Castor oil is often ingested as a laxative; but can also benefit the hair when applied as a mask or wash. In fact, a weekly castor oil treatment can help to maintain hair's smoothness and softness. Elle magazine reports that castor oil is a nourishing scalp conditioner, particularly for brittle and thin African-American hair.

Mix 1/4 cup castor oil with 1/4 cup water directly before hair treatment.

Massage the scalp and hair down to the ends with the mixture. Rub the diluted oil into your hair with your fingertips. According to Lucky Magazine, the omega-9 fatty acids in castor oil will repair dry ends quickly.

Rinse the hair with warm water. When possible, wrap the hair with a towel and leave it overnight for intensive hydration treatment.

Shampoo the hair with a product formulated for your hair type, to remove the castor oil. Make sure to rinse all the lather and the oil from your hair with plenty of lukewarm water.