Composition and benefits of castor oil
We know, we know, the phrase “castor oil” sounds like something from your grandmother’s medicine cabinet. However, this is exactly the case when grandma was right: this oil has such an impressive list of advantages that even expensive hair masks respectfully take off their hats.
- Prevents brittleness and split ends.
- Strengthens the hair structure itself.
- Makes hair smooth and shiny.
And all this is subject to one condition - castor oil must be used regularly: either in its pure form or as part of care products.
Composition of castor oil
The secret to the effectiveness of castor oil is actually not a secret at all. It's all about its composition: almost 90% of the oil consists of rare ricinoleic acid, which strengthens hair follicles. Besides her, they fight for the health of your curls:
- Oleic acid – seals moisture inside the hair and prevents dryness and brittleness.
- Stearic acid – repairs damage (including split ends).
- Linoleic acid – normalizes fat balance and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Palmitic acid – strengthens roots and prevents hair loss.
What kind of hair is castor oil suitable for?
The most correct answer to this question is for anyone. Yes, even for oily hair, because hair often becomes oily due to disruptions in the functioning of the sebaceous glands. Castor oil helps normalize it and, in addition, provides hair with moisture.
Castor oil is a must have for those with dry hair that likes to tangle. The oil will make combing easier and have a nourishing effect. How to use it?
- If your problem is split ends and blow-dried ends, apply oil only to the ends of your hair.
- If you want to improve the structure or restore damaged hair, distribute the oil over the entire length.
- If you need to get rid of dandruff, prevent hair loss or accelerate hair growth, carefully rub the oil into the hair roots and scalp. Massage is welcome!
Question for a cosmetologist: can olive oil replace cream?
The undeniable beneficial properties of olive oil as opposed to the effectiveness of your cream. We asked experts for their opinion on this matter.
Now supporters of the detox philosophy will begin to twitch their eyes nervously, but we cannot remain silent any longer. The topic of using oils instead of cream is still relevant. Experts with many years of experience helped us understand this issue. Even our beauty director Alexey Savostin could not stay away from this issue and gave his comment.
Irina Melnik, cosmetologist and esthetician at Bella Potemkina Beauty salon
Olive oil can replace cream only if you do not have the necessary usual and suitable care at hand. In this case, after you have applied it to your face, you should remove the excess with a paper napkin. It is best to use olive oil as a body treatment: apply it after a shower, paying special attention to drier areas - elbows, heels. Olive oil is contraindicated for those with oily skin. Even just one time can provoke the appearance of inflammatory elements. For example, if you apply it to the area around the eyes, swelling may occur.
Kristina Kakhktsyan, cosmetologist, Anne Semonin brand expert
Oil is great for facial skin care, but the formulation “oil instead of cream” is not entirely correct. I don’t recommend replacing cream with oil, but this tandem for working with skin is very compatible. Each product has its own mission, and in this case it is necessary to have a clear understanding of what the oil does and what the cream does. Olive oil restores well, nourishes and saturates with vitamins, but it is better to use it at night and on damp skin. Before using the oil, you need to understand what type of skin you have and whether this oil can be used specifically for you in order to avoid clogging of pores and the appearance of inflammatory elements. The oil is preferably used for dry, aging and damaged skin. Do not forget that constant use of olive oil alone can cause the opposite reaction of the skin - dryness.
But cream is a more familiar and convenient product for care, especially in the morning. The cream is also necessary during the day, as it not only moisturizes the skin, but also protects it from the negative effects of the environment and dehydration. It is rich in more active ingredients and has a more powerful effect compared to oil.
Alexey Savostin, beauty director of Buro 24/7
I have nothing against oils, including olive oil. Especially when the oil is rich in saturated fatty acids, it is generally wonderful. But long-term use of only oils in your beauty diet instead of cream can lead to disastrous consequences. The skin will simply lose its natural protective barrier and become susceptible to negative environmental factors. The lipids in the upper layer of the epidermis will be affected, and the skin may become even drier. I would also remind those who like to drench themselves in oil from head to toe that oils create a film on the surface of the skin. It prevents the release of toxins, sebum and promotes the formation of comedones. That is, metabolic processes are disrupted, which can also lead to dehydration.
