Hair oils are extremely popular for helping to moisturize, repair and improve shine. However, it can be difficult to know exactly which oil is best for your specific hair concerns and goals. While most hair oils are truly beneficial, it matters how you apply them, how long you apply them, and whether you opt for a home treatment or products that contain them.
When it comes to jojoba oil in particular, experts agree that this naturally occurring oil can have amazing benefits for hair (as well as skin, for the record). “Jojoba oil has been used for centuries for its various benefits on skin and hair due to its similarity to natural oils produced by the skin and scalp,” explains Camille Friend, celebrity hairstylist for Prose.
We spoke to a panel of hair professionals to learn the benefits of jojoba oil, when to apply it, how long to leave it on, and their top picks for jojoba oil products. “Jojoba oil offers many benefits for hair health, as it is able to penetrate deep into the hair follicles to hydrate and nourish the strands from within,” explains Philip B, founder of Philip B Hair Care. The results, he says, are that jojoba oil helps hydrate dry hair, improve elasticity, reduce frizz and promote overall hair health.
Consider this the ultimate guide to jojoba oil for your hair. Jojoba oil is not new to hair care; however, it is important to understand what it is and how it works.
What is jojoba oil?
“Jojoba oil is a natural oil derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant also known as Simmondsia Chinensis,” explains Philip B. “Unlike traditional oils, jojoba oil is very similar to natural oils produced by the scalp, making it a great moisturizer for both. hair and skin. What sets jojoba oil apart from other oils is that it is actually a liquid wax and not an oil. “Even though we call it jojoba oil, jojoba oil is actually a wax ester obtained from the crushed seeds of the jojoba plant,” explains Angela Onuoha, trichologist and Rhyme & Reason hair care consultant. “Due to its wax ester nature, it forms a protective moisture barrier on the skin to reduce transepidermal water loss and has intensive hydrating properties that keep the skin beautiful and supple and make it ideal for hair and scalp.”
Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Hair
“Jojoba oil is a highly hydrating oil that is very similar to the natural oils produced by the scalp,” says Friend. “It can penetrate the hair shaft effortlessly, providing hydration without leaving a greasy residue, and it is also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E and B complex, which nourish and strengthen the hair, thus promoting overall health.” The benefits of using jojoba oil in a hair care and skin care routine are numerous, mainly due to its intense hydrating effects.
“Jojoba oil helps hydrate the scalp, prevent moisture loss, and condition the hair, while helping to protect it from damage,” says Onuoha. Lisa Vann, hairstylist and owner of Vann Studio Salon Spa in Seattle, Washington, says it’s jojoba oil’s oily composition that allows it to powerfully hydrate hair (as well as skin). “For this reason, it can be added to hair conditioners to provide additional protection against dryness, breakage and split ends,” she explains.
What also makes it a standout ingredient in beauty is that it mimics the natural oils produced by the scalp as well as the skin. “Jojoba oil has the same pH as hair and skin, making it compatible with the scalp,” says Christian Brown, celebrity hairstylist for DevaCurl and co-founder of Full Spiral Salon in Santa Barbara, California. . “Plus, jojoba doesn’t damage hair, so most hair types can use it.”
How to use jojoba oil for hair
Although you can apply a DIY jojoba oil treatment to your scalp and hair at home, experts agree that many quality products and treatments contain it as an ingredient. Onouoha explains that jojoba oil is actually the star ingredient in all Rhyme & Reason Wave Revival hair care products. However, she explains that if you choose to apply jojoba oil alone, be sure to apply it to your hair, from ears to toes, before bed. “This allows it to not only nourish the hair, but also protect it from all the friction that happens when you toss and turn on your pillowcase while you sleep,” she explains. “Jojoba oil is also great to apply before washing your hair if you feel like the shampoo you’re using, intended primarily for the scalp, is quite stripping for your hair.”
Vann shares the following DIY recipe with clients in need of a hydrating treatment at home between styling sessions. “In a small container, mix one teaspoon of jojoba oil with two tablespoons of castor oil and five drops of peppermint oil, then shake gently to mix,” she explains. “Next, massage the mixture into your scalp, then wrap your head in a towel or cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for at least an hour before rinsing it out and washing your hair with shampoo .” According to Brown, customizing your hair care products with an extra dose of jojoba oil is an easy way to incorporate it into your routine. “I like to mix a few drops into the styling cream so it doesn’t saturate the hair,” she says.
When to Avoid Jojoba Oil for Hair
“If you suffer from scalp conditions such as dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, I would not recommend applying pure jojoba oil to the scalp as a scalp oiling treatment,” advises Onuoha. “Both conditions have an overgrowth of a yeast present on our scalp, which is oil-loving, meaning it feeds on the oils present on the scalp, so applying more oils to the scalp can worsen the condition of the scalp.”
She also says that if your hair is thinner, apply pure jojoba oil with caution. “Use it sparingly, as too much oil can easily make hair greasy and weigh it down,” she explains. Vann notes that for some people, like those with sensitive skin in general, jojoba oil can cause a negative reaction. “Especially for people with skin problems, jojoba oil may cause an allergic reaction, which may manifest as itching, red skin, hives, eye irritation, etc.” Of course, if you experience these symptoms, stop using jojoba oil and consult a dermatologist or doctor if necessary.
Frequently asked questions
-
Is it better to put jojoba oil on wet or dry hair?
According to Onuoha, applying jojoba oil to a damp scalp is more beneficial due to its protective moisture barrier capabilities to reduce transepidermal water loss. When applied only to the hair, she adds that doing it on damp or dry strands is completely acceptable and depends on your preference. “Applying it to damp hair can help retain moisture more effectively, while using it on dry hair can add shine and softness,” adds Friend.
-
Can you leave jojoba oil in your hair overnight?
Brown says it’s okay to leave jojoba oil on hair overnight. “However, I recommend keeping in mind that you don’t use too much oil to the point where it doesn’t give you a good clean on your laundry day,” he adds. Friend prefers an overnight treatment for deep conditioning purposes and advises clients to focus on applying jojoba oil between the middle and ends of the hair. Additionally, cover the strands with a towel or shower cap and use a specific pillowcase to avoid stains. “Wash it in the morning and enjoy soft, healthy-looking hair,” she notes.
-
Which is better: coconut oil or jojoba oil for hair?
Onuoha explains that they both have their own specific qualities. “Due to its low molecular weight, coconut oil is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft, allowing it to literally fill in gaps in the cuticles. So, in my opinion, coconut oil Jojoba and coconut oil are actually great when combined instead of just one,” she says.