Who doesn’t dream of having long, thick, and dark eyelashes? It is widely assumed that the stature of lashes makes your eyes look gorgeous. But not everybody is fortunate to have them.
For those who missed out on having such beautiful eyelashes, there are many natural remedies capable of letting you achieve it. For instance, castor oil is believed to be effective in growing and thickening eyelashes.
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What Research Has to Say About Effectiveness of Castor Oil for Eyelash Growth
There are currently no specific studies on the effectiveness of castor oil for eyelash growth. Hence, it is difficult to ascertain the actual effectiveness of this natural oil for this purpose. Nevertheless, there is data that suggests that the application of castor oil may improve the overall health of eyelash hairs due to the properties of its constituents. Let us look at this in greater detail.
This article in the International Journal of Science and Research lists Ricinoleic acid as the main ingredient of castor oil. Ricinoleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid with high levels of triglycerides. As a result, it has excellent moisturizing properties, which can help to improve the strength and flexibility of hair strands.
Another 2015 study explicitly links Ricinoleic acid to reduced hair loss, which is a promising outcome when it comes to the overall health of eyelash hair. However, you should keep in mind that there is no direct evidence supporting this assumption. So, we can only speculate about its actual effectiveness.
While castor oil can improve the luster and shine of eyelashes, we cannot confirm that it enhances eyelash growth. Claims that it increases hair growth are purely anecdotal. However, by moisturizing and strengthening eyelashes, castor oil can help them appear healthier and more attractive.
Nutrient Rich Castor Oil
Let us see what the nutrients present in it, which makes them competent enough in growing eyelashes are.
Castor oil is comprised of vitamin E, minerals, proteins, and antibacterial properties. Apart from that, they are also rich in triglyceride variant of fatty acids.
Castor oil can strengthen and hydrate the eyelashes, as it contains fatty acids with excellent abilities to moisturize hair strands. This, in turn, can provide an environment that allows eyelashes to thrive in.
Many people think that the routine usage of castor oil has incredibly improved the quality of their eyelashes. Although there is no scientific evidence to back these claims, likely, the improvement in the shine and strength of eyelashes due to castor oil application makes them appear longer and thicker.
Best Time to Apply Castor Oil on Eyelashes
It is good to apply castor oil on to the baseline of your eyelashes. The best solution for this will be to use an eyeliner brush.
The best time to apply castor oil is at night, preferably a couple of hours before bedtime. While it is perfectly fine to use them during day time, there is a significant advantage in applying them at night as this allows more time to saturate and start the process, which aids in growing eyelashes. Care must be taken to avoid them from getting in contact with the eyes, and in case it happens, you must wash your eyes immediately as this may cause extreme irritations.
Did you know? The longest eyelash on record was 2.75 inches long. A guy holds this record!
You can start your morning by removing castor oil from eyelashes. For this purpose, you can either use a makeup remover or water. But make sure you don’t rub or pull on your lashes to avoid losing eyelashes.
6 Steps to Apply Castor Oil on Eyelashes
Follow these below mentioned steps to effectively make use of castor oils to promote the growth of eyelashes.
- Clean your face with water and remove any traces of makeup, especially from eyes.
- Make sure to use cold-pressed castor oil because they tend to be pure and natural kind.
- Take an eyeliner brush and slowly dip it into the castor oil, make sure the brush doesn’t carry oil in excess amount.
- Now with the help of that brush, apply the oil carefully on your lashes.
- It is better to apply them at night before you sleep. Leave it on for the entire night for the best results.
- In the morning, with the help of a makeup remover, you can remove the oil from eyelashes.
Depending on the individual needs and preferences, you can make changes in the steps mentioned above. It might take some time to obtain the results, so it is better to use castor oil on eyelashes on a routine basis.
Side Effects of Castor Oil
The number of people who have enjoyed these plentiful benefits may outnumber the number of people who had succumbed to the side effects caused by over usage of castor oil.
