How to Use Canola Oil for Hair Growth, Dandruff, and More

Canola oil isn’t just great for preparing your favorite dishes for special occasions. This oil has abundant amounts of anti-inflammatory compounds and alpha-linoleic acid, which are essential for healthy hair.

Since canola is derived from the edible parts of the rapeseed plant, it is important to ensure the oil is labeled “organic” or “unrefined.”

The generous amounts of vitamin K and E in canola oil make it ideal for anyone with dry hair problems. With readily available omega-3 and omega-6 fats, canola oil can solve common hair problems related to inadequate moisturization.

The anecdotal evidence available shows that canola oil can help you maintain a healthy head of hair and scalp naturally.

The light texture of this oil makes it easy to apply on the scalp and hair. With a mild penetration capability, canola oil helps protect your hair from the inside while still giving it a great appearance.

While canola oil is considered among the most popular vegetable oils globally, it has also created a buzz among beauty enthusiasts. If you are wondering how canola oil can benefit your hair, this article will discuss the use of canola oil for natural hair care.

What Does Canola Oil Do for Your Hair?

African American female with type 4A naturally curly hair.

There are several benefits of using canola oil for cooking, making it the third most popular cooking oil in the world. Similarly, the oil also has many beauty benefits when used for topical application on the scalp and hair.

1. Improves Hydration and Prevents Hair Loss

Hydration plays a vital role in keeping your hair healthy and beautiful. Overexposure to the sun, regular use of hair gels, and heat styling can lead to dry or brittle hair.

With numerous moisturizing and nourishing properties, canola restores moisture in your hair for enhanced luster. The oil forms a coat on your hair strands to prevent moisture loss, making you less prone to split ends and frizzy hair.

While both men and women can experience hair loss issues, studies show that men tend to be more prone to pattern baldness. However, hair issues like breakage and progressive hair thinning are a significant concern for women.

These problems can be triggered by nutritional deficiency, poor hair care, and various health conditions. The monounsaturated fatty acids found in canola oil rehydrate dry hair strands to reverse and prevent hair loss.

2. Prevent and Reverse Hair Damage

Canola contains significant amounts of vitamin E, responsible for maintaining healthy hair, nails, and skin.

The antioxidant properties help in eliminating or neutralizing free radicals, thus protecting your hair from damage. Regular application of canola oil keeps your hair soft and prevents the damaging effects of UV rays from the sun.

Various studies show that Vitamin E combats oxidative stress on hair cells and enhances hair growth.

Besides damaging your hair, split ends can stop your hair from growing and take away its shiny appearance. However, canola oil can reverse this condition by rejuvenating the hair cells from the inside, thanks to its vitamin E properties.

3. Reduces Scalp Inflammation and Prevents Dandruff

According to studies, canola contains several fats and acids with skin-soothing properties that relieve itchy scalps. Therefore, using canola oil on the scalp can prevent inflammations and enhance hair growth.

Dandruff is not only a stubborn hair problem, but it can also be quite embarrassing.

A dry scalp tends to be a leading cause, among other factors, since it provides the ideal conditions for dandruff to thrive. Canola oil moisturizes and soothes irritated scalp, therefore helping you fight dandruff.

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Does Canola Oil Promote Hair Growth?

Long and healthy hair may seem out of reach, especially if you’ve experienced hair problems like breakage and dryness. Although it is possible once you start taking good care of your hair and scalp.

Most growth-boosting DIY remedies use canola oil as the primary ingredient, thanks to its effectiveness in combating issues like persistent dryness and hair loss.

Abundant in unsaturated fatty acids, canola oil has a soothing effect on hair follicles and prevents moisture loss.

Canola oil ensures your hair is nourished with Vitamin E that is great for repairing and building tissues. Moreover, a high level of sterol in the oil enhances the recovery of damaged cells.

Once your hair is restored to its perfect state, there is less focus on repair and more emphasis on growth. Adding rosemary oil and jojoba oil to the blend enhances growth stimulation capability.

