First used to treat sores and cuts by Native Americans, jojoba has been used for centuries as a natural healing agent. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, an increase in environmental awareness brought jojoba into the limelight as a valuable cosmetic ingredient. Laws were enforced to protect endangered species, such as the Sperm Whale, whose spermaceti waxes were highly valued in cosmetic applications. Fortunately, scientists soon found that jojoba oil could not only replace spermaceti wax, but was actually superior to it. Currently, jojoba is found in many organic beauty products because of its unmatched similarity to oil found on human skin and hair.
Jojoba sets itself apart from other hair product ingredients because it aids in both cleansing and conditioning, even preventing hair loss.
Many scalp related problems occur due to hardened sebum build-up that clogs hair follicles. Failure to remove this residue eventually obstructs the follicle’s ability to function properly, leading to loss of the hair shaft. Because jojoba has anti-bacterial properties as well as a low comedogenic (pore-clogging) factor, it is ideal for thoroughly cleansing the hair and scalp. Shampoos containing jojoba loosen hardened build-up, leaving follicles clean and ready to resume their natural functions.
Jojoba oil is a unique conditioner due to hypo-allergenic qualities absent in most natural moisturizers, such as almond oil. Its keratoplastic make-up creates a shimmering effect that enhances natural color and shine. As mentioned before, jojoba has a long-standing reputation as a healing ingredient for skin afflictions. It also does wonders for damaged hair in the form of treatments and leave-in conditioners.
There are several hair products containing jojoba in a variety of forms. The ISH Ionic Rescue line actually crystallizes jojoba into small beads called HRC (Hair Renewal Crystals). When used with a heated appliance, the beads melt and infuse their moisture into the hair shaft, repairing brittle and damaged ends. Used regularly, jojoba-rich products improve hair and scalp quality, leaving strands brilliant and supple
By: Kristen