Using castor oil for eyelashes is nothing new. Historically, women have used it to make their eyelashes look thicker and fuller. Some even say it can help your lashes grow longer. But does castor oil really help with eyelash growth?
The answer is yes. Castor oil is an amazing natural remedy that can help you grow thicker, longer, and stronger eyelashes.
This article discusses the benefits of using castor oil as an eyelash growth treatment, as well as other ways to promote healthy lashes.
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is an all-natural plant oil that’s derived from castor seeds. It is pale yellow, and people have used it for thousands of years as a home remedy for many ailments.
Castor oil has many benefits. It stimulates the bowels and increases intestinal contractions. These effects may help relieve constipation.
It is also rich in ricinoleic acid—an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that can help improve blood circulation to your scalp. This may help reduce inflammation and boost hair growth.
Additionally, castor oil has antibacterial properties that can help treat skin conditions like acne or eczema. It may also help relieve skin irritation caused by certain health conditions, such as psoriasis or rosacea.
Does Castor Oil Help With Eyelash Growth?
Yes, it does. Castor oil is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to your skin. Its moisturizing qualities help prevent dry eyelashes so they don’t fall out prematurely.
Moreover, castor oil nourishes the eyelids and helps improve blood circulation, which in turn helps with eyelash growth. This oil also enhances the production of keratin, a protein that plays an important role in strengthening eyelashes, making them thicker and luscious.
Another great benefit of castor oil is that it can help condition the eyelashes, giving them a smoother texture, so mascara goes on better and looks more natural.
SEE: Is Castor Oil Good for Hair? How to Improve Your Hair’s Health With It
What Does Research Say About Using Castor Oil for Eyelash Growth?
There are no studies that prove that castor oil can help with eyelash growth.
It’s certainly true that some people have reported positive results from using castor oil for eyelashes. But there are no published scientific studies about this use of castor oil. This means the effectiveness of castor oil for eyelash growth remains unproven.
How to Use Castor Oil for Eyelash Growth
First step: you will need a new mascara wand. If you want to use an old one, make sure it’s clean and there are no leftover mascara clumps on the bristles.
You will also need a bottle of high-quality castor oil (I recommend cold-pressed organic castor oil). This method works best if you do it before going to bed because your lashes need to be free from makeup.
That way, you can apply the oil directly to your lashes without worrying about smudging your eye makeup. It also gives the oil time to work at nourishing and moisturizing your eyelashes overnight.
Now, let’s get into the steps:
- Dip the mascara wand into the castor oil bottle so that only half of the bristles are covered in oil. Don’t dip too deep or else you’ll end up with a lot of oil.
- Apply the castor oil onto your upper and lower lash, making sure to get deep into the roots. Avoid getting any of the oil in your eyes by being careful while applying it.
- Wash off the castor oil in the morning with your regular cleanser.
You can use castor oil alone or in combination with other natural oils, such as jojoba or argan oils. Castor oil is also available in lash serums that contain other ingredients that help to promote thicker lashes.
SEE: How to Use Eyelash Curler [+ Tips on Selecting the Best Type]
Side Effects of Using Castor Oil for Eyelash Growth
According to the National Institutes of Health, castor oil is generally safe when used in small amounts on the skin.
But that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which is known to cause allergic reactions in some people. If you have an allergy to castor oil, using it on your eyelashes can cause swelling of the eyelids or skin irritation.
As with any new product, it’s important to test a small amount of the oil on your skin, ideally on your wrist, to see how your body reacts to it. If you have an allergic reaction, rinse it out immediately and contact your doctor or healthcare provider if your symptoms do not go away within a few hours.
Also, if you’re already using another treatment for eyelash growth, check carefully with your doctor before adding castor oil to your regimen.
What Factors Affect Eyelash Growth?
Many factors affect eyelash growth, including:
Eyelash growth cycle
The eyelash growth cycle is categorized into three phases: the anagen phase, catagen phase, and telogen phase.
