Soybean Oil For Hair: Everything That You Need To Know

If there is one thing you may not have thought of, it is using soybean oil for haircare. Soybean oil contains vitamins C and E, iron, and essential fatty acids that can be beneficial for your hair. It can nourish your hair and scalp to give you gorgeous tresses. Check out the benefits of soybean oil for hair and how to use it below.

Know Your Ingredient: Soybean Oil

What Is It?
A vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the soybean.

What Are Its Benefits?
Provides vital vitamins and minerals, helps condition and nourish the hair, and improves hair texture and scalp health.

Who Can Use It?
Generally safe for consumption by all.

How Often?
Regularly, in moderation.

Caution
It may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Consult a doctor in case of any discomfort.

What Is Soybean Oil?

Soybean oil is a natural vegetable oil extracted from the seeds and kernels of soybean. The process of extracting oil involves cracking the beans open, heating them, and extracting the oil with hexaneⁱ  An organic compound mainly used as a solvent and cleaning agent to extract edible oil from seeds and vegetables. via a solvent method. This is followed by refining the oil (1).

The oil is commonly used for cooking purposes. It is mostly found in commercial vegetable oils. Soybean oil is often used as part of a plant-based diet because it contains many essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.

Are you wondering if soybean oil is good for your hair? Find out below.

Is Soybean Oil Good For Your Hair?

One of the key benefits of soybean oil is it gets absorbed into the hair shaft quickly (because of its essential fatty acids) without leaving any residue. It also promotes moisture retention.

The essential vitamins and minerals in the oil help promote hair growth:

Vitamins

• Riboflavin

Riboflavin in soybean oil may help promote hair growth. Some research suggests that its deficiency can cause hair loss (2).

• Vitamin C

Vitamin C deficiency is usually associated with loss of body hair (2).

The nutrient also promotes iron absorption and may help reduce hair loss associated with iron deficiency (2).

• Vitamin E

The vitamin E in soybean oil helps repair the hair follicle cells. It also prevents free radical damage, which may otherwise lead to hair loss in some cases (2). It also reduces oxidative stressⁱ  A phenomenon caused by the detoxification of oxygen reactive species (ROS) due to an imbalance between their production and accumulation. in the scalp and may help promote hair growth as a consequence (3).

Minerals

• Iron

Deficiency of iron may lead to hair shedding and eventually hair loss. Hair loss associated with iron deficiency anemia is quite common (2). However, more research is warranted to further understand the link between iron and hair growth.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may promote hair growth in some cases (4). In another study, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could improve hair growth in the participants (5). However, more research is warranted to further understand how omega-3 fatty acids may boost hair growth.

These are the nutrients in soybean oil that may help promote hair growth. In the next section, we will see the other ways the oil can benefit your scalp and hair health. Much of this information is based on anecdotal evidence and more solid research is warranted.

Quick Tip

If you have a soy allergy, it is recommended not to use soybean oil for hair. It is, however, safe to apply if you don’t have any adverse reactions.

Benefits Of Soybean Oil For Hair

1. May Condition Hair Deeply

Soybean oil is considered very effective as a moisturizer and a conditioner for hair. It is rich in protein and oil contents that help hydrate the hair roots and condition the hair fibers deeply. Soy oil may also help treat dry scalp and split ends.

2. May Nourish Hair

The ingredients of soybean oil can help nourish the hair and scalp. They can make the hair follicles healthy from within.

3. May Smoothen The Cuticles

Although soybean oil would not necessarily make your hair straight, it may loosen your curls and lay down the roots by smoothening the hair cuticlesⁱ  The smooth and flat outermost cellular layers of a hair strand that keep it shining and protect it from damage. . It could make your hair softer and shinier if added to your conditioner, serum, or hair mask.

4. May Help Improve Hair Texture

Soybean oil and its extracts are used in commercial hair care and beauty products. The oil may help improve hair texture by moisturizing and nourishing the hair from within. Soybean oil may also lubricate the hair well, as it penetrates the scalp easily.

5. May Help Reduce Scalp Inflammation

The vitamin E in soybean oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Adding it to your haircare regimen may help reduce scalp inflammation and could potentially prevent inflammatory scalp issues like dandruff (6).

