Jojoba oil is a plant wax found in many skin and hair care products. It is particularly recommended for oily hair due to its sebum-regulating properties. And for dry hair, thanks to its emollient action.
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The benefits of jojoba oil on hair.
Summary
- In short, Jojoba oil
- Jojoba oil for dry hair
- Jojoba oil for oily hair
- Jojoba oil for hair protection
- Source
Published March 24, 2022,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
4 min read
In short, Jojoba oil.
Known by its I.N.C.I. name, "Simmondsia Chinensis seed oil", thevegetable oil of jojoba is extracted from the cold pressing of oilseeds of jojoba, traditionally grown in Mexico and Arizona.
From an organoleptic perspective, it is an oily liquid with a waxy phase that can solidify depending on the temperature. Its texture is dry, this vegetable oil easily penetrates the epidermis. Moreover, it is non-comedogenic; it does not clog the pores of the skin and scalp.
Its chemical composition is very similar to that of human sebum. This vegetable oil contains nearly 80% monounsaturated fatty acids including erucic acid, oleic acid and gadoleic acid, as well as ceramides. These compounds bestow upon it several benefits when applied to hair, which will be explored below.
Jojoba oil for dry hair.
Dry hair is a result of insufficient sebum production in the scalp. This can stem from the use of harsh treatments that distort the structure of the hair fibre or a decrease in cell activity with age. However, this lack of sebum can be compensated for by an intake of essential fatty acids. Comprised predominantly of omega 9 fatty acids (around 70% gadoleic acid), jojoba oil can provide this intake. It can thus be used in the form of a hair mask or oil bath, to be distributed over the scalp and throughout the lengths of the hair. Moreover, hydrating the hair helps to give it flexibility and shine. In the case of curly hair, jojoba oil helps to define the curls, while strengthening the elasticity of the hair fibres. Detangled, they are thus easy to style.
Jojoba oil for oily hair.
Unlike dry hair, oily hair produces an excessive amount of sebum. This can cause the hair to become sticky, shiny, and flat. The presence of oily dandruff is also common. Indeed, this is a result of an inflammatory reaction following the accumulation of pollution and impurities on the scalp. To cleanse this area, opt for a jojoba oil massage before each shampoo. At the base of the hair, apply the equivalent of a tablespoon of jojoba oil and then massage the scalp. It is possible to leave this oil on for a few minutes to an hour before shampooing.
Jojoba oil for hair protection.
Beyond its effect on hair appearance, sebum contributes to the composition of the hair's protective film, namely the hydrolipidic film. As the name suggests, this protective layer shields hair fibres from external aggressions, primarily pollution. The presence of Vitamin E and minerals such as zinc in its composition also makes jojoba oil a protective agent against UV rays. UV rays can particularly weaken hair by attacking the scales and keratin. As a reminder, keratin is a protein that constitutes hair fibres, ensuring their cohesion. It thus prevents hair from becoming brittle. Moreover, UV rays are also responsible for the multiplication of free radicals that cause dull appearance and greyish colour in hair. To benefit from this protective effect, we recommend applying jojoba oil to the lengths of your hair before any sun exposure.
Source:
HEBA A. G. & co. Jojoba oil: a revised comprehensive review on chemistry, pharmaceutical applications, and toxicity. Polymers, (2021).
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