Expert's opinion
Expert's opinion
The article is a subjective view on this topic written by writers specializing in medical writing.
It may reflect on a personal journey surrounding struggles with an illness or medical condition, involve product comparisons, diet considerations, or other health-related opinions.
Although the view is entirely that of the writer, it is based on academic experiences and scientific research they have conducted; it is fact-checked by a team of degreed medical experts, and validated by sources attached to the article.
The numbers in parenthesis (1,2,3) will take you to clickable links to related scientific papers.
Soybean Oil For Hair: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects 2025
Updated on
- Written by Luke Sumpter, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by
Dr G. Michael DiLeo, MD
People have been using plant and seed oils for centuries as natural cosmetics.[1] One such oil that has gained attention in recent years is soybean oil, also known as glycine soja oil. Derived from soybeans, this versatile oil offers several benefits for hair health. Soybean oil for hair has many uses, including working as a hair mask. It contains plenty of vitamin E and omega fatty acids. Additionally, soybean oil can be combined with a vegetable oil like coconut oil for enhanced nourishment.
Below, you’ll discover the advantages of soybean oil and how it can contribute to achieving enhanced shine.
Soybean Oil Benefits For Hair
Are you wondering if soybean oil is good for hair? This natural cosmetic contains high levels of vitamin E. It helps to retain moisture, prolongs color treatment, and may help to promote healthy hair growth. Soybean oil works as a pre-shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, and style aid. Soybean oil benefits for hair include:
- It may assist and promote hair growth.
- It could boost scalp health.
- It promotes moisture retention.
- It improves hair shine.
- It prolongs color treatment.
Benefits Of Soybean Oil For Hair
Soybean oil is often limited to the culinary realm. But is soybean oil good for your hair? The research remains limited in this area. However, this oil contains antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.[2] It also adds shine to hair and might improve tone.
Soybean Oil May Help Hair Growth
Is soybean oil good for your hair? Well, it could help to assist in healthy hair growth. Research in this area remains limited. However, a 2021 study tested black soybean extract on human hair growth.
The researchers concluded that black soybean extract could promote hair growth.[3] They also suggested that the product could prevent hair loss. Compounds found in soybeans could help to nourish root hairs. They likely achieve this by boosting blood circulation in the scalp.
Soybean Oil Could Improve Scalp Health
How else is soybean oil good for hair? The product contains high levels of the antioxidant vitamin E.[4] Research suggests that antioxidants can help to improve scalp conditions. On top of this, these compounds might reduce hair shedding. However, studies on human scalp health are lacking. Regardless, soybean products have been found helpful for such conditions as psoriasis[5] and dry hair or skin conditions.
Soybean Oil Promotes Moisture Retention
Adequate levels of moisture make hair soft, smooth, and manageable. Excessively dry and brittle hairs split and are prone to breaking. As a natural emollient, soybean oil can help to lock moisture inside the hair.
It often is included in hair products for these reasons. Thus, soybean oil helps improve hair’s elasticity while keeping it lightweight and less greasy.
Soybean Oil Improves Hair Shine
Adding soybean oil to your hair care regimen can help to improve its appearance. It can transform dull hair and give it some eye-catching shine.
It does this partly by helping to retain moisture. The natural oil also gives hair a light texture. Unlike other oils, it doesn’t weigh hair down to give a greasy appearance. It helps to maintain natural shine without looking oily or heavy.
Soybean Oil Prolongs Color Treatment
Some people use the product to maintain the coloration of their hair. High levels of vitamin E might help to maintain the effect of days. As an antioxidant, it could protect colors[6] against the degradation of UV rays and oxidation.
Soybean oil also creates a protective barrier around the hair as an emollient. This helps to reduce color rinse-off during shampooing and washing.
How To Use Soybean Oil For Hair
There are several different ways to use the product. You can benefit from the emollient and moisture-retaining properties in different ways. You can incorporate all of these methods into your hair care routine or simply pick your favorite. Learn more about using soybean oil with the helpful hints below:
- Pre-shampoo treatment: Apply a small amount before washing your hair. Massage it into your scalp and then apply soybean oil to your hair roots to the ends. Let the oil sit for 30 minutes. This will allow it to penetrate the hair shaft and scalp. Proceed to wash your hair using your normal shampooing routine.
- Leave-in conditioner: After washing your hair, rub a few drops of vitamin E-rich oil between your palms. Apply it thoroughly to the lengths of your hair. Focus on areas that are prone to dryness and frizz.
