Castor oil is a vegetable oil used for centuries to improve beard growth, strengthen the nails, and much more. It is extracted from the castor bean, which is the seed of the Ricinus communis plant.
Can you use it for shaving? Is shaving with castor oil OK?
Yes, castor oil is ideal for shaving due to its consistency and benefits. Castor oil is very skin-nourishing, soothing and lubricating, and moisturizing because it is rich in fatty acids.
Olive oil is also lubricating and moisturizing. You can use it with a skin-nourishing essential oil as well. To find out more, check out our article on – Can I use Olive Oil as a pre-shave oil?
Let’s see more about how and why you can use it.
Ingredients of Castro Oil
This vegetable oil is derived from castor plant seeds. It contains undecylenic acid, which has natural anti-fungal properties.
Castor oil is thick and slick to a touch. This makes it an ideal buffer against blade irritation when shaving.
That’s not all. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid. This is an omega-9 unsaturated fatty acid with anti-bacterial properties. This means it can prevent hair loss and make the hair denser.
Because of its benefits, castor oil is often included as an ingredient in pre-shave kits.
Note that undecylenic acid is prepared by chemically decomposing organic materials ricinoleic acid at high temperatures in an oxygen-free environment.
How to Use Castor Oil When Shaving
To use castor oil properly when shaving, you should follow these steps:
- Dilute castor oil with other plant-derived oils or carrier oils like jojoba oil
- Before you shave at the sink, rub a small amount of the oil on the targeted area.
- Wait for a minute
- Shave away!
You should dilute castor oil with other plant-derived oils, like jojoba and coconut. The oil is heavy and can be difficult to remove from the hair.
Benefits of Using Castor Oil for Shaving
Improves hair color: It makes the hair strands look fuller and darker
Promotes hair growth: The Omega-9’s moisturize the hair leading to fewer split ends and less breakage. It can also boost blood circulation, increasing the rate of hair growth.
Slows down the graying: It helps the hair retain its pigment, which is essential for slowing down the graying.
Protects the scalp: Its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties can reduce or eliminate thinning or bald spots.
Precautions and Concerns When Using Castor Oil For Shaving
Castor oil can cause stains, so it’s best to wear an old T-shirt or any other item you don’t mind staining when using it to shave.
It can also stain your towels. So, before towel-drying, you should ensure your hair is thoroughly washed. Remember that your hair may require at least two shampoo applications to remove the stains.
Some possible side effects that you can experience if you use castor oil too often or too much are:
Skin irritation: You might experience irritation upon applying castor oil if you have dermatitis or any active rash on your skin. If this persists, seek medical care.
Eye irritation: If castor oil accidentally gets into your eye, you can experience mild eye irritation.
Vomiting, nausea, or stomach cramping: This only happens if you ingest castor oil
Unpleasant scent: Some people find its smell unpleasant. You can tone this down by diluting castor oil with other plant-derived oils. This also helps to remove it from your hair.
Can Castor Oil Make You Bald?
Yes, excessive use of castor oil can lead to scalp dryness and eventually baldness. This may happen if you use castor oil on your hair excessively. This is because castor oil is very astringent in nature and this ends up causing irritation to the skin.
When that happens, it leads to dryness, sensitivity, and eventually loss of hair. Therefore, in the long run, castor oil might end up leading to baldness.
Can I Use Castor Oil on My Legs?
Absolutely! You can use castor oil on your legs because it’s also designed to soothe muscles. The fatty acid in the oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which work their magic on muscles. Additionally, castor oil also includes useful treatments for several body parts like legs, arms, neck, and back.
Is Castor Oil Good for Lips?
Castor oil is also considered good for lips. In fact, castor oil is safe for your skin. So, you don’t have to worry about anything when applying it either on your face while shaving or when it touches your lips.
Wrapping Up
Castor oil protects your skin when shaving and has many other health benefits. The oil can also have some side effects if you misuse it. Apply it with care to reap the benefits and minimize the risks.
