How to Use Jojoba Oil for Hair Growth

2011-02-26

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Jojoba oil is a natural substance that is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba tree, an evergreen desert shrub that is native to Mexico, Arizona and California. Although grouped with other natural oils, jojoba is distinctly different. It was used by the Native Americans who lived in the hot and dry Sonora Desert for skin and hair moisturizing and nourishing, as well as for the treatment of sunburn and minor cuts. Why is jojoba so beneficial and well-known as a treatment for skin conditions as well as for hair loss and dry, damaged hair?

This botanical extract consists of monounsaturated liquid wax esters, resulting in an easily absorbable, skin-friendly lubricant, unlike other oils which contain triglycerides and tend to be oily or greasy. It also acts to balance the skin and scalp by managing sebum build-up. This desert substance is undoubtedly good for the hair and scalp, but what about using jojoba oil for hair growth? Can jojoba actually be used to treat and prevent hair loss?

The Balancing Power of Jojoba

The reason that jojoba oil can be used to encourage hair growth is that it normalizes the skin’s own natural oil production. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands of the skin to keep skin and hair from drying out. When sebum production is low, hair can become dry and brittle. When it is excessive, the skin’s own oil can clog hair follicles and form into hardened build-up. This also leads to poor growth and fragile hair.

This is where jojoba comes in to save the day. Jojoba quickly penetrates to the scalp and hair shaft, moisturizing, nourishing and dissolving

build-up. It takes care of not only hardened sebum, but also environmental and hair care residues that may have accumulated on the hair follicles. This cleansing action allows hair follicles to function properly, encouraging hair growth, strength and suppleness. Using jojoba oil in hair care products or in homemade treatments will promote clean, silky, healthy hair.

How to Use Jojoba Oil

There are different ways to take advantage of the healing benefits of jojoba for hair growth. You can simply use a small amount of pure jojoba oil and massage it into the scalp. The massage will also improve blood flow to the scalp, which will stimulate hair growth as well. This can be done before shampooing hair. You can also add jojoba oil to your shampoo. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of the jojoba, adding to your shampoo before rubbing into hair.

To make a hot oil treatment with jojoba oil for hair growth use:

2 tablespoons jojoba oil
3 drops rosemary essential oil
3 drops clary sage essential oil
1 cup of very hot water

Pour the jojoba oil and essential oils into a small, sealable glass jar or plastic bag. Set the jar or bag in the water for ten to fifteen minutes. Wet hair slightly and then massage the warm oil into the hair and scalp for two to three minutes. Wrap your head with a towel and relax for twenty minutes, allowing the jojoba and essential oils to condition, cleanse, and stimulate. This is a great time to use a homemade face mask to nourish your skin as well. Rinse hair and shampoo and condition as normal.

Jojoba oil is wonderful for naturally promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Try a scalp massage or hot oil treatment once a week and add jojoba oil to your shampoo. For dry, damaged, thinning and brittle hair, this botanical extraction may have more benefits for your hair then you may think, simply by managing sebum build-up.