Canola Oil for Hair: Benefits and How to Use It

Specialty: Dermatologist ,Hair, Skin, and Nail Disorders

Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation... more

Canola oil gained importance as a cost-effective and flexible cooking oil. However, many claim that it also provides numerous benefits for hair. Here, we will be looking into these claims about the potency of canola oil for hair growth and health. This vegetable oil is extracted from canola seeds.

According to studies, canola oil contains healthy proteins, vitamins, and fats (1). These nutrients provide many benefits to health. It is also claimed to moisturize the hair, reduce inflammation, and stimulate hair growth. However, all these benefits are backed by anecdotal evidence, and research in this regard is limited. In this article, we will dig deep into these claims and other aspects of canola oil. Keep reading.

  • What Is Canola Oil?
  • Is Canola Oil Good For Your Hair?
  • How To Apply Canola Oil On Hair

What Is Canola Oil?

Canola oil is derived from the canola seed, a genetic variation of the rapeseed developed by scientists in Canada. The name “canola” comes from “Canada” and “ola” (meaning oil). This vegetable oil is primarily used for cooking, and most of the crops are genetically modified to improve the health benefits of the oil. Canola oil is rich in (1):

  • Saturated fat
  • Monounsaturated fat
  • Polyunsaturated fat
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin K
  • Oleic acid (C18: 1)
  • Linoleic acid (C18: 2)
  • ALA (C18: 3)

Canola oil has low levels of saturated fat (only 7%) and is considered one of the healthiest cooking oils available today. But does that mean it is safe to use on your hair? Let us find out.

Is Canola Oil Good For Your Hair?

While the evidence for this is purely anecdotal, canola oil is said to be incredibly moisturizing and comes with a host of hair health benefits. A few of them are as follows:

1. Reduces Inflammation

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the fats and acids in canola oil can soothe the skin and promote cell production. Thus, applying canola oil on your scalp may relieve itching and irritation and stimulate hair growth.

2. Hydrates The Hair And Prevents Water Loss

Beauty bloggers claim that canola oil is good for hair because of its moisturizing and nourishing properties. The oil coats the hair strands to lock in moisture. This prevents issues like frizzy hair, split ends, and dandruff.

3. Promotes Hair Growth

Canola oil contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that promotes hair growth. Consuming vitamin E minimizes oxidative stress on the scalp and promotes hair growth (2). Applying canola oil to your hair may rejuvenate your tresses and improve shine.

4. Reverses Hair Damage

Canola oil moisturizes and softens the hair strands. The antioxidants present in the ingredient can purify your hair and prevent dryness and UV damage.

Now that you know the benefits of canola oil for hair, here is how you can use it.

How To Apply Canola Oil On Hair

You can apply canola oil directly to the hair or mix it with other oils. Here are a few application methods you can try:

2. Coconut Oil And Canola Oil Hair Mask

Canola and coconut oils can help strengthen your locks. Coconut oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties and soothes the skin (3).

To prepare a coconut oil and canola oil hair mask:

  • Mix one cup each of coconut and canola oils.
  • Gently massage your scalp with the oil blend.
  • Leave the hair mask on for 30 minutes.
  • Use a mild shampoo to wash the oil off.
  • Repeat every week.
3. Canola And Almond Oils Pre-Shampoo Hair Mask

If you notice dark patches along your hairline, add almond oil to your canola oil hair mask. It prevents structural damage caused by UV radiation and also has emollient properties (4). This can help keep the hair moisturized and soft.

To use the almond and canola oils mask:

  • Mix equal quantities of canola and almond oils.
  • Section your hair and massage the scalp and hair with the oil mix.
  • Leave it on for 1-2 hours.
  • Rinse it off with a mild shampoo.
Summing It Up

Canola oil is rich in fats, vitamins, and other beneficial nutrients and good for your health. There is no scientific evidence regarding its hair care benefits, but anecdotal evidence suggests that canola oil can keep the scalp and hair moisturized and boost hair growth. It is affordable, versatile, and a safe alternative to other hair oils (unless you are allergic to it).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can canola oil help you grow and thicken your hair?

There is no scientific proof for this claim. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that canola oil may promote hair growth.

Can canola oil be left on your hair overnight?

Yes, you can leave it on your hair overnight.

Can you use canola oil on natural hair?

Yes! The hydrating properties and various fats and vitamins in canola oil revitalize your natural hair and help it grow.

How do you get canola oil out of your hair?

Shampoo the hair to wash off canola oil.

Is canola oil good for a hair massage?

Yes, canola oil is good for hair massage.

Read more on: hair