If you have been trying to grow your hair back or just want it to look thicker and healthier, you’ve probably heard about castor oil. It’s one of those age-old beauty hacks passed down by grandmothers, beauty bloggers, and Ayurvedic practitioners alike. But walk into a store or scroll online, and suddenly you’re stuck choosing between regular castor oil and cold-pressed castor oil. What’s the difference? And more importantly, which one actually works better for hair regrowth?Let’s clear that up.
The basics: What even is castor oil?
Castor oil is extracted from castor beans and has been used for ages in skincare, digestion, and of course haircare. When it comes to your hair, castor oil’s biggest strength is something called ricinoleic acid, which improves blood flow to your scalp and nourishes the hair follicles. That means better conditions for hair to grow.It’s also full of vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants. All of that makes it one of the best oils for people dealing with thinning hair or just looking to boost growth naturally.
So, what’s the difference between the regular and the cold-pressed kind?
This part trips a lot of people up. The difference is in how the oil is extracted.Regular castor oil is made using heat. Sometimes even chemicals are involved. It’s faster to produce, cheaper, and has that sticky, dark look and feel.Cold-pressed castor oil, on the other hand, is made without heat. The seeds are pressed slowly and gently, which helps preserve all the natural nutrients in the oil.That’s why cold-pressed oil tends to be lighter in colour, less thick, and usually a little pricier.
But which one’s better for hair regrowth?
If you’re serious about getting results, cold-pressed castor oil is your best bet. Here’s why:1. It keeps more of the good stuffBecause it isn’t heated, cold-pressed oil holds on to more of its nutrients – like fatty acids, vitamin E, and those scalp-stimulating compounds that help with hair growth. Regular castor oil loses some of that in the heat.2. It’s gentler on your scalpSome people find that regular castor oil can irritate their scalp or even clog pores, especially if it’s been processed with additives. Cold-pressed versions are usually purer and more soothing, especially if you’re already dealing with a sensitive scalp or dandruff.
3. It absorbs betterCold-pressed oil isn’t as thick and sticky, so it spreads more easily and gets absorbed by your scalp more quickly. That means less of it just sitting on top, and more of it doing what it’s supposed to, nourishing the roots.
How to use it
Using cold-pressed castor oil is pretty straightforward. You don’t need a fancy routine.Warm a teaspoon or two (it’s super thick, so a little goes a long way).Gently massage it into your scalp using your fingertips. Take your time with this, it boosts circulation.You can leave it on for a couple of hours, or overnight if you’re okay with sleeping in a shower cap.Wash it out with shampoo. You might need two rounds to get it all out.Do this 1–2 times a week and be patient, hair growth takes time, but it’s worth the wait.If the oil feels too heavy on its own, you can always mix it with coconut or almond oil to lighten the texture a bit.
Any downsides?
Honestly, the only real downside is that cold-pressed castor oil is a bit more expensive than regular. But the results usually make up for it. Also, it can still feel sticky, so mixing it with a lighter oil can make the application (and washing) a lot easier.
Oh, and don’t expect overnight miracles. Hair growth is a slow process, but with consistent use, people often start seeing baby hairs and less hair fall within a couple of months.Between the two, cold-pressed castor oil wins hands down when it comes to hair regrowth. It’s purer, more effective, and kinder to your scalp. If you’re dealing with hair thinning, post-partum hair loss, or just want stronger, shinier hair, it’s a simple, natural remedy worth adding to your routine.Sometimes, going back to basics really is the best thing you can do for your hair.