At a moderate level, castor oil works fine without any side effects. But still, it is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women to take castor oil orally as this may lead to inflammatory intestinal diseases or abdominal pain.
When it comes to using them along with eyebrows or eyelashes, care must be taken as not to let them get in contact with the eyes. Any such contact may lead to extreme irritation of eyes, causing redness or intense pain.
- Recommended Read : 5 Best Castor Oil Brands | How to Pick the Right Castor Oil for Hair
How To Choose The Best Castor Oil ?
The first and foremost thing that you need to keep in mind is that the purchased oil is the correct type of castor oil. You should check the label and the stickers in to see whether it is 100% cold-pressed or cold processed as these are the primary symbols of a pure and natural product.
3 Popular Castor Oils, According to Reviews and Rating:
- Cammile Q 100% Pure Organic Castor Oil, Cold Pressed
- Molivera Organics 100% Pure Castor Oil, Cold Pressed, 16-Ounce
- NOW Solutions Castor Oil, Multi Purpose, 100% Pure, 16-Ounce
The best thing will be to check out a local health food store or an online store to find out the castor oil of your choice.
Conclusion
Although there are several claims about castor oil increasing eyelash growth, the scientific evidence supporting this is unavailable. Nevertheless, the chemical constitution of castor oil makes it a fantastic moisturizer for hair strands. So, you should be able to improve the overall health and strength of your eyelashes by consistently using this age-old remedy. And if this helps your eyelashes appear more luscious, wouldn’t it be great?
I hope you enjoyed reading this article. Have you ever tried using castor oil before? If so, let us know your feedback on its effectiveness. If you would like to share any other natural remedies for improving eyelashes, please feel free to do so in the below comment box.
I had a reaction to castor oil and have since read that it can cause damage to your corneas. I have broken out in a rash all over my face and my eyes are itchy. I warn people to test first before thinking this is some magical solution without side effects.
Hi Jane, my wife had a similar reaction – do you have remedy?
I have been using castor oil for about a month and my eyelashes are super long. I tell everyone about it. Love it! It works great.
Hey, Can you tell me which brand of castor oil you used? and How?
I am using it right now first time! I had paid for extensions for months and then had some kind of reaction to the glue, my poor eyelashes are short and broken! Hope they are on the mend using castor oil.
Is it really work?
Thanks for the info. Was wondering about castor oil as prescribed by my friend.
I just started using castor oil on my hair and eyelashes about a week and 1/2 ago and I have already noticed a difference with my eyelashes! Wow! I use the USP castor oil that also says laxative on the label. I got it at CVS for $5.00 and it works awesome! I have been leaving it on overnight and my hair is shiny and tangle free.
Karen,
Are you still using castor oil and how are your eyelashes?
Upon learning about castor oil. I ordered immediately online. But I’m 26 weeks pregnant. Is it okay to use it for my lashes and scalp?
As long as you aren’t consuming it you will be fine. It is not recommended to take castor oil orally as this may lead to inflammatory intestinal diseases.
Hi, I was wondering if you don’t have eyelashes on one eye will it help it grow back quicker?
It will take some time to show off the results. Most people say that they saw a clear improvement after 2 to 3 weeks.
So can we use this on our hair daily or is this a one to three times a week treatment? My hair pretty much stopped growing and really don’t want to be stuck with short hair for the rest of my life.
I don’t think you should use castor oil everyday because it is really thick and you don’t want to clog your pores and cause buildup. I would say, use it 2 or 3 times a week or something, and shampoo a couple times. Make sure you use a little amount of castor oil for your scalp each time. Good Luck!
I am wondering for those of you that used it for eyelash growth, did you apply on both top and bottom eyelashes?
I have been using castor oil on my lashes for about 1 month, and I already notice a difference. They are darker, fuller, and longer. I apply the oil to the root of the lashes, both to the top and bottom. I use a q-tip to apply and it makes it more sanitary because you toss the applicator each day. Apply at night at bedtime and let the oil work overnight. Have patience and do it consistently and you will have longer lashes!
