality of castor oils and might have adverse side effects.
You can rest assured that nothing will go wrong with the purchase of this product.
The best overall product is the Kate Blanc Cosmetic Castor Oil. And although it isn’t of better quality than the Hair Thickness Maximizer Organic Castor Oil, this one comes with decent amounts in its bottle. That’s where it edges the Hair Thickness Maximizer one.
And if you’re in for incredible amounts, Shiny Leaf Pure Castor Oil has you covered!
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