- Hair mask: Add soybean oil and other natural ingredients such as honey. Apply to your hair generously as a homemade hair mask. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing your hair thoroughly.
- Styling aid: You can also use soybean oil to add shine and tame flyaways. Place a few drops in your hands. Gently smooth it over your styled hair to achieve a polished finish.
Side Effects & Precautions
Now you know all about the benefits of soybean oil, but is soybean oil bad for your hair? Before you make it a frequent part of your routine, you need to know about possible side effects.
As with any other hair product, it’s ideal to consult a dermatologist before application. While fine for most people, you need to consider the following before using soybean oil:
- Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to soy can affect the skin or cause more serious effects. Symptoms include irritation, redness, rash, and itching. Always perform a patch test before applying any new cosmetic product. Consult a dermatologist if you experience symptoms of soy allergy.
- Quality and purity: Not all soybean oils are created equal. Some products contain additives and contaminants that can harm hair health. Always choose high-quality soybean oils that are free of additives and ideally cold-pressed and organic.
- Scalp sensitivity: Monitor your scalp condition after applying a small amount of soybean oil. Look out for signs of discomfort and irritation. Discontinue use if you experience these symptoms, and contact your dermatologist.
Other Oils Good For Hair Growth Promotion
There are other options if you experience a reaction to soybean oil. These also come in handy if you simply don’t get on with soybean oil. Explore the range of essential oils and natural oils below:
- Coconut oil: This natural oil offers a nourishing and moisturizing effect. Besides leaving hair that feels clean, it also has antimicrobial[7] effects.
- Castor oil: Cosmetic products often use castor oil to strengthen hair strands and prevent breakages.
- Argan oil: Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, argan oil helps to maintain a healthy scalp.
- Olive oil: This natural emollient helps moisturize and condition the hair. It adds shine and reduces frizz.
- Lavender oil: Lavender oil can help to smooth your hair while providing a pleasant aroma.
- Peppermint oil: Besides having antimicrobial properties,[8] peppermint oil leaves hair smelling fresh.
The Bottom Line
Soybean oil makes a great addition to hair care regimens. So far, studies on the effects of soybean oil on hair remain limited. However, users find that it adds shine to hair and helps combat flyaways.
The benefits of soybean oil include improved shine and prolonged color with color treatments. High levels of vitamin E and its essential fatty acids make it a nourishing option. Some people experience reactions to this natural cosmetic. If you do, there are many alternatives to choose from.
+ 8 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
- Olusola Ayanlowo, Cole, Ilomuanya, M.O., Ebie, C., Adegbulu, A., Obumneke Ezeanyache, Oghogho Odiase, Ikebudu, V. and Basirat Olamiposi Akanbi (2022). African oils in dermatology. [online] 35(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.14968.
- El-Bahnasawy, A.S., Er, V., El-Sayed, E.M. and Stepanova, N.V. (2019). Protective effect of dietary oils containing omega-3 fatty acids against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. [online] 52(4), pp.323–323. doi:https://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2019.52.4.323.
- Sung, H.-Y. and Kyeong Kyu Kim (2022). Hair Growth Promotion with Black Soybean Extracts: case series. [online] 25(1), pp.63–67. doi:https://doi.org/10.3831/kpi.2022.25.1.63.
- NHS Choices (2023). Vitamin E – Vitamins and minerals. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-e/
- Nader Pazyar and Reza Yaghoobi (2015). Soybean: a Potential Antipsoriasis Agent. [online] 10(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.17795/jjnpp-20924.
- Compton, D.L., Goodell, J.W., Evans, K.O. and Palmquist, D.E. (2018). Ultraviolet Absorbing Efficacy and Photostability of Feruloylated Soybean Oil. [online] 95(4), pp.421–431. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/aocs.12047.
- Shilling, M.P., Matt, L., Rubin, E., Visitacion, M., Haller, N., Grey, S.F. and Woolverton, C.J. (2013). Antimicrobial Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil and Its Medium-Chain Fatty Acids onClostridium difficile. [online] 16(12), pp.1079–1085. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2012.0303.
- Irem Unalan, Slavik, B., Buettner, A., Goldmann, W.H., Frank, G. and Boccaccini, A.R. (2019). Physical and Antibacterial Properties of Peppermint Essential Oil Loaded Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) Electrospun Fiber Mats for Wound Healing. [online] 7. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2019.00346.
Written by:
Luke Sumpter, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