For complete care, I would still recommend using a cream that contains both an aqueous and an oil phase. The “oil in cream” category will perfectly nourish the skin, saturate it with fat-soluble vitamins, and the water phase will moisturize, saturate it with water-soluble vitamins and other useful ingredients that are introduced into this “part” of the cream. If you cannot live without oil on your body, then at least do not forget to exfoliate regularly (2 times a week).
cosmetology
olive oil
cream
Oil in its pure form or as part of a product: what should you prefer?
Pure oil or a whole cocktail of beneficial hair ingredients? Each option has its advantages, but in any case they will say “thank you”.
Benefits of castor oil products:
- They are easier to wash off. But with oil in its pure form you will have to tinker.
- They have a balanced composition and an effective formula. And caring for long hair with split ends is exactly the case when you need a heavy artillery of useful ingredients.
- They do not leave greasy stains on clothes. Oil, alas, cannot promise this.
Keratin hair care set: shampoo + conditioner + mask + cream
Elseve Dream Length
Super balm Easy Combing Dream Length for long damaged hair, 400ml
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Cream care “No Scissors” leave-in, for long damaged hair
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Elseve Dream Length
Shampoo-transformation Dream Length for long damaged hair, 400ml
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Elseve Dream Length
Rescue mask for long damaged hair with keratin
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Benefits of pure castor oil:
In its pure form, castor oil can have different shades: from yellowish to transparent. Moreover, the lighter the oil, the better quality it is.
Cosmetic castor oil is usually used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetology. It differs from the usual degree of purification and is considered less allergenic. The main advantage of this oil is the highest concentration of nutrients, which is not diluted in any way.
You need to store castor oil in a cool, dark place - for example, under the bed. Well, or in the cabinet with other skincare products.
Contraindications to the use of pure oil
When you definitely can't:
- Individual intolerance.
- Allergy.
When possible, but with caution and locally (for example, only on the ends):
- If your hair is very oily
Did you recognize yourself in one of these points? Then it is better to use ready-made products containing castor oil - they are safer. Brittle, damaged hair, for example, will definitely appreciate Elseve Dream Length Cream Care. It can be applied along the entire length of the hair or just at the ends.
Use of essential oil
Essential oil differs noticeably in its composition and structure from the base oil. These are oil-like substances with a strong characteristic odor. They do not leave greasy marks and evaporate very quickly. By themselves, they are not suitable for hair care, since they do not form any film and are in no way absorbed.
Essential oils serve as a kind of stimulant, activate capillary blood circulation and therefore are much more suitable for a full-fledged mask. When used on the ends, they do not reach the skin on the head, which means they do not fulfill their task.
Tips to help you choose oil for split ends:
Using Pure Castor Oil
Using castor oil is akin to a magic spell - you have to meet a lot of conditions and prepare properly. What's next? Expecto castorus!
How to apply castor oil to the ends of your hair
To begin, prepare hot water, a bowl, a jar with a lid, a towel and an old T-shirt or towel that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Castor oil is very thick, so it can be mixed with other oils that are beneficial for hair - this mixture will be easier to apply. For example, argan, coconut, almond or shea butter are suitable.
- Mix a teaspoon of castor oil with other oils in a ratio of 3 to 1. Add 1-2 drops of your favorite essential oil, because castor oil itself does not have a very pleasant aroma. Close the jar with a lid and shake thoroughly.
- Pour hot water into a bowl and place the jar in it for 3-4 minutes. It is important that water does not get inside!
- Lightly wet the ends of your hair (they should be slightly damp, not wet) and distribute warm oil. If your goal is to fight split ends, you don’t need to apply it to your hair along the entire length and roots.
- Wrap the ends of your hair with film and secure with elastic bands or hairpins. To avoid staining your clothes, cover your shoulders with an old towel.
- Wash off the oil after 30-60 minutes.
How to wash off castor oil
After the procedure, the oil probably won’t want to leave your hair, so you’ll have to wash it off several times. Plain water will not help - you need a good shampoo. For example, Transformation Elseve Dream Length. It will help remove oiliness and will not dry out the ends when washing again.
In addition, you can wash off castor oil with decoctions of medicinal herbs: for example, chamomile or nettle.
How often can you use castor oil?
If you have oily hair, it is enough to apply this mask once a week, if you have dry hair - 2-3 times. However, you still need to use other hair care products, especially if your hair is dry, brittle and prone to split ends. What can we recommend? Super balm Easy combing Elseve Dream Length. It will help untangle all the knots in your hair and turn it into a smooth, shiny wave that flows over your shoulders!
