Jojoba for Hair and Scalp

Are you wondering how to use jojoba oil for a dry itchy scalp, hair, or dandruff? Jojoba oil is a fantastic natural product and has many benefits for your hair because it conditions hair and scalp, prevents dryness, boosts shine, conditions and strengthens the hair follicle, and restores manageability. It’s non-toxic and safe for the entire family, in fact, it will relieve cradle cap (see this post for more specific info on this use).

Jojoba is often listed on shampoo and conditioner labels as an ingredient because it is so beneficial for hair and scalp. Manufacturers include jojoba in their formulations because it is safe, stable, and mixes well with other ingredients. It gives their products a silky feeling and is known to be good for the skin. However, such formulations do not include sufficient amounts of jojoba to penetrate the hair follicle and scalp. Thus it is best to apply jojoba directly to the scalp and hair prior to shampooing or in very minimal amounts afterward.

Each of us has unique hair and scalp conditions. We suggest the following routines when using jojoba oil for dry scalp, hair, and dandruff (including facial hair):

• • Massage a teaspoon or more jojoba into scalp and hair, letting it soak in for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight, then shampoo. The feel of your hair will tell you whether you wish to lather up once or twice.

• • For deep conditioning: Warm jojoba to body temperature, massage it into damp hair and scalp, towel-wrap hair, maintaining warmth and permitting jojoba to penetrate prior to shampooing.

• • If you have very thick hair, apply jojoba after shampooing and toweling dry and leave in. One or two drops of jojoba will be sufficient for use after washing. Start by massaging jojoba into ends of hair and then move up towards the scalp. Applying jojoba after washing will also help eliminate frizz and calm static.

• • During the day, thoroughly rub a drop or two of jojoba into your hands and then pass your hands through your hair and scalp paying particular attention to ends.

• • Jojoba is also great as a beard conditioner (alone or mixed with essential oils). We have recipes for Stress Less Beard Oil and Gin & Tonic Beard Oil on the blog.

If your hair feels greasy or oily after using jojoba it is because you are using too much jojoba. A little goes a long way, start with a drop and work up. If you want to know how to get started using jojoba oil for your hair & dry scalp, we recommend an 8oz pump bottle

Stay tuned to the blog for an essential oil mix just for hair. We suggest the following routines when using jojoba oil for a dry itchy scalp, hair, or dandruff (including facial hair):