Jojoba Oil for Hair: How to Use it for Strong, Shiny Hair and a Healthy Scalp

Key takeaways Jojoba oil closely resembles the natural sebum your scalp produces, making it effective for balancing oil production whether you have an oily or dry scalp. It may help moisturize and strengthen hair, reduce dandruff, and add shine. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties support scalp health. Massage a few drops directly onto your scalp and leave it for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before washing. You can also use it in shampoos or combine it with rosemary oil for a hair mask. Jojoba oil is a must-have for moisturizing shampoos and skincare products. The slippery oil is squeezed out of jojoba plant seeds. These plants are shrubs that pop up around the desert-y spots of Arizona, southern California, and Mexico. Benefits of jojoba for hair “Jojoba oil is incredibly nourishing,” says Mayara Macedo, a hairstylist and scalp specialist in NYC. “It’s a natural oil that closely resembles the sebum our skin and scalp produce,” Macedo explains. Because of this, Macedo says it’s super compatible with our bodies and works great as a balancing treatment — whether you have an oily or dry scalp. While its proven benefits mainly revolve around its help with scalp health, jojoba oil can also strengthen and moisturize hair. However, it’s not the go-to pick for improving hair loss (that’s usually minoxidil). Moisturizes, shines, and balances If you’re dealing with dryness, jojoba oil is fantastic for adding moisture to your scalp,” Macedo says. “Its natural hydrating properties help restore balance, leaving everything healthier and more manageable.” Plus, it adds hella shine. Helps with dandruff “Jojoba oil has been known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its conditioning and emollient properties,” says Kseniya Kobets, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Director of Cosmetics Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. These properties help out with dry, irritating dandruff. This also explains jojoba oil‘s Mexican Indian history as a treatment for sores, which eventually caused researchers to flag its potential for improving skin conditions like acne and psoriasis (but please see a dermatologist for proven treatment options). Strengthens and prevents breakage Though many say that jojoba oil grows hair, this claim is probably tossed around because it helps moisturize hair follicles — which can keep dryness at bay. A dry environment can be a breeding ground for breakage, hair loss, and dandruff. Also, your split ends say hello — jojoba oil can help by restoring hair health overall. Helps oily scalps too “If your scalp gets oily quickly after washing,” Macedo says, “It could be because your scalp is overcompensating, thinking it doesn’t have enough moisture and needs to produce more oil.” She says adding jojoba oil helps signal to your scalp that it has enough, which can slow down excess oil production. How to use jojoba for hair Although you can apply jojoba oil to the length and tips of your hair, Macedo says she prefers to use it only for the scalp, saying that other oils, like argan oil, will work better for the length. Here;s how Macedo recommends using jojoba oil: Massage a few drops of jojoba oil directly onto your scalp to help balance oil production and moisturize. Leave it in for at least 30 minutes before rinsing, or for a more intensive treatment, leave it overnight. Combine jojoba oil with rosemary oil for a booster hair mask. You can also buy shampoos or conditions that already have it! Jojoba oil is a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into various hair care routines, providing a natural and nourishing way to address scalp and hair concerns. Its uses extend beyond hair care, as it is also used in skincare products for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. The effectiveness of jojoba oil for hair and scalp health highlights the importance of using natural ingredients in hair care, which can lead to healthier and more sustainable beauty practices.