How to Use Jojoba Oil to Enhance Dry Hair

Co-authored by Kana Ishii

Last Updated: March 1, 2022 References

Jojoba oil comes from an herb that grows in the middle of the desert. This amazing oil is usually used to treat and condition hair and skin. If your hair is dry and damaged try incorporating jojoba oil into your beauty routine. You’ll have glowing, beautiful locks in no time!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Applying Jojoba Oil as a Leave-In Treatment

1
Purchase jojoba oil. Jojoba oil can be found at specialty herbal shops, beauty supply stores, and nicer grocery stores. Most stores stock it in the skincare section. Look for pure jojoba oil instead of beauty products with jojoba oil in them. If you’re having trouble finding it ask a store associate for help.
- Alternatively, you can use argan oil for moisturizing dry hair without making it look greasy.^{[1]
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  Expert Source
  
  Kana Ishii
  Licensed Cosmetologist
  Expert Interview. 22 December 2021.}
2
Determine how often you will treat your hair. If your hair is damaged and dry, start by doing a leave-in treatment once a week. If your hair is dry but not very damaged, do a treatment every two or three weeks. If you start to notice that your hair looks limp and oily, do the treatments less often. Inversely, if your hair still seems dry, do the treatments more often.
- If you do too many treatments and your hair looks oily, shampoo your hair to remove the excess oil.
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3
Apply the oil to your scalp. First, dip your fingertips into the bowl of oil. Next, massage the oil into your scalp. Make sure to cover the easy-to-miss spots behind your ears and at the nape of your neck. Focus on covering every inch of your scalp and the first half-inch of hair growth.^{[2]
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- Bend over forward to reach your roots more easily.
4
Apply the oil to your ends. Once your scalp is saturated with oil, apply it to the rest of your hair. Pour out some jojoba oil into your palm and work it into your hair. Apply a thick coat from roots to tips. Depending on how thick your hair is, you may need to use more jojoba oil than you might expect.
- When in doubt, use more jojoba oil than you think you’ll need. It’s better to apply too much than not enough.
5
Let the treatment soak into your hair before washing. You can leave the oil treatment in your hair from 20 minutes to overnight. The longer you leave the treatment in your hair the more time the oil will have to soften your dry locks. Next, wash your hair normally. If you have a lot of trouble washing out the oil you may have to shampoo your hair twice.^{[3]
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- If you leave the treatment in your hair overnight, wear a shower cap to protect your pillowcase from oil stains.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Washing your Hair with Jojoba Oil

1
Mix the oil with shampoo or conditioner. If you want a daily moisture boost, try mixing jojoba oil with your favorite shampoo or conditioner. First, pour a small amount of shampoo or conditioner into a small bowl. Next, add a few drops of jojoba oil. Mix the ingredients together with a spoon until they’re completely blended. Wash your hair and style it normally.
- The more damaged your hair is, the more jojoba oil you should add. Experiment with different amounts to see what works for you.
2
Make your own jojoba oil conditioner. Mix together a 1 ¼ teaspoon of Guar gum, ¾ teaspoon jojoba oil, and a cup of distilled water into a bottle. A few drops of other nourishing mineral oils such as lavender and sandalwood can be added as well. Shake the bottle well to combine the ingredients. Use the mixture as a conditioner after shampooing.^{[4]
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- Guar gum can be purchased at most herbal shops, nicer grocery stores, and online.
3
Make your own jojoba oil shampoo. First, make a tea by boiling ½ cup distilled water and 2 tablespoons of dried peppermint leaves and letting it steep for 20 minutes. Strain the tea and pour it into a large bottle. Mix in ¼ cup of liquid castile soap, 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin, ½ teaspoon jojoba oil, and ½ teaspoon of honey. Shake the bottle well to combine the ingredients.^{[5]
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- Liquid castile soap and vegetable glycerin can be found in boutique herbal shops, larger grocery stores, and online.
- If you can’t find dried peppermint leaves, substitute herbal peppermint tea. Just be sure that the only ingredient is peppermint.

Community Q&A

Question

Will jojoba oil help my hair grow?

Community Answer

Jojoba oil combats dryness and makes the hair healthy, as it's similar to the oils produced by the body. If you're looking for something to speed up growth, try castor oil instead.
Question

Is jojoba oil good for bleached-blonde hair? My hair is very dry.

Community Answer

Jojoba oil will be great for your hair, but after using it, shampoo very well. Finish off by using cold water.
Question

Does jojoba oil affect colored hair?

Community Answer

In a good way, yes, as it will help to make your hair much softer and moisturized.