Squalane for Hair: 7 Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and More

You might not be aware of it, but if you check the ingredient list of your favorite beauty products, such as moisturizers, serums, and hair masks, you might already be using squalane in your skin and hair care routine.

Squalane is a widely used ingredient in skin and hair care products. It is an effective emollient and provides hydration without leaving a greasy feel. (1)

According to several studies, squalane imitates sebum, (2) making it compatible with most scalp types and less likely to cause pore clogging. Presently, squalane has become prevalent in hair care.

Continue reading to learn about the benefits of squalane for hair in detail.

What Is Squalane?

Squalane is a result of squalene hydrogenation. Its UV-protective, antioxidant, moisturizing, and emollient properties make it a valuable ingredient.

It serves as a liquid vehicle, quickly penetrating the human scalp and facilitating the absorption of bioactive molecules.

Squalane is more stable than squalene. (3) With age, the production of squalane in the human body decreases. (1)

Generally, squalane was collected from shark liver. Nowadays, it is derived from plants, including rice bran, olives, peanuts, sugarcane, wheat germ, and soybean oil. (4)

Benefits of Using Squalane for Hair

The following are the hair benefits of squalane.

1. Moisturizes and hydrates hair

According to experts, squalane penetrates human skin, transporting and allowing active substances to be absorbed quickly. (5) Similarly, it penetrates the hair shaft, providing moisture to the cuticles and reaching the cortex (inner hair layer).

Squalane’s lightweight nature doesn’t weigh down hair like other oils do. Squalane oil is an effective moisturizer and emollient; (1) it moisturizes and hydrates brittle and dry hair, making it softer and more manageable.

2. Strengthens hair

Squalane is rich in antioxidants. (6) It strengthens the hair and protects it from damage caused by environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays.

3. Increases hair shine and softness

Squalane’s natural antioxidant properties protect the hair and skin from environmental and free radical damage. Its emollient properties soften and smoothen the hair, alleviating roughness and adding healthy luster.

4. Treats head lice

According to a 2021 research, squalane treatment is safe and effective in treating head lice infestation. Squalane’s natural lipid nature mimics a solvent that dissolves the wax layer covering the head lice and their eggs.

In one study, dimethicone formula-based squalane killed 100% louse eggs and head lice after 2–5 minutes of application. Thus, squalane treats head lice. (7)

5. Soothes scalp

Squalane’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe itchy or irritated scalp. Squalane also reduces dandruff and other scalp infections.

6. Tames frizz

Squalane oil tames flyaways and frizz by reducing static and smoothening the hair cuticles. Moreover, squalane adds a silky-smooth texture to your hair, making it manageable.

7. Leaves a nongreasy finish

Squalane is oil but doesn’t have an oily feel. (1) Unlike other oils, it doesn’t leave behind greasy residues. It is absorbed quickly due to its lightweight nature and doesn’t make the hair appear oily or weighed down.

A few drops of squalane are enough to reap maximum benefits.

How to Use Squalane

Regular squalane application can improve scalp health and make your hair shiny and soft.

1. Dispense a few drops of squalane oil to your scalp. (You can also apply it to your hair ends and mid-shaft.)
2. Massage it to your scalp.
3. Comb your hair to spread squalane to your hair ends. 
4. You can either rinse it off or leave it in as a leave-in conditioner. 

According to experts, you can use squalane oil for any hair treatment, such as steaming or deep conditioning. These treatments allow better penetration of ingredients into the hair follicles for deeper hydration. You can also go for squalane oil-containing products.

Squalane Can Be Used on What Hair Types?

Squalane is suitable for the following hair types.

Curly hair

Squalane is suitable for curly hair, as it adds moisture, shine, and definition to curls and reduces frizz. It also shields the hair from environmental stressors and heat damage.

Colored hair

Squalane improves the shine and vibrancy of hair color. It prevents hair dryness, fading, and damage due to UV exposure and chemical treatments.

Dry and wet hair

Applying squalane to wet hair prevents frizz and locks in moisture. Squalane application to dry hair also adds shine and smoothens flyaways.

Squalane can also be used before or after styling the hair to protect it from heat damage and intensify waves or curls.

Fine hair

Squalane is a nongreasy, lightweight oil that protects and moisturizes the hair without making it appear flat or weighing it down.

When using squalane oil on fine hair, focus on your hair ends and mid-lengths in small amounts.

Are There Risks or Side Effects of Using Squalane on Hair?

Generally, squalane is well tolerated and safe. However, use it sparingly on oily or acne-prone skin and avoid application to the hair roots, as it may clog pores and make the hair appear greasy. It may also cause scalp itchiness, irritation, or redness.

Always do a patch test before applying squalane oil to your scalp or hair to ensure you’re not allergic to it.

Final Word

Squalane is a lightweight oil with natural skin and hair sebum qualities. It has multiple benefits for the hair as it protects, moisturizes, hydrates, and adds shine to it.

Moreover, squalane nourishes the hair by penetrating the shaft, improving its flexibility and elasticity. It also softens and smoothens the hair cuticles, alleviating roughness and frizz.

Additionally, squalane enhances scalp health by reducing irritation and dryness without leaving greasy residues or clogging pores.

Squalane is known for its value and versatility for topical application to the scalp and hair or as an ingredient in different hair care products.