Jojoba Oil for Hair Growth

The desert plant jojoba, or Simmondsia chinensis, produces a liquid wax commonly known as jojoba oil. Its composition is similar to sebum, the body's naturally-produced moisturizer and hair conditioner. This oil can be purchased in health foods stores, and is included in many moisturizing and hair care products, as well as some topical hair growth treatments. Jojoba oil provides improvements for hair loss caused by skin conditions.

Function

• Jojoba is a traditional treatment in many cultures for relieving skin problems and promoting hair growth. It is effective in reducing dandruff and for moisturizing very dry skin.

Hair Sealant

• Although many websites state that jojoba oil penetrates the hair shaft to make it thicker, this type of oil does not actually penetrate hair. However, it seals in moisture, and thus can make each hair stronger and thicker, and prevent breakage.

Genetics

• Bill Seemiller of the Hair Loss Learning Center confirms that jojoba oil cannot treat genetic hair loss, which is responsible for almost all hair loss problems.

Sebum Build-Up

• A main benefit from jojoba is its ability to disintegrate crusted sebum build-up on the scalp which can cause hair breakage and follicle blockage and, in turn, hair loss.

Non-Genetic Factors

• Seemiller explains that jojoba oil can be beneficial for people losing hair because of non-genetic factors such as scalp dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, severe dandruff or sebum build-up.