Hair oils are extremely popular for helping hydrate, repair, and level up shine. However, knowing exactly which oil is best for your hair’s specific concerns and goals can be difficult. While most hair oils are truly beneficial, it does matter how you apply them, for how long, and whether you opt for a DIY at-home treatment or products that contain them.
Regarding jojoba oil in particular, experts agree that this naturally derived oil can have amazing benefits for hair (as well as skin, FYI). “Jojoba oil has been used for centuries for its various skin-care and hair-care benefits due to its similarity to the natural oils produced by the skin and scalp,” says Camille Friend, celebrity hairstylist for Prose.
We spoke to a panel of hair pros to find out jojoba oil’s benefits, when you should apply it, how long to leave it on, and learn their top picks for jojoba oil-infused products. “Jojoba oil offers numerous benefits for hair health because it’s able to penetrate deeply into the hair follicles to moisturize and nourish the strands from within,” says Philip B, founder of Philip B hair care. The results, he says, are that jojoba oil helps to 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, understanding what it is and how it works is important.
What is Jojoba Oil?
“Jojoba oil is a natural oil derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant also known as Simmondsia Chinensis,” says Philip B. “Unlike traditional oils, jojoba oil closely resembles the natural oils produced by the scalp, making it an excellent moisturizer for both the hair and skin.” What distinguishes jojoba oil from other oils is that it is actually a liquid wax 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, a trichologist and an advisor for Rhyme & Reason hair care. “Due to its wax ester nature, it forms a moisture protective barrier on the skin to reduce trans-epidermal water loss and has intensive hydration properties keeping the skin nice and supple and making it ideal for both hair and scalp.”
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Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Hair
“Jojoba oil is a highly moisturizing oil that closely resembles the natural oils produced by the scalp,” explains Friend. “It can penetrate the hair shaft effortlessly, providing hydration without leaving a greasy residue, plus it’s rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E and B-complex, which nourish and strengthen the hair, promoting overall health.” The pros of using jojoba oil in a haircare as well as skincare routine are plentiful, mainly because of its intense moisturizing effects.
“Jojoba oil helps to moisturize the scalp, prevent moisture loss, and condition the hair, as well as help to protect it from damage,” says Onuoha. Lisa Vann, a hairstylist and owner of Vann Studio Salon Spa in Seattle, Washington explains that it’s jojoba oil’s oily composition in particular that allows it to highly hydrate hair (as well as skin). “Because of this, it can be added to hair conditioners to provide added protection against dryness, breakage, and split ends,” she explains.
What also makes it a standout ingredient in the beauty arena 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, which makes it compatible with the scalp,” says Christian Brown, celebrity hairstylist for DevaCurl and co-founder of Full Spiral Salon in Santa Barbara, California. “Also, jojoba isn’t overwhelming to the 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 great products and treatments contain it as an ingredient. Onouoha explains that jojoba oil is actually the hero ingredient in all of the Rhyme & Reason Wave Revival hair care products. However, she explains that if you do opt to apply straight-up jojoba oil on its own, be sure to apply it to your hair from ear down before bed. “This allows it to not only nourish the hair but also protect it from all the friction that occurs due to you turning around on your pillowcase while you’re sleeping,” she explains. “Jojoba oil is also great to apply before washing your hair if you feel like the shampoo you’re using, which is mainly meant for the scalp, feels quite stripping on your hair.”
Vann shares the following DIY recipe with clients needing a moisture-packed treatment at home between styling sessions. “In a…