Jojoba Oil Treatment For The Scalp

Derived from seeds of a plant native to the American Southwest, jojoba oil has gained fame in the cosmetic industry as an all-purpose hair and skin oil for cleansing and moisturizing. Native Americans first discovered the oil in the early 18th century, using it for a variety of topical purposes, including as a hair and scalp treatment and hair restorative, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." Trichologists and aromatherapy experts now recognize the many benefits of jojoba oil for promoting a healthy scalp and improving hair growth and condition.

Composition and Qualities

Jojoba oil is a golden colored oil produced from the seeds of the jojoba shrub cultivated in the deserts of California, Arizona and Mexico. The oil is liquid at room temperature and it resists rancidity. Jojoba oil has a low level of toxicity and risk of causing allergic reactions. Additionally, jojoba oil doesn't break down when exposed to high heat and pressure. The oil has been heated to 370 degrees F for 96 hours without degrading, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine."

Cleansing Benefits

Jojoba oil is structurally similar to sebum, which is secreted by human sebaceous glands to lubricate and protect skin and hair. While sebum production is necessary to moisturize the hair, sebum buildup on the scalp may block hair follicles and slow down normal hair growth, says holistic physician Linda Page in "Healthy Healing." Jojoba oil penetrates the hair follicles to dissolve and remove buildup of sebum from the hair follicles and the scalp. Jojoba oil also can dissolve residue from other hair care styling aids.

Nourishing Benefits

Even as jojoba oil can be used to cleanse the scalp, the oil also can soften and nourish the scalp. If your sebum production declines due to age or stress, jojoba oil can be used to replicate sebum to condition, moisturize and nourish hair, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" In addition to its cleansing benefits, nutrients in jojoba oil, such as zinc, copper, silicon, iodine, chromium, and vitamins E and B, provide antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Scalp Care Usage

Scalp treatments prepared by trichologists, professionals who study and treat diseases of the hair and scalp, often feature jojoba oil as the main oil in products designed to treat scalp disorders such as alopecia. Aromatherapists and scalp care experts also have used jojoba oil also to clear up scalp infections such as cradle cap and protect against dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, according to "Healthy Healing." Therapeutic treatment shampoos and conditioners also include jojoba oil in their formulas for its healing benefits.

Hair Care Usage

In addition to its scalp benefits, aromatherapy expert Erich Keller in his book, "Aromatherapy Handbook for Beauty, Hair and Skin Care," recommends incorporating jojoba oil as a weekly hot oil treatment for damaged hair, split ends or dry hair maintenance. He also advises using jojoba oil in a daily conditioning regimen to hydrate and smooth hair. John Davis, co-founder and director of AG Hair Cosmetics, recommends jojoba oil in daily hair care because it coats and seals the hair cuticle, maintains moisture balance and protects hair from styling damage.