The Anagen phase is the growth phase of the eyelash follicle in which you grow new eyelash strands. In this phase, your body supplies several nutrients and hormones to your eyelash follicle to help it grow. Generally, this phase lasts for about 45-60 days.
The Catagen phase is the transitional stage of the eyelash follicle. This is when the hair follicle contracts and detaches from its blood supply. This period lasts for 10-14 days.
The Telogen phase is the resting period of the hair follicle; this period generally lasts for 100 days. After the telogen phase, shedding occurs and a new lash grows in place of it.
Environment
Hot air, cold air, humidity, dryness, and pollution can affect the growth of your eyelashes. Hot air causes the loss of moisture from your eyelashes, which makes them more prone to breakage and damage.
Cold air makes them brittle. Pollution can lead to a build-up of dirt and debris on the eyelash shafts, leading to poor growth of eyelashes. Dryness can make lashes brittle, causing breakage.
Hormones
Certain hormones play an important role in eyelash growth. The main hormone that affects eyelash growth is the thyroid hormone. This hormone is produced by the thyroid gland and proper levels should be maintained to have healthy eyelashes.
In case you are suffering from hormonal imbalance due to a medical condition like hypothyroidism, then treatment for this condition may help increase eyelash growth rate.
Genetics
Genetics can also affect the rate of hair growth, including your lashes. Some people have genes that cause fast hair growth, while others have genes that cause slow hair growth.
SEE: What Is an Eyelash Lift? Secrets Revealed
Stress
Excessive stress can also affect the rate of eyelash growth. Stress can cause hair thinning in other parts of the body, so it is no surprise that it can cause thinning or loss of lashes too.
Stress causes a condition called telogen effluvium, which leads to the shedding and thinning of hair on all parts of the body, including the scalp and eyelashes
How Else Can You Promote Healthy Eyelash Growth?
Clean your lashes regularly
Gently scrubbing away the dirt and grime from your lashes will help make sure that your lashes can receive the nutrients they need to stay healthy and grow longer, stronger, and faster.
Try a lash serum
Lash serums have been clinically proven to help eyelashes grow in length and number over time. They can also help your lashes retain moisture so they don’t get dry and brittle or break easily.
Use a moisturizing cream around your eyes
This will help prevent dryness and irritation that can lead to loss of lashes. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes too much, especially if they are irritated or infected.
Wear mascara that does not clump
Your lashes will look amazing with a fresh coat of mascara, but not if it clumps. Lashes that stick together could be more prone to losing out on essential nutrients because they might not be able to receive them properly.
Avoid wearing false lashes
Avoid wearing false lashes as they can cause your lashes to fall out more easily. If you decide to wear them, make sure to use high-quality ones and avoid wearing them for too long.
SEE: Pros and Cons of Eyelash Extensions- Know This Before Picking One
FAQs
Which type of castor oil should you use for eyelash growth?
Cold-pressed organic castor oil. Also called Jamaican black castor oil, this type of castor oil is the best for eyelash growth because manufacturers produce it without the use of heat or chemicals.
How often should you use castor oil for eyelash growth?
Twice a day. Overuse of castor oil can irritate the eyes, so it’s best to start with twice a day, then build up as needed.
Is castor oil good for your hair?
Yes, it is. Castor oil contains fatty acids that can enter the hair’s follicles, preventing breakage and split ends and promoting healthy growth. The oil also helps balance the pH levels of the scalp, which can prevent dryness and dandruff.
Conclusion
Castor oil can help with eyelash growth. It has been used for hundreds of years to naturally enhance the length, thickness, and fullness of eyelashes. It works by penetrating the skin around your eyelash follicles to provide them with much-needed moisture and nutrients.
When using castor oil on your eyelashes, be consistent and patient. The best way to see results is by applying the oil every night before bed.
For more articles on eyelash growth, be sure to visit Africana Fashion today.