These are the potential benefits of soybean oil for your hair. While most of them warrant further research, using the oil on one’s hair seems to be generally safe. But how do you use it right?

Did You Know?

Soybean oil can be used as a hot oil treatment or pre-poo treatment. This helps make your hair strong and shiny without leaving it greasy.

How To Use Soybean Oil For Hair Growth

The amount of soybean oil to be used depends on the type of treatment you are going for these include deep conditioning and scalp massage.

For Deep Conditioning

• Warm 1/3 cup of soybean oil and use a brush to apply it to your hair and scalp evenly.
• Cover your hair with a shower cap.
• Wait for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Rinse your hair and shampoo, condition, and style as normal.

For Scalp Massage

• Take 1 tablespoon of soybean oil and mix it with one tablespoon of castor oil.
• Add 4 to 5 drops of any growth-promoting essential oil such as that of lavender, peppermint, or rosemary.
• Thoroughly massage the oils into your scalp. Wash and condition your hair.

Now that you have learned about the benefits of soybean oil for your hair and how to use it, check out the precautions you should take before applying it to your tresses.

Precautions For Using Soybean Oil For Hair

• Patch Test: Perform a patch test on your forearm 24-48 hours before applying soybean oil to your scalp or hair to check for any allergic reactions or skin sensitivity.
• Avoid Excessive Use: Avoid overloading your hair with soybean oil. Its excessive use can lead to greasy, weighed-down hair.
• Check For Rancidity: Ensure you are using fresh soybean oil, as rancid oil can have an unpleasant smell and may not be as effective.
• Opt For Good-Quality Oil: Choose cold-pressed, organic soybean oil to ensure you are getting a pure product that is free of harmful additives.
• Avoid Contact With Eyes: Make sure the soybean oil does not come in contact with your eyes as it may cause irritation. If it comes into contact with your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water.
• Check With Your Doctor: If you have any skin conditions or are pregnant, consult a healthcare professional before using soybean oil. This helps ensure its nutritional profile aligns with your specific needs.

Infographic: Top 5 Benefits Of Soybean Oil For Hair

Soybean oil offers various benefits for your hair. From nourishing the scalp to improving hair texture, this versatile ingredient can enhance the overall condition and appearance of your hair. Check out the following infographic to discover the top reasons for incorporating soybean oil into your hair care routine.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better soybean oil or mustard oil?

Both soybean oil and mustard oil have their own benefits for hair. Soybean oil is rich in nutrients and extremely nourishing for hair whereas mustard oil is known for its ability to cleanse the scalp and prevent infections by warding off pathogens.

Is soybean oil better than olive oil?

Both olive oil and soyabean oil are beneficial for hair. Olive oil, however, contains more omega-3 fatty acids, which may help maintain hair health.

Is soybean oil good for oily hair?

Yes, soybean oil can be used for oily hair as it is not as greasy as other oils and gets quickly absorbed without leaving any residue. However you can also try some lighter oils like jojoba oil or grapeseed oil for oily hair.

Is soybean oil or coconut oil better for hair

Both have their unique benefits for hair and it depends on your specific hair type and need. Coconut oil is highly moisturizing that repairs dry and damaged hair, while soybean oil is lighter oil that moisturizes and softens hair without leaving any heavy residue.

Are there any side effects of soybean oil for hair ?

Soybean oil is generally safe to apply on hair unless you are not allergic to it. The only side effect reported in some individuals is that it can cause itching in the head (7).

Is Castor Oil and soybean oil the same thing?

No, castor oil and soybean oil are not the same. They are two different types of vegetable oil that have different properties and benefits.

Is soybean oil good for all hair types?

Yes, soybean oil is considered good for all hair types. It is rich in omega fatty acids and essential vitamins that nourish, hydrate, and repair damaged hair of all types.

How often should you use soybean oil on your hair?

It depends on several factors like hair type, condition of hair and personal preferences. But it is generally recommended to use soybean oil once a week or every two week to nourish and moisturize the hair.

Illustration: Soybean Oil For Hair: Everything That You Need To Know

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Check out the video below and learn how to straighten your hair at home using soybean oil and egg yolk. This easy and affordable method will help you get the perfect look without a trip to the salon.