These two oils are superb for improving blood circulation and ensuring your hair follicles are well moisturized. When used regularly, this mixture not only softens your hair but also ensures your scalp is at its optimum state for improved hair growth.

Ingredients and Preparation

2 tablespoons of quality jojoba oil (you can also substitute with hazelnut oil or grapeseed oil)
2 tablespoons of canola oil
2-3 drops of rosemary oil (lemongrass oil works well if rosemary oil is unavailable)
1 whole egg

In a bowl, add all the ingredients and whisk continuously until you get an even blend. Apply evenly on your hair while massaging the scalp for about 10 minutes. Leave the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes and wash with your favorite shampoo and warm water.

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Canola Oil Safety and Hair Shaft Penetration

Monounsaturated fats in oils determine their propensity to penetrate hair follicles. For instance, oils with polyunsaturated fats have little penetration compared to those with monounsaturated fats. Canola oil exhibits moderate penetration in the hair shaft.

Oils with higher penetration are ideal for softening dry hair and repairing hair damage. On the other hand, low-penetration oils are good for adding shine and lowering friction in the hair.

Considering the penetration levels of canola oil, it is a perfect option for softening dry hair and improving moisture retention.

Moreover, only a portion of canola oil penetrates the hair shaft meaning your hair will still get a shiny appearance.

Canola oil is a herbal product extracted from a rapeseed variant that doesn’t contain harmful fatty acids. To ensure you are buying high-purity canola oil, make sure the packaging includes the words “unrefined” or “organic.”

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How to Use Canola Oil for Hair Care

There are multiple ways for the effective application of canola oil on your hair. At the basic level, you can use lukewarm canola oil to nourish the scalp and hair.

To get the best results, massage the hair and scalp for about 15 minutes and cover with a shower cap or towel for at least 20 minutes before rinsing with water and shampoo.

To remedy frizzy or dry hair issues, mix canola oil with warm water and spray the mixture into your hair. Doing this every day ensures your hair stays moisturized, and eventually, frizziness won’t be an issue anymore.

If you want to treat dandruff, a combination of canola oil and tea tree oil can be effective. Apply the mixture on the scalp, leave it on for at least 20 minutes, and then use shampoo and warm water to rinse off. After using this mixture for about four weeks, you’ll start seeing the beneficial effects of this treatment.

For a faster remedy for stubborn dandruff, try adding lavender oil and olive oil to the mixture and apply two times per week.

When canola oil is combined with almond oil, lavender oil, olive oil, and rosemary oil, it’s a powerful treatment for hair loss. The mixture works best when massaged on the scalp for at least 20 minutes.

Canola Oil and Coconut Oil

A combination of canola oil, honey, and coconut oil is a great hair moisturizer and can promote faster hair growth.

Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which soothe the scalp. To prepare a mixture of canola and coconut oil for your hair, mix the two oils in equal proportions and whisk thoroughly to get an even blend.

Soak a piece of cloth in the mixture and massage the scalp but ensure the blend has covered all parts of your hair.

Alternatively, take the oil in your palm and apply it evenly on your hair while massaging the scalp. For the best results, leave the oil on your head for at least 30 minutes before washing it off with a mild shampoo.

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Canola Oil Hair Mask Recipes

Canola oil is easy to combine with other ingredients used to make a hair mask, thanks to its excellent blending capabilities.

When mixed with essential oils and some ingredients known for multiple beauty benefits, the results of canola oil hair masks are profound.

a. Canola Oil Hair Mask for Treating Dry Hair

Ingredients

5 tablespoons of high-quality canola oil
1 egg yolk or ½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons of almond oil
2 tablespoons of olive oil
5-7 drops of essential oil (use lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree)

Preparation Directions and Use

In a clean bowl, whip the mayonnaise until you get a creamy appearance. If you’re using the egg yolk, whip it until it gets a gel-like appearance.
Add canola oil and whip continuously.
Add the essential oil, olive oil, and almond oil while whisking continuously.
Place the mixture over a bowl of hot water (or a warming source) and continue whisking until warm.
Apply the mixture to the entire hair length and ensure the ends get an even layer of the mask. Cover with a shower cap and put on a hot towel.
Leave the treatment on for about 60 minutes before washing with a mild shampoo and rinse with warm water.

