Canola Oil for Hair: Benefits & How to Use for Healthy Hair

Are you tired of trying countless hair products that promise the moon but leave your hair disappointed? Well, you're in for a treat. Today, we're going to talk about canola oil for hair and how this versatile oil can be a game-changer for your locks. 

But first, what is canola oil? Canola oil is a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the canola plant, which is a cultivar of rapeseed. It's a popular choice in the kitchen and it is also great for your hair and skin.

Yup, that's right! This multitasking oil can be your new secret weapon for healthy, nourished, and shiny hair. So, let's dive in and explore the amazing world of canola oil for hair, hair masks, and hair conditioners. Who knows, this might be the answer to your hair loss woes! Are you ready to give your hair the love it deserves? Let's go!

Is Canola Oil Good for Hair?

You bet it is! Canola oil has a lot to offer when it comes to hair care. Its nutrient-rich composition works wonders in improving the overall health and appearance of your hair. In fact, this magical oil has been hailed as a secret weapon for healthy, nourished, and shiny hair.

Some of the incredible benefits of canola oil for hair include deep moisturization, promoting hair growth, reducing frizz and breakage, adding shine, and strengthening your hair. 

So, if you're curious about all the fantastic ways canola oil can transform your hair, keep reading! We're about to dive into the benefits of canola oil for hair in more detail and share tips on how to use it for the best results. Trust us; you won't want to miss this!

Benefits of Canola Oil for Hair

Now that you know canola oil is good for your hair, let's delve deeper into the incredible benefits it offers. Here's how this nutrient-packed oil can make a significant difference in your hair's health and appearance:

Deep Moisturization

Canola oil is rich in fatty acids(1) like oleic, linoleic, and alpha-linolenic acids, which deeply nourish and moisturize your hair. This helps your hair retain moisture, combating dryness and making it more manageable. 

This high content of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, also contributes to the oil’s ability to penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep moisturization and improving the overall hair structure.

Encourages Hair Growth

Canola oil is a powerhouse of essential nutrients such as vitamins E and K, which play a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant(2) that helps repair damaged hair follicles and promotes a healthier environment for hair growth, while vitamin K improves blood circulation in the scalp, ensuring your hair follicles receive the necessary nutrients.

Reduces Hair Loss

The nutrients in canola oil, particularly vitamin E, can help reduce hair loss by preventing oxidative stress, neutralizing free radicals, and protecting your hair from damage. This ensures that your hair remains strong and less prone to breakage and shedding.

Fights Frizz and Breakage

Canola oil's ability to seal in moisture and act as a natural humectant is a game-changer for those with frizzy hair or natural hair prone to breakage. By locking in moisture, canola oil helps you avoid frizz and maintain smoother, more manageable hair.

Enhances Shine

The emollient properties of canola oil work wonder in giving your hair a glossy sheen. By coating your hair strands and smoothing the hair cuticle, canola oil helps reflect light evenly, making your hair look healthier and more vibrant.

Strengthens Hair

Canola oil is rich in essential fatty acids that help strengthen your hair, fortifying it against damage caused by environmental factors and heat styling. The linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids create a protective barrier around your hair strands, leading to more resilient hair that's less prone to breakage.

Improves Scalp Health

A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair, and canola oil can help with that too. Its anti-inflammatory properties(3) can soothe an irritated scalp, while its antimicrobial properties help keep scalp infections at bay. Canola oil's fatty acids also nourish the scalp, providing essential nutrients that support healthy skin and hair.

Detangles Hair

Canola oil's lubricating properties make it easier to detangle your hair, reducing the risk of breakage and damage during combing or brushing. It's an excellent choice for those with curly or coily hair that's prone to tangling.

Protects Hair From Sun Damage

Exposure to the sun's harmful rays can take a toll on your hair. Canola oil can help protect your hair from sun damage due to its antioxidant content, particularly vitamin E, which helps neutralize the free radicals generated by exposure to UV radiation. This offers an added layer of protection for your hair, keeping it healthier even when exposed to the sun's harmful rays.

With all these advantages, it's no wonder that canola oil has become a popular choice for those looking to boost their hair's health and appearance. So, why not give it a try and see the difference for yourself?

How to Use Canola Oil for Hair Growth

There are several effective ways to use canola oil on your hair, including

Canola Oil Hair Mask

• Mix equal parts of canola oil and coconut oil.
• Heat the mixture slightly.
• Apply it to your scalp and hair.
• Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 30 to 60 minutes.
• Rinse it off with a mild shampoo and follow with your regular conditioner.

This method is great for deeply moisturizing and nourishing dry, brittle hair. The combination of canola oil and coconut oil helps to repair and strengthen hair from the inside out, leaving it soft, shiny, and manageable.

Canola Oil and Egg Hair Treatment

• Combine two tablespoons of canola oil with one beaten egg.
• Administer the mixture to your hair and scalp.
• Allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes.
• Remove it using cool water, then cleanse your hair with a gentle shampoo.

Eggs are rich in protein, which is essential for healthy hair growth. This method is perfect for those with thin or fine hair, as the protein helps to add volume and thickness to the hair, while canola oil moisturizes and promotes healthy hair growth.