How to choose a product containing castor oil
Of all the castor oil options, choose unrefined, cold-pressed oil - it contains the most beneficial components. In addition to castor oil, the following are suitable for caring for long hair and split ends:
- Plant keratin
- Natural vegetable oils (olive, burdock, flaxseed, argan, etc.)
- Vitamin PP
- Vitamins A, E and group B
- Fruit wax
- Extracts of medicinal plants
What is the difference?
This will be a revelation to many, but essential and carrier oils are used differently.
Essential
Essential oils are fragrant volatile substances obtained from different parts of a plant, flowers, roots, leaves, etc. They are responsible for the aroma and are obtained by extraction, pressing or distillation.
Essential oils are not applied to the skin without a base, as redness, irritation, allergies, numbness, burns, and dermatitis are possible.
For the same reason, avoid contact with eyes.
An exception is caring for oily skin, when the product is applied pointwise, treating inflammatory elements. Although in this case, some cosmetologists recommend diluting them.
Before using essential oils on the face, they are added to the base, which can be cream, wax, milk and other care products. Standard proportion &mdash, 5&minus.7 drops per 15 ml of base, for spot application &mdash, 1 to 1.
Basic
These are oils that are extracted from fruits, kernels, and seeds of plants. Other names are also used - transport, herbal, cosmetic, basic. They are liquid and solid, or batters, which are obtained from shea fruit, coconut, cocoa beans, etc. To add ethers to the batters, they are first heated in a water bath.
This is an independent product that can be used in its pure form.
Main differences
Essential oils are potent agents that consist of terpenes and terpenoids and have a versatile effect on the body, soothe, excite, relieve spasms, regenerate tissue, treat burns, wounds, get rid of cellulite, etc.
Such esters are conventionally called oils, since they do not contain fatty acids. If you drop the substance onto a sheet of paper, then after drying there will be no greasy stain left. The remaining trace indicates a low quality product. It is allowed to color the paper yellow and other colors.
Transport oils have a mild effect on the body. They contain phytosterols, vitamins, especially tocopherol, micro- and macroelements. Butters contain a lot of saturated fatty acids. The purpose of this product is to help the esters penetrate the skin.
- What oil can be used for the face instead of cream.
- Which ones are suitable for oily skin types?
- What is the comedogenicity of oils and a table of values.
Castor oil for hair ends: life hacks
- If you don't want to spend the whole evening washing off castor oil, apply it to dirty hair. This way it will wash off faster!
- To achieve the best effect, wrap your hair or ends with a towel. This “greenhouse effect” will enhance the effect of the components.
- To check if you have an allergy, place a drop of castor oil on the crook of your elbow. If there is no redness or itching, you can safely apply the oil to your hair and scalp.
Review of castor oil products from L'Oreal Paris
Elseve Dream Length
Super balm Easy Combing Dream Length for long damaged hair, 400ml
More details
Elseve Dream Length
Cream care “No Scissors” leave-in, for long damaged hair
More details
Elseve Dream Length
Shampoo-transformation Dream Length for long damaged hair, 400ml
More details
Elseve Dream Length
Rescue mask for long damaged hair with keratin
More details
Super balm Easy combing Elseve Dream Length
look
Your tangled hair needs a new hero! The hero they deserve. Elseve Super Balm is enriched with castor oil, vegetable keratin and vitamin B5. Apply it along the entire length of your hair, avoiding the roots, after using shampoo to save your hair from brittleness, seal split ends and return your curls to a beautiful natural shine.
The balm is intended for long damaged hair.
Cream care Elseve Dream Length
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Can't grow your length because of split ends that you have to trim all the time? Use a leave-in care cream from Elseve, designed specifically for long, damaged hair. In addition to castor oil, its formula includes vegetable keratin, which restores hair along the entire length and protects ends from breakage. No to scissors, yes to long and shiny hair!
Rescue mask Elseve Dream Length
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Hey, pssssssssss, we know what your long, damaged hair with split ends needs - a unique trio of ingredients under one cap in a rescue mask from Elseve!
- Castor oil - seals split ends, smoothes hair, gives it shine.
- Vitamin B5PP – strengthens hair from roots to ends, increasing its protective functions.
- Plant keratin - restores hair and protects it from the effects of negative environmental factors.
The formula nourishes hair and makes it softer than ever. Use the mask 2-3 times a week to finally win the battle for the health and beauty of long hair!
