Effective Ways to Wash Out Castor Oil (Without Drying Your Hair)

Castor oil has been all the rage lately as a hair product, but it’s actually been used in hair from as far back as ancient Egypt!^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceScience DirectOnline archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topicsGo to source} Castor oil is derived from the bean of the castor plant, and it's great for treating an irritated scalp and dry hair. But it can also be tricky to wash out and remove all of the oily residue when you’re finished. Luckily, you can use shampoo to remove castor oil from your hair so you're left with shiny, healthy strands.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Removing the Oil

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1
Stick to regular shampoo to avoid drying out your hair and scalp. Take a hot shower and apply shampoo evenly through your hair. Rinse out the shampoo to flush out the excess oil and remove the residue from your hair and scalp.^{[2]XResearch source}
- You should be left with shiny conditioned hair.
- Clarifying shampoos are designed to strip your hair of oil, which would undo the hydrating benefits of using castor oil.^{[3]XResearch source} Stick to standard shampoo to remove excess oil, but still leave your hair shiny and moisturized.
2
Shampoo your hair twice if there’s still some excess oil. Sometimes, 1 shampoo may not be enough to get rid of the oily buildup and residue that castor oil can leave behind. If you aren’t satisfied after 1 wash, no problem. Shampoo your hair again to see if that helps.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Try not to shampoo your hair more than 3 times or you may strip it of too much oil.
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3
Avoid using baking soda to remove the castor oil. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has a pH of 9.^{[5]XResearch source} Studies indicate that using a substance with a high pH can damage your hair and lead to breakage.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} To keep your hair protected from damage, steer clear of using baking soda to clean it.
- Some people swear by using eggs to remove coconut oil from their hair.^{[7]XResearch source} But, eggs are often added to castor oil to create an ultra-hydrating hair mask, so they won’t help you wash out the oil.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Proper Usage

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1
Treat irritated scalp, excess oil, dandruff, and dry hair with castor oil. Although castor oil is often touted as a hair growth product, the scientific evidence doesn’t seem to fully support the idea.^{[8]XResearch source} However, is a great way to add shine, smooth flyaways, and condition your hair as well as rehydrate and soothe your scalp if it’s dry and irritated.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Castor oil is also an affordable treatment option for dandruff.
- The ricinoleic acid found in castor oil does help lock in moisture in your hair and also promotes a clean and healthy scalp, both of which help keep your hair healthy and strong as it grows.
2
Choose Jamaican black castor oil for thick hair and cold-pressed for thin hair. Jamaican black castor oil is boiled with ash, which gives it its distinctive dark color and lovely roasted scent. It’s also a little thicker, making it a better option if you have naturally thick or curly hair. Cold-pressed castor oil is pure oil pressed from the castor bean, and it’s a little thinner than Jamaican black castor oil. Use it if you have thinner hair so you don’t add extra weight or oily residue to your hair.^{[10]XResearch source}
- You can find both types of castor oil at your local beauty supply shop. You can also order them online.
- There are other castor oil products that have added colors and scents you can choose from if you prefer.
Castor oil can cause an adverse or allergic reaction in some people, especially if you’re using it for the first time. Take a dime-sized amount of the oil and rub it on a small spot on your inner arm. Leave the oil in for a full day to make sure you don’t have a negative reaction.^{[11]XResearch source}
4
Dip your fingers into the oil and gently massage it into your scalp. While your hair is still dry, open up your container of castor oil and coat your fingers in the oil. Work in sections and gently massage the oil into your scalp. Continue applying the oil until all of your scalp is nicely coated.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Applying the oil to dry hair can make it easier for you to distribute it evenly.
- Take your time and apply the oil all over your scalp.
5
Apply castor oil as a pre-shampoo treatment 1-2 times a week. Spread the oil over your scalp, comb it through the ends of your hair, and leave it in for at least an hour (or sit under a hair steamer for 30 minutes). Then, wash it out of your hair with shampoo. Use the treatments only once or twice a week to hydrate your hair and scalp without too much oily buildup in your hair.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Shampoo your hair twice to remove the oil if necessary.
6
Leave the castor oil in your hair overnight for deeper conditioning. Spread the oil all through your scalp and hair and then slip on a shower cap to keep from getting it onto your pillow. Leave the oil in while you sleep and then wash it out the next day for an even deeper hydrating treatment.^{[14]XResearch source}
- If you’re leaving the oil in overnight, you only need to do it about once a week. Any more than that and your hair could become too oily.

Expert Q&A

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What does oil do for hair?
Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
Hair oils are great for shine and manageability. If you apply them to wet hair and blow-dry your hair, you'll get great added shine. You can also use it on dry hair to add some luster and help with flyaways and frizziness.
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Tips

If you have a lot of frizz or flyaways, try smoothing a little oil into your hair while it's dry to give it a sleek look.^{[15]XExpert SourceCourtney Foster
Professional Hair StylistExpert Interview. 9 December 2019.}
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If your hair is rapidly falling out, try seeing a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss.
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