Don’t the oil blurr your vision?
Yeah, if you get it in your eye it does, I just rub my eye and clean off any oil around the lashes on my eyelid or undereye. Honestly, it doesn’t bother me at all especially since I’m going to sleep instead of trying to use my eyes, but if that’s not what floats your boat then the blurriness might be an issue.
That is a great idea. Thanks for sharing!!
Years ago when I noticed that my eye lashes are small I started to apply castor oil (white color oil) and my eyelashes were started growing and recently I used again (Brown colored oil… Shea moisture castor oil which is very thick oil) and had a reaction to my eyes and itchy… Maybe it depends on the quality as well.
Do you remember what the white one was named?
I just recently (3weeks ago) got eyelash extensions…what a mistake! They pretty much all came off and I am left with hardly any eyelashes at all.
I went out today and bought caster oil to see if my eyelashes grow back…..I will keep you all posted on the outcome….Cheers
Any update? I just started today 🙂
Update?
I’ve been using caster oil on my lashes for almost a year & have had wonderful results. Longer & Thicker lashes. It really works! but you must be consistent!!
How long did they grow and how long did it take to see results.. Are they thick?
Lee, which brand of castor oil are you using?
I just started. I have very little in the way if lashes right now. I am very excited to try this method!! I will keep you updated.
I have been using castor oil for two weeks, and have already noticed improved thickness and length. Lashes seem to be growing in where they weren’t before. I simply apply with my fingertip all over the eye area, being careful to brush gently down onto my lashes while my eyes are closed. I do it this way as I also want to reap the benefits on the skin around my eyes. Will let you know how it’s coming along after a few more weeks!
I have never had really lush eyelashes but as I am now 59. They are really sparse. My daughter told me about this method and after reading this information, I cannot wait to see benefits. On day 2 now.
Caster oil is great for hair. My lashes are lush and strong, I am Afro American and use it on my scalp sparingly, I mix it with coconut oil and oil my scalp 1-2 a week without overdoing it. My hair is past my shoulders and still growing.
This worked great for my eyebrows and eyelashes. I used Jamaican Black Castor Oil from Amazon.
Sonia, I just put the Jamaican black castle oil on my eyelashes tonight for the first time! How did it work for you? When did you start to see results?
I’ve been using castor oil 2 weeks from now and I am already seeing the results. I’ve noticed it was longer and thicker than before. I am very much enthusiastic and excited in using it more often at night now since it didn’t disappoint me. Yey!
Can a clean mascara brush be used instead of eyeliner brush?
Yes. But make sure it gets to the roots of your eyelashes for it to penetrate in your skin. Be careful not to let it in your eyes though.
I have been consistently using the castor oil on my lashes and brows for a week now and have seen a very big difference in my eyelashes but not really with my eyebrows other than they are getting very soft. Can’t wait to see what the next week of using it will do!
Hi, For your eyebrows first exfoliate your eyebrows with any natural exfoliator, pat dry and rub a small amount of castor oil, you will see a difference.
Hey Dana what brand of castor oil are you using?
Thanks in advance!
Hi..I have been using castor oil on my brows now for a month and have seen a huge improvement..I recommend it to anyone. I have hairs growing where it had been bare for years.
Hey, I just began using castor oil (the dark type)… its day 2 now. I’m African, hope it’ll work wonders for me too. I’ve only been using it in hair, Will try out on my eye lashes and eye brows too. Can’t wait.
I love you ladies for sharing such amazing results. I am beyond excited to start my journey.
Hi Ladies!!!
How do I know how much castor oil to apply to my lashes?? I have been doing it for about a week and I already see improvement!!! I just apply it with a q-tip on top and bottom of my lashes….seems to work great, but I just want to make sure I am not over applying it.
Thanks a lot!!!
Jamaican castor oil is the best.