Castor oil vs jojoba oil for hair growth, which one is better? In this post, we’ll go over the benefits of each so you can add the best oil for you into your natural hair care routine.
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If you want to promote hair growth, and get softer, shinier hair, you should definitely think about adding oils into your hair care routine.
You may be looking for a natural remedy to help solve your dandruff, dry hair and breakage. You’ve heard great things about jojoba oil and castor oil, but which one should you use?
It’s important to find the right oil for your hair type, that is going to work with your hair and give you the results you want. Both castor oil and jojoba oil can be amazing for hair health!
In this post I’ll give you a checklist to help you decide which oil is right for your hair. You’ll also get my product recommendations, a simple oil recipe, and 4 different ways to use your chosen oil on your hair.
If you want to find out which is the winning oil to add to your natural hair care routine, keep reading. Here are the benefits and how-tos of castor oil and jojoba oil.
Castor Oil vs Jojoba Oil for Hair: The Facts
Both of these oils are great for promoting hair health, but they have their differences. The main noticeable difference between the two is the consistency.
Castor oil is a heavy oil and has a much thicker consistency and is harder to spread, while jojoba oil is much lighter. Here are some of the benefits of each:
Castor Oil Benefits for Hair
Castor oil comes from the seeds of the castor plant. It is rich in fatty acids such as ricinoleic acid, and has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy and beauty treatment. For the hair, it:
- Provides protection against environmental damage and breakage
- Promotes hair growth
- Is effective at locking in moisture, preventing dryness
- Has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties to heal dandruff and scalp infections
- Smooths the hair shaft, increasing shine
- Prevents split ends
Jojoba Oil Benefits for Hair
Jojoba oil comes from the seeds of a wild desert shrub called the Simmondsia chinensis plant that originates from dry areas of the US and Mexico.
Though we refer to it as an oil, it is technically known as a liquid wax. It is a rich source of vitamin E and very moisturizing for the scalp and hair. It also:
- Is most similar to the sebum our scalp produces (great for those with dry or curly hair when your skin’s natural oils don’t travel down the hair shaft)
- Has a lighter consistency that allows it to absorb easily into the hair and skin without a greasy feel
- Increases shine
- Decreases frizz
- Has anti-inflammatory properties to heal scalp irritation and dandruff
- Conditions the hair, increasing softness
Which Oil Should You Choose?
You know the benefits of each, so which one is right for you?
Choose Castor Oil If:
- You want an intensive, deep treatment
- Your hair can handle a heavy oil, and doesn’t get weighed down easily
- You don’t mind mixing it with other oils for easier application
- You have coarse, thick or high porosity hair
- Your priority is promoting faster hair growth
- You want stronger protection against breakage and environmental damage
Choose Jojoba Oil If:
- You want an oil for daily/frequent use that absorbs easily
- You have fine hair strands, or hair that feels weighed down easily
- You want an oil that’s easy to use on its own
- You don’t have much damage to your strands that needs healing
- You want softer feeling, shinier looking hair
- You want to heal a dry scalp or other scalp issues
This post will give you ideas for other great oils that are especially great for fine and low porosity hair types.
I personally like jojoba oil better because it’s lightweight and absorbs well into my hair and skin, so I can use it more frequently. It also smells better in my opinion. Experiment and see which oil you prefer – the best hair oil is the one you actually use consistently!
Where to Buy Your Oils
Fushi Organic Jojoba Oil
Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil
FABLE & MANE HoliRoots™ Pre-Wash Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil
This hair oil by Fable & Mane contains both castor oil and jojoba oil, along with other ingredients that strengthen the hair and scalp. It’s a great option if you want the hair growth benefits of castor oil without the heaviness.
Castor & Jojoba Oil FAQ
Can I use jojoba and castor oil together?
Yes! You can definitely mix them together, and jojoba oil mixed with castor oil will create a thinner consistency that is easier to use on your hair. Below, you’ll find easy instructions for mixing the two oils.
Jojoba Oil and Castor Oil Mix for Hair
If you prefer using a mixture of the oils, this recipe can be used for any of the methods below. If your hair is coarser or you prefer a thicker consistency, you can switch the ratios to include more castor oil than jojoba oil.
Ingredients:
- 1 part castor oil
- 2 parts jojoba oil
BONUS TIP: You can also use jojoba and castor oil on your eyebrows! Use a spoolie to swipe a layer of oil through the brows to promote hair growth.
You May Also Like: DIY Japanese Scalp Treatment: Get Healthy Hair at Home
How to Use Castor Oil & Jojoba Oil: 4 Methods
1. Scalp Treatment for Hair Growth
- Take 1-2 tablespoons of the oil of your choice, and distribute it evenly on the scalp
- Using your fingers or a scalp massaging tool, gently massage the scalp for 5 minutes
- Shampoo and condition, or leave on overnight for extra nourishment
BONUS TIP: Add a couple of drops of essential oils to improve scalp health and hair growth! This post will give you some great ideas, and spearmint oil is another effective one for encouraging hair growth.
2. Pre-Wash Hot Oil Treatment
- Warm up 2-4 tablespoons of oil
- Apply evenly to detangled hair, from roots to ends
- Cover hair with plastic cap, and leave on for 30 minutes
- If desired, add extra heat using a blow dryer or heat cap
- Shampoo and condition (shampoo twice, especially if using a gentle shampoo)
3. Post-Wash Sealing
- As your final step after washing, apply a quarter sized amount (the amount you use will depend on your hair length) to your hair
- Distribute the oil evenly to the mid lengths and ends to seal in the moisture
- Style as usual
TIP: Alternatively, you can experiment with adding the oil into your leave-in conditioner.
4. Nightly End Protection
- Before bed, take a dime to nickel sized amount of oil and distribute it evenly to your ends
- Secure your hair in a protective style (braids, pineapple, twists, etc)
- Done!
Castor oil and jojoba oil are both great choices for encouraging hair growth, protection against breakage, and getting super soft hair! Which one will you try?
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