When I decided to go natural, I knew I needed a good, pure oil. After some research jojoba became my oil of choice.  Two key factors sold me on jojoba: 

a)    The fact that jojoba is the only oil whose molecular structure is similar to sebum (the oil that the scalp naturally produces) and 

b)     It has a very long shelf life. The only oils I know to have longer are castor oil and coconut oil.[i] I shouldn’t have really cared about shelf life because as it turns out I go through my bottles pretty rapidly!

Jojoba oil is derived from the seeds of evergreen jojoba shrubs (Simmondsia chinensis). It is native to Arizona, California and Mexico.

It is one of the most nutrient rich and expensive botanical oils. Its benefits to hair include:[ii]

1.     It is readily accepted by the scalp and does not mess with the scalp’s natural balance. This is because of its similar molecular structure to sebum (the scalp's natural oil).

2.     It is reputed to have antibacterial properties. It soothes the scalp and can be used to treat dry scalp problems and dandruff. 

3.     It is composed of 98% monounsaturated fats and 2% saturated fats so it can penetrate the hair follicle and strengthen hair fibres from the inside. 

4.     Jojoba also hydrates hair from the inside of the hair shaft. So it works well as an agent for reducing hygral fatigue (the swelling and shrinking of hair as it it gets wet and dries that can weaken the hair fibre over time).

5.     As a conditioner jojoba helps to add shine, elasticity and softness to hair.

6.     Jojoba can be used to add volume to thinning hair. It adds volume and body to hair strands thereby giving an appearance of thickness. That said, note that if you have thin hair you can’t convert it to thick hair. That’s genetically predetermined.

7.     You can mix jojoba oil with essential oils and massage the mixture into the scalp to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and encourage hair growth. I do this almost daily; jojoba is light and non-greasy. 

8.     Jojoba is an emollient – it fills in cracks that are on the surface of the hair cuticle, i.e. ithelps to repair hair damaged by heat and styling.

How can you use jojoba?

If you are using a shampoo that strips your hair, add a couple of tablespoons of jojoba oil to it. In this way your hair won’t get sucked (too) dry.

Neno Natural’s Hair Growth Stimulator is composed of 50% jojoba and 50% grapeseed oil as the base.

Chemical composition:[iii]

Very high in monounsaturated fatty acids (98% of total fatty acids); also rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E (very rich in), Myristic Acid (a saturated fatty acid), Plant Wax (similar to sebum).

As you’re shopping for your jojoba note that unrefined jojoba is golden (you want this type); refined jojoba is clear and odourless.

Jojoba oil can be healthy for the skin in a variety of ways:

•    As an anti-bacterial—Just as Native Americans have known for centuries, jojoba oil is very effective in preventing and treating infections of the skin. Long before modern medicine produced topical treatments to treat infections, jojoba oil was doing just that for Native tribes throughout Mexico and the American Southwest.

•    As an anti-inflammatory—Jojoba oil reduces the painful swelling and redness that so often accompanies a skin injury. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it an effective treatment for acne.

•    As a moisturizer—Because jojoba oil is so similar to the natural oils that our bodies produce on a regular basis, it’s particularly effective as a moisturizer. It’s easily absorbed and leaves the skin feeling soft and supple. Jojoba oil is often used by masseuses because it’s non-greasy and pleasant smelling. This all-natural moisturizer is particularly effective for treating dry skin or helping to create a more youthful appearance for people with aging skin.

•    As an acne treatment—Jojoba oil can benefit younger skin just as much as it benefits older skin. Acne, typically a problem for teenagers, is usually characterized by pimples and clogged pores. These blemishes can eventually become infected if not treated appropriately. Since many over-the-counter skin products contain animal fat, they can actually make acne even worse. But jojoba oil is non-greasy, and because it’s a natural antiseptic, it’s a very effective treatment for acne. Jojoba oil both cleanses and moisturizes the skin at the same time.

While there’s no doubt that jojoba oil is a completely natural, healthy treatment for the skin, it can also be expensive. If you decide to try it for yourself, use it sparingly—a little bit goes a long way. And even though it may be a little pricey, the results are worth every penny!

Try it and see the difference now!!