Castor Oil Challenge: My 90-Day Hair Growth Journey
Scrolling through social media, it’s impossible to miss the claims. “Castor oil gave me 5 inches of hair in a month!” or “My bald spots completely vanished with this one trick!” My feed was flooded with glossy-haired influencers swearing by this thick, viscous oil as the holy grail for hair growth. As someone whose hair has always grown at a glacial pace, I was equal parts skeptical and desperately hopeful.
Could this inexpensive, natural oil sitting on pharmacy shelves really outperform high-end serums? There was only one way to find out. I decided to embark on my own 90-Day Castor Oil Challenge, documenting the entire process—the good, the bad, and the greasy. This is my journey, my results, and my unfiltered verdict.
Why Castor Oil? The Science (and Hype) Behind the Trend
Before slathering my head in the stuff, I needed to understand what I was getting into. Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. Its hair growth reputation primarily hinges on one key component: ricinoleic acid. This rare fatty acid makes up about 90% of the oil’s composition and is known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The proposed mechanisms for hair growth are threefold. First, its humectant properties mean it draws moisture from the air into the hair and scalp, potentially creating a healthier environment. Second, the ricinoleic acid is believed to improve blood circulation to the scalp when massaged in, which could theoretically deliver more nutrients to the hair follicles. And third, its antimicrobial nature might help combat scalp conditions like dandruff or folliculitis that can impede growth.
It’s crucial to note: While the anecdotal evidence is overwhelming, robust scientific studies specifically linking castor oil to accelerated hair growth are limited. Most of the benefits are extrapolated from its known chemical properties. I was going in as a real-world test subject.
Setting the Ground Rules: My 90-Day Game Plan
Consistency is key in any experiment. I knew that haphazard application wouldn’t yield clear results. So, I laid down a strict protocol for the next three months.
The Oil: I opted for 100% pure, cold-pressed, hexane-free Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO). The “black” variety is processed with roasted castor beans, giving it a darker color and a slightly higher ash content, which some believe makes it even more effective for thickening hair.
The Method: I committed to two types of treatments:
Weekly Hot Oil Treatment: Every Sunday, I would warm a tablespoon of castor oil (mixed with two tablespoons of coconut oil to make it more manageable) and thoroughly massage it into my scalp and through the lengths of my hair. I’d leave it on for a minimum of two hours, sometimes overnight, before washing it out.
Daily Scalp Massage: Every night before bed, I would take a few drops of castor oil, mix it with a lighter oil like jojoba, and spend 5-10 minutes massaging it just into my scalp. I did not wash this out daily.
The Measurements: On Day 1, I took clear, well-lit photos of my hair from the front, back, and sides. I also measured a specific strand from my hairline to its end. I tracked my hair’s condition, shedding, and any new baby hairs in a journal.
The First Month: The Greasy, Awkward Adjustment Phase
Let’s be real: the first few weeks were not glamorous. Castor oil is incredibly thick and sticky. Despite diluting it, my hair felt heavy and looked greasy for the first day or two after my weekly treatment. My pillowcase acquired a permanent oil stain, and I invested in a stack of satin bonnets.
Washing it out was a battle. A single shampoo was not enough. I had to double, sometimes triple, shampoo to get my hair feeling clean and not weighed down. This led to a minor fear of over-washing, but my scalp felt healthy.
As for growth? By the end of month one, I saw zero noticeable difference in length. However, I did notice something else—my scalp felt amazing. The constant, gentle massaging had soothed any minor dryness or itchiness I didn’t even know I had. My hair also felt incredibly soft and looked shinier after each wash. It was a small win, but a win nonetheless.
Month Two: The Glimmer of Hope and The Baby Hairs
This is when the experiment got interesting. Around the 6-week mark, I started noticing a halo of tiny, new hairs around my hairline. These weren’t just broken hairs; they were brand new sprouts, stubbornly sticking straight up. I was ecstatic! This was the first tangible sign that something was happening.
The texture of my hair also seemed to be improving. It felt thicker and more resilient. Shedding in the shower, which was always a concern for me, seemed to have reduced slightly. I was finally getting the hang of the washing routine, finding the perfect balance of shampoo to cut through the oil without stripping my hair completely.
When I measured my hair at the end of month two, I had gained just under half an inch. While this was close to the average growth rate of 0.5 inches per month, for my typically slow-growing hair, this felt like a victory. The combination of new growth and reduced breakage was creating a visible effect.
Month Three: The Final Push and Measurable Results
The final month felt like smooth sailing. The routine was now a habit. My hair had adjusted, and the greasiness was less of an issue as my scalp health seemed more balanced. The baby hairs around my temples were growing longer, finally starting to blend in with the rest of my hair.
On wash days, I was genuinely impressed with the shine and softness. My hair had a luster I hadn’t seen in years. But the big question remained: how much had it actually grown?
On Day 90, I took my final measurements and compared the photos. The results were clear. From my initial measurement, my hair had grown a total of 1.75 inches. Given that the average is 1.5 inches in 90 days, I had surpassed it. More than the length, the overall density of my hair had improved. It looked fuller, thicker, and healthier.
The Verdict: Was the 90-Day Castor Oil Challenge Worth It?
Yes, but with caveats. Castor oil was not a magical potent that gave me Rapunzel-like hair overnight. However, it was a highly effective catalyst for overall hair health, which in turn facilitated better growth.
The Pros: My hair is undeniably healthier, shinier, and thicker. The reduction in breakage means my length retention has improved dramatically. The massaging routine likely played a huge role in stimulating my scalp. For the price, it’s an incredibly cost-effective treatment.
The Cons: It’s messy, time-consuming, and requires a significant adjustment to your hair care routine. If you have fine hair, the weight of the oil could be a problem if not properly diluted and washed out.
I believe the growth I experienced was a combination of factors: the oil itself providing moisture and a healthy scalp environment, the consistent massages boosting circulation, and the disciplined care reducing mechanical damage.
My Top Tips for Your Own Castor Oil Journey
If you’re inspired to try this, learn from my mistakes and successes.
1. Dilute, Dilute, Dilute! Do not apply pure castor oil directly to your scalp or hair. Always mix it with a lighter carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or almond oil. A 1:2 or 1:3 ratio (castor to carrier) is a great starting point.
2. The Massage is Non-Negotiable. Don’t just slap the oil on. Take the time to massage your scalp in circular motions with your fingertips (not nails) for at least 5 minutes. This is likely just as important as the oil itself.
3. Invest in a Good Clarifying Shampoo. You will need a shampoo with some grit to it to properly remove the oil. A sulfate-free shampoo might not cut it. I alternated between a gentle shampoo and a clarifying one weekly.
4. Patience is Everything. You will not see results in a week or even a month. Commit to a minimum of 60-90 days to give your hair a full growth cycle to respond.
5. Protect Your Bedding. Satin or silk pillowcases and bonnets will be your best friends. Trust me on this.
