Castor Oil or Avocado Oil: Which Oil Should You Choose for Dry and Damaged Hair?
Dry hair, breaking ends, dull lengths: when looking for a plant oil for hair, two names keep coming up, castor oil and avocado oil. Yet they have neither the same texture nor the same use. Here is how to tell them apart, which one to choose for your hair, and how to combine them in a simple routine.
In short: castor or avocado?
- Castor oil: very thick, ideal as an occasional oil bath on lengths and ends, and for lashes, brows and beard.
- Avocado oil: more fluid and nourishing, easy to use as a pre-shampoo mask or a touch on the ends, even on fine hair.
- The duo: one part castor to two or three parts avocado gives a rich blend that is easy to spread and rinse.
Castor oil: the rich texture for intensive care
Castor oil is obtained from the seeds of Ricinus communis. It stands out for its exceptional viscosity: it is one of the thickest plant oils. This enveloping texture makes it ideal for "intensive" treatments: it coats the hair fibre and leaves lengths softer and shinier after shampooing.
Its richness has a downside: used neat, it is hard to spread and often needs two shampoos to wash out. Keep it for a weekly oil bath, or blend it with a lighter oil.
Our organic castor oil is cold-pressed, 100% pure and packed in France (ESAT).
Avocado oil: everyday nourishment
Avocado oil is extracted from the fruit's pulp. More fluid than castor oil, it spreads easily through the lengths and suits dry, curly, coily hair or hair damaged by colouring and heat styling. It leaves hair softer and easier to detangle, without a greasy feel when the dose is right.
It is a versatile oil: pre-shampoo mask, a few drops on dry ends, or even on the body after a shower. Discover our organic avocado oil, first cold-pressed.
Quick comparison
| Criterion | Castor oil | Avocado oil |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Very thick, sticky | Fluid to creamy |
| Best use | Weekly oil bath, lashes, brows, beard | Pre-shampoo mask, ends, regular use |
| Fine hair | Dilute it | Suitable in small amounts |
| Thick, curly, coily hair | Very suitable | Very suitable |
| Washing out | Often two shampoos | One shampoo is usually enough |
Which one for your hair?
Very dry, thick or coily hair
Castor oil works well as an oil bath: apply it to lengths and ends, leave for 30 minutes to overnight under a towel, then wash. Avocado oil can complete the routine as a light treatment between washes.
Dry but fine hair
Go for avocado oil, in small amounts, on the lengths only. If you want to use castor oil, never use it neat: one teaspoon of castor oil in three of avocado oil is enough.
Damaged, brittle ends
One drop of avocado oil warmed between your palms and applied to the ends on dry or slightly damp hair reduces dryness and frizz. Castor oil can be added once a week for a more intense treatment.
Our castor + avocado oil bath recipe
- Mix 1 tablespoon of castor oil with 2 to 3 tablespoons of avocado oil (adjust to hair length).
- Warm the bottle for a few minutes in a bowl of hot water: the blend spreads much more easily.
- Apply section by section on dry hair, from lengths to ends, avoiding the roots if your scalp tends to get oily.
- Leave for at least 30 minutes, ideally an hour, under a warm towel or a cap.
- Apply shampoo directly to dry hair before wetting it: that is the trick to remove the oil properly. Rinse, then shampoo again if needed.
Once a week is enough. The rest of the time, a few drops of avocado oil on the ends maintain the result.
Mistakes to avoid
- Too much oil: a few drops are enough as a leave-in. In excess, hair looks greasy.
- Neat castor oil on fine hair: it weighs it down. Always dilute it.
- Wetting before shampooing: water makes the shampoo slide over the oil. Shampoo dry first.
- Expecting a miracle in one go: consistency over several weeks is what counts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix castor oil and avocado oil?
Yes, it is actually the best way to use castor oil: avocado oil makes it easier to apply and to rinse.
Can I leave the oil on overnight?
Yes, protecting your pillow with a towel. Wash your hair in the morning, starting with shampoo on dry hair.
Is avocado oil suitable for oily hair?
On the lengths only, and in small amounts. Avoid the scalp if it gets oily quickly.
How long does the oil keep?
As a general rule, 12 months after opening, away from heat and light, with the bottle tightly closed.
Going further
Still unsure? Read our guide which organic plant oil to choose for face, body and hair, or discover black seed oil, appreciated for scalp care.
Tip: enjoy 10% off from 2 oils and 15% off from 3 oils to build your castor + avocado duo.
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