Canola Oil and Honey Hair Mask

• Mix two tablespoons of canola oil with one tablespoon of honey.
• Administer the mixture to your scalp and hair.
• Allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water and wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

Honey is a natural humectant that helps to lock in moisture, making it an ideal ingredient for those with dry or damaged hair. This method is great for restoring moisture and shines to hair, leaving it soft, silky, and manageable.

Canola Oil Overnight Treatment

• Gently heat a few tablespoons of canola oil.
• Apply it to your scalp and hair.
• Wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf, or use a shower cap to cover your head.
• Leave the oil in your hair overnight.
• When morning arrives, cleanse your hair using a gentle shampoo and proceed with your usual conditioner.

This method is ideal for those with extremely dry, damaged hair or for those who are looking to boost their hair growth. Leaving canola oil in your hair overnight allows it to deeply penetrate the hair shaft and scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and repairing damage from the inside out.

Safety & Precautions

Before diving into the world of canola oil for hair, it's essential to consider some safety and precautionary measures. Like any other product, you want to make sure you use it correctly and responsibly and do not suffer any unwanted side effects. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while using canola oil in your hair care routine:

Patch Test

While canola oil is generally considered safe for most people, it's a good idea to perform a patch test before applying it to your scalp or hair. Apply a small amount of canola oil on your inner forearm or behind your ear and wait for 24 hours to see if any allergic reaction occurs. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling, you may be allergic to canola oil and should avoid using it on your hair and skin.

Use Pure Canola Oil

When purchasing canola oil for hair, make sure you're using pure, cold-pressed canola oil. Certain items might include additional chemicals or preservatives, which could potentially damage your hair or scalp. Check the label carefully to ensure you're getting a high-quality product.

Don't Overuse

Canola oil is rich in fatty acids, which can help nourish and condition your hair. However, using too much oil can weigh down your hair and make it greasy. Start with a small amount of oil and increase gradually if needed.

Avoid Contact With Eyes

Canola oil is safe for hair and skin, but it may cause irritation if it comes into contact with your eyes. Be cautious when applying the oil near your face and rinse thoroughly with water if any oil accidentally gets into your eyes.

Consult a Professional

If you're unsure about using canola oil for your hair type or have concerns about potential side effects, consider consulting a dermatologist, trichologist, or hair care professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your hair type, condition, and specific needs.

Store Canola Oil Properly

To maintain the quality of your canola oil, store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat. Exposure to heat, light, or air can cause the oil to degrade, reducing its effectiveness and potentially creating harmful byproducts.

Final Thought

So, we've discovered the wonderful world of canola oil for hair, haven't we? It's amazing how this affordable and natural oil can make such a difference in our hair care routine. 

Now that you're equipped with this knowledge, you're ready to incorporate canola oil into your hair care routine. Give it a shot and witness the transformation towards healthy, shiny, and beautiful hair!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave canola oil in my hair overnight?

Yes, you can leave canola oil in your hair overnight. It acts as a deep conditioner, penetrating the hair shaft and providing nourishment while you sleep. Just be sure to wrap your hair to avoid staining your pillow.

Does canola oil help hair growth?

Yes, canola oil promotes hair growth by providing essential nutrients, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamins E and K. These nutrients help nourish the scalp and hair follicles, supporting healthier hair growth.

Is canola oil bad for hair?

No, canola oil is not bad for hair when used properly. It offers numerous benefits, such as conditioning, promoting growth, and combating hair loss. However, it's essential to conduct a patch test first to ensure you're not allergic to it.

Is canola oil good for low-porosity hair?

Yes, canola oil is suitable for low-porosity hair. Its lightweight consistency and high penetration capability make it an excellent choice for hair types that have difficulty absorbing moisture and nutrients.

Is canola oil good for dry hair?

Yes, canola oil is great for dry hair, as it provides deep hydration and locks in moisture. It helps restore the hair's natural shine and improves its overall health by nourishing and conditioning the strands.

Is canola oil good for black hair?

Yes, canola oil is good for black hair. It works well for natural hair, providing much-needed moisture and nutrients. Canola oil can help improve the overall health of black hair, making it more manageable, reducing breakage, and promoting growth. It's a versatile and beneficial addition to any hair care routine, regardless of hair type.

References

1. Dupont, J., White, P.J., Johnston, K.M., Heggtveit, H.A., McDonald, B.E., Grundy, S.M. and Bonanome, A. (1989). Food safety and health effects of canola oil. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, {online} 8(5), pp.360–375. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.1989.10720311.

‌2. Beoy, L.A., Woei, W.J. and Hay, Y.K. (2010). Effects of tocotrienol supplementation on hair growth in human volunteers. Tropical life sciences research, {online} 21(2), pp.91–9. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3819075/.

3. Lin, L., Allemekinders, H., Dansby, A., Campbell, L., Durance-Tod, S., Berger, A. and Jones, P.J. (2013). Evidence of health benefits of canola oil. Nutrition Reviews, {online} 71(6), pp.370–385. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/nure.12033.