What Is Soybean Oil?

Soybean oil is a 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 hexane 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 stress 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.

Benefits Of Soybean Oil For Hair

1. May Condition Hair Deeply

Soybean oil is considered very effective for moisturizing and conditioning 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 cuticles. It could make your hair softer and shinier.

4. May Help Improve Hair Texture

Soybean oil and its extracts are used in commercial hair care 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. It 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?

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.

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.

Sources