A bit of Egyptian history
More than 3,000 years ago Egyptians, for whom hair was already an important attribute of feminine beauty, used castor oil as a beauty treatment on their hair to benefit from its fortifying properties. Cleopatra herself would have sung its praises, which have crossed the centuries to present day: in massages, in masks, or as a leave-in treatment, stronger, shinier hair which seems to grow faster as well. Many centuries later, castor oil still has the reputation of having marvelous effects on hair, and today, we know why: no magic, just a bit of science!
Castor oil, a nutritious but inedible oil at the origin of a myth
The castor bean plant is common in tropical Africa and India. Its beans contain an oil which, through a cold-press process, allows for the extraction of a particular composition with exceptional properties. Rich in fatty acids, it cannot be ingested because of its high levels of ricinoleic acid, which is indigestible, even irritating to the intestine.
On the other hand, it is an excellent cosmetic ingredient: used and well-known for nourishing, strengthening and hydrating nails, eyelashes, eyebrows, and stimulating hair growth. It deeply hydrates the scalp and nourishes capillary fibers. Used in massaging the scalp, it stimulates microcirculation and at the same time optimises the access of nutrients to the bulbs, promoting growth of each hair follicle.
Castor oil is extremely rich in fatty acids and contains the famous omega type, which plays a fundamental role in the capillary metabolism. By providing the essential elements for growth, hair quickly gains in strength, shine, and length … Nevertheless this increase in growth by simple application of castor oil on the scalp remains a myth, as no serious proof has been reported in scientific articles to this day, it is probably the stimulation associated with the massage which is responsible for the observed effect.
Nonetheless, L’Oréal has recently led new research which demonstrates the truth behind castor oil is indeed different: castor oil has interesting properties which help seal weakened hair and split ends, thus reducing the need to visit your hairstylist for a cut by several weeks, resulting in a gain in length generally appreciated by everyone! Adding Castor Oil to your routine couldn’t be simpler. L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Shampoo contains both castor oil and keratin to help hair feel nourished.