Soybean oil is an excellent oil for the hair since it’s rich in polyunsaturated fat which keeps the hair shiny, moisturised and tangle free. This post explores all the uses and benefits of soybean oil for hair.
Compared to other natural oils such as olive oil and coconut oil, soybean (also known as glycine max) is a much better option for achieving glossy, shiny hair and improving hair lustre. This is because soybean is rich in polyunsaturated fats (like linolic and linoleic acid) with a total composition of 61%. Olive oil on the other hand contains only 9% polyunsaturated fat and coconut contains only 2%.
Oils with a high concentration of polyunsaturated fat will not fully absorb into the hair, but instead coat the outer layer and smooth the hair cuticle. This means they are excellent for increasing hair shine and improving hair texture. Other oils high in polyunsaturated fats include castor oil, flaxseed oil and grapeseed oil.
Oils that are higher in saturated fats (like stearic, lauric and palmitic acids), or monounsaturated fats (like oleic acid) include coconut oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, olive oil and sweet almond oil. Unlike soybean oil these oils can absorb easier into the hair fibre adding moisturise to the strands.
Good hair products have a mixture of different oils that can both absorb into the hair fibres adding moisture, as well as coat the hair strands adding shine and lustre to the hair.
This post is all about soybean oil for hair and includes the best soyabean oil hair products
What is Soybean Oil?
Soybean oil is a vegetable oil which is made from the seeds of the soybean plant. It is made up of mostly polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid which is an an omega-6 fatty acid. The oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids and is rich in vitamin K. It is often used in place of other cooking oils since it can withstand high temperatures, and has many health benefits including promoting skin health, reducing cholesterol levels, and preventing bone loss and cardiovascular diseases.
Benefits of Soybean Oil for Hair
Soybean oil can promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
This is because the soy isoflavones it contains are able to reduce the amount of DHT hormone in the hair follicles. DHT can shrink hair follicles, and shorten the hair growth cycle making hair become thinner.
Since soyabean oil inhibits DHT it can make your hair regrow even in bald patches. It is also an excellent source of protein which the hair root needs for growth, as well as vitamin E which supports scalp health and gives the hair a strong base to grow.
Soybean oil protects the hair from the damaging effects of free radicals
Since soybean oil is rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants it helps to reduce the amount of oxidative stress on the hair follicles preventing premature hair ageing.
Free radicals cause hair follicle cells to break down and hair fibres to be damaged. Soybean oil provides protection against any damage allowing the hair to become healthy and strong.
Soybean oil helps the hair to retain moisture
Since the oil is able to completely coat the hair strands it helps with moisture retention and locks water into the hair. Dry hair thirsts for water and oil. When soybean is combined with oils such as jojoba oil which is full of saturated fat, it seals moisture into the strands and helps the hair to retain its own natural oils.
The topical application of soybean oils to the hair, scalp or skin helps to retain moisture and can even reduce fine lines.
Soybean oil makes your hair stronger
Soybeans are packed with healthy fats as well as vitamins and minerals which are essential for healthy hair. When you add soybeans to your diet they also help to boost the immune system, improve blood circulation, protect against bone loss and heart disease, and increase overall energy which eventually stimulates hair to grow stronger.
To add soybean to your diet you can easily add some organic soybean oil to salad dressings. It is also a good oil to use when cooking because it has a high smoke point meaning it can withstand high temperatures without breaking down.
How to Use Soybean Oil on Your Hair
You can use soybean oil directly on your hair or you can use hair care products such as deep conditioners which contain soybean as part of their formula. You can also improve your hair health by consuming soyabean oil as part of a healthy diet.
If you use the LCO method or the LOC method in your hair care routine you can use soybean oil as your oil. The LCO or LOC method stand for liquid (L), cream (C) and Oil (O) and refers to the order in which you apply the products to your hair. Both methods are effective but the LOC method is generally better for high porosity hair, and the LCO method is better for low porosity hair. This one small change means low porosity hair is less likely to be weighed down by the products.
If you don’t know whether you have high or low porosity hair, you can take my hair porosity quiz!
Best Soybean Products for the Hair
Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Styling Butter
The Carol’s Daughter styling butter contains soybean oil along with sweet almond oil, shea butter and jojoba oil. The product is an intensely hydrating, creamy butter which coats the hair shaft and seals in moisture. It is perfect for defining curls and coils and adding shine and volume to the hair.
This product works well on all hair types and is a good way to add a protective layer to the hair fibers. Soybean oil’s main asset for the hair is adding gloss and shine, and this styling product does just that!
The Mane Choice Heavenly Halo Herbal Hair Tonic
The Mane Choice Heavenly Halo Herbal Hair Tonic contains soybean oil along with melon seed oil, yucca root, horsetail extract, and sunflower oil. It is a lightweight mist that seals moisture into the hair fibres and makes the hair softer, shinier and more hydrated.
This is not a greasy oil and can be used daily without leaving the hair lank and weighed down. It helps to minimise shedding and breakage.
PIMENTO OIL SERUM
The Pimento Oil Serum contains soybean oil along with Jamaican black castor oil, peppermint oil, carrot oil, sunflower oil and grape seed oil. It is formulated to moisturise not only the hair but also the skin and nails. The formula contains pure and unrefined oils which are great to use as massage oils or in hot oil treatments for dry or damaged hair.
Soybean oil can be mixed with essential oils such as peppermint to rejuvenate the hair and scalp. Peppermint is known to help boost hair growth and minimise scalp conditions such as dandruff. The Pimento Oil Serum contains an aromatic mixture of organic herbs including both soybean and peppermint.
African Pride Black Castor Miracle Hair & Scalp Sealing Oil
The African Pride Black Castor Miracle Hair & Scalp Sealing Oil contains soybean oil, black castor oil and tea tree oil. It nourishes the scalp, promotes hair growth and improves moisture retention and shine. It’s also free from silicone, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil and petrolatum.
This formula conditions the hair, soothes the scalp, calms itching and prevent dryness. It great for caring for braids, weaves and protective styles since soy protein acts as a natural hair conditioner.
Oriental Botanics Red Onion Hair Oil
Red Onion Hair Oil is widely used in Ayurvedic hair care to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. This hair oil from Oriental Botanics contains soybean oil along with a number of other healthy oils rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin K such as avocado oil. Vitamin K nurtures the scalp and strengthens the follicles.
This product can be used as a pre-poo, or part of your weekly hot oil treatments. It provides all the soybean oil benefits to the hair as well as the hair boosting properties of onion.
Greenwood Essential Pure Soybean Oil (Glycine max)
You can make your own hair treatments with a bottle of soybean oil and your choice of other essential oils or vegetable oil. Greenwood Essential make a 100% pure, natural, undiluted, premium grade soybean oil. You can moisturise the pure soybean oil directly into the hair and scalp to relieve dryness on the scalp and reduce hair frizz.
You can also use it as a non greasy carrier oil to mix with essential oils such as spearmint or lavender which promote hair growth. Soy oil makes a good base oil for topical aromatherapy treatments. Take one cup of soybean oil and add in six drops of tea tree oil and six drops of peppermint oil to make a aromatic hair treatment to combat dandruff and dryness whilst promote glossy, shiny hair.
Thank you for reading my post about soybean oil for hair. If you have tried any of the products I have recommended then please leave me a comment below and let me know how you got on.