How it Works

Mayonnaise makes for an excellent choice for hair care masks due to its nourishing and moisturizing properties. With high protein levels, this hair mask rejuvenates damaged hair and nourishes hair follicles leading to shiny, healthy hair.

The oils contain high amounts of healthy fats that work towards maintaining moisture in the hair strands.

Since mayonnaise also contains vinegar, it is excellent for ensuring a balanced PH in your hair which is vital for healthy hair. The amino acids in these oils provide antioxidant properties essential for protecting your hair against the harmful effects of pollution and UV rays.

b. Hair Mask for Natural Hair Conditioning

Ingredients

½ piece of ripe banana
4 tablespoons of canola oil
5 tablespoons of honey

Put all ingredients in a blender and mix until you get a smooth paste. Divide your hair into small sections for more manageable and even application.

Using your palm, apply the paste on your hair down to the scalp and cover with a towel for at least 45 minutes. Wash the paste off your hair with a mild shampoo and warm water.

How it works

Bananas are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, potassium, calcium, and natural oils, which soften and smoothen the tresses. Vitamin A in bananas helps soften hair, while potassium is essential for repairing damaged hair.

Once a good amount of Vitamin A is applied to the scalp, it boosts sebum production, which plays a vital role in ensuring healthy and shiny hair. The antioxidants in canola oil and bananas are essential for the overall health of your scalp and hair.

Is Canola Oil Good for Skin and Hair?

Canola oil can be good for skin and hair because it’s rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It also has vitamin E (an antioxidant that protects the skin from damage and promotes hair growth). It can help moisturize your skin and protect it from dryness. Also, you can use canola oil on your hair to improve its texture.

Can You Use Canola Oil Instead of Olive Oil for Hair?

Both oils have similar and different benefits for your hair. Canola oil is less expensive than olive oil, which makes it a more cost-effective option. It also has a neutral scent/flavor. However, one potential drawback of canola oil is that it’s not as rich in antioxidants and other nutrients as olive oil, which impacts its effectiveness.

Is Canola Oil Bad for Your Hair?

Canola oil is not bad for your hair, but some people may be allergic to it or experience an adverse reaction. Generally, canola oil is good for your hair because of its moisturizing and nourishing properties. However, it’s important to choose a high-quality, pure canola oil, and to perform a patch test before applying it to the hair.

Is Canola Oil Good for Hair Growth?

Canola oil can be good for hair growth, as it contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, which are great for promoting growth. Apply it directly to your scalp and hair as a hot oil treatment or as a pre-wash conditioner to improve your hair texture and condition, prevent breakage, and add shine.

Is Canola Oil Good for Natural Hair?

Canola oil can be good for your natural hair, as it moisturizes and nourishes your hair, promoting healthy growth. Natural hair tends to be drier than other hair types, and canola oil can help restore moisture and prevent breakage. It’s got many omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamin E, which are all great for maintaining healthy natural hair.

Final Words

There are tons of products that promise to help you get rid of common hair problems, but a lot of them are not natural. If you are looking for natural ways of hair care, canola oil tends to be a great option.

One-time application may not lead to significant benefits, but when used at least two times per week, the benefits to your hair will start to show.

While it’s still effective when used alone, you can maximize the benefits by combining it with other ingredients and essential oils.

Unlike most synthetic hair care products, canola oil is readily available at low prices. If you’d like to experience the benefits of canola oil on your hair, try out one of the hair masks discussed in this article.

How to Use Canola Oil for Hair Growth, Thinning, Dandruff, and More

What Does Canola Oil Do for Your Hair?