For those of use who are after luxurious locks, it may seem like expensive treatments and products are the only way to a beautiful head of hair. If you’re one of the people who’s purchased product after product only to find the results less than favourable, you may be surprised to learn that many products designed to help hair can actually hurt it. Due to the nature of most shampoo formulations, common brands are full of harsh chemicals that can, over time, strip the natural oils present in your hair. Though they may initially provide that squeaky clean feeling, the reduction in natural oil and sebum can result in dry, damaged hair that loses its natural volume and lustre. Thankfully, hair and scalp health can be restored and jojoba oil can help play an important role.
What Is Jojoba Oil?
Jojoba oil is an oil extracted from the seed of the Jojoba plant, the botanical name of which is Simmondsia chinensis. In its pure form, jojoba oil is golden in colour with a faint nutty odour, while processed jojoba oil is typically clear and odourless. Long before it was used as an ingredient in many of the cosmetic products on the market today, Native Americans used jojoba oil to treat and heal wounds and it’s these same healing properties that can help treat dry and damaged hair and scalp.
What Are the Benefits of Using Jojoba Oil?
Unlike other oils, jojoba oil most closely resembles the molecular structure of the sebum present in our own skin. Because of this distinct attribute, jojoba oil is perfect for hair and skin and can provide a number of amazing benefits that other oils simply cannot.
- It’s Antibacterial
If you suffer from scalp conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, jojoba oil can help to not only hydrate your dry scalp but keep it free of harmful bacteria that can worsen the issue.
- It’s Moisturizing and Hydrating
Typical shampoos contain ingredients such as SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) that work create the foaming effect we’re all used to. Unfortunately, this chemical can also dry out the scalp. Jojoba oil, on the other hand, can help treat dryness from the continual use of standard shampoos and provide extra hydration when necessary.
- It’s An Emollient
After washing, heating, and styling, it’s no wonder hair takes such a beating. Jojoba oil, however, can actually fill in the cracks of the hair cuticle and effectively repair damage caused by over-styling.
- It’s Full of Vitamins and Minerals
Because jojoba oil is natural, it contains many important vitamins and naturally occurring minerals, not the least of which is Vitamin E. Vitamin E is renowned for its healing properties for the skin which work well to promote healthy scalp and hair, too.
How Do You Use Jojoba Oil In Your Hair?
Because of its versatility, jojoba oil can be used in a number of ways to experience its many benefits.
- Add It to Shampoo
Harsh ingredients and chemicals can strip your hair of its naturally present sebum, but by adding a few drops of jojoba oil to your bottle, you can begin to counteract the damaging effects.
- As a Hair Mask
Many oils are used to hydrate dry and lifeless hair and by combining a few of your favorites, you can get all sorts of amazing benefits. Whether you use olive oil, argan oil or any other, add jojoba oil to the list add you’ll experience its powerful healing and hydrating properties.
- As a Leave In Conditioner
If you want to use straight jojoba oil on your scalp and hair, making a leave-in conditioner is one of the best ways to do so. Simply mix a small amount of jojoba oil with water in a spray bottle and apply to your clean hair.
How Does Jojoba Oil Work?
As a powerful tool for healthy hair and scalp, jojoba oil stands out among the rest. Because of its strong similarity to sebum, it has the ability to mimic and regulate the oiliness of our hair and skin and subsequently the scalp. Since it’s closest to the natural oils already present, it has the ability to soften and hydrate hair the way it was intended to be. This, of course, only works by using pure, unrefined jojoba oil as opposed to processed.
If its wide-spread use in cosmetics is any indication, jojoba oil is the key to achieving the healthy, voluminous and moisturizing effects that many products claim, but often times fail to provide.
Who Can Benefit From Jojoba Oil?
If you suffer from a scalp condition or just dryness on its own, jojoba oil may be just the thing you’re looking for. Similarly, if you found you have damaged your hair from washing with drying shampoos, heating and styling or repeated coloring, jojoba oil can help to rejuvenate and revitalize limp and lifeless hair while promoting a healthy scalp for fresh hair to grow.
Even for those with healthy hair, adding jojoba oil to your existing routine can help protect it from future damage. If you’re looking for a natural alternative to your conditioner or leave-in treatment, natural or organic jojoba oil can provide moisture and life to dull hair, free of harsh ingredients or chemicals.