Are you familiar with jojoba oil & argan oil? You may have heard them referenced in hair product commercials or perhaps in passing at your local hair salon when the stylists are debating which trendy new products for natural hair work best.
Both oils are chock-full of vitamins & antioxidants & are known to do wonders for natural curls & coils. But which one takes the cake? In the debate between argan oil vs jojoba oil for hair, how can you know which will work best for you?
In all honesty, both of these natural oils offer a plethora of benefits, & your strands would be eternally grateful if you incorporated either one—or even both—into your hair care routine. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about jojoba vs argan oil, including what they are, what benefits serums for curly hair can provide & how to apply them to your curly tresses.
Jojoba vs Argan Oil: What Are They?
So, what exactly are these oils & why are they so popular when it comes to curly hair care? Let’s break down each type of carrier oil to give you a better idea of why they’re sought after.
What is Jojoba Oil?
When walking through the beauty aisle, you may notice various products with the words jojoba oil listed proudly on their front labels—& for good reason! Full of vitamins that moisturize & nourish your hair & skin, jojoba oil can be found in countless self care products.
Coming directly from the seeds of the jojoba plant, jojoba oil is an oily wax that became popular in the 1970s, especially for cosmetic use.1 Fast forward to today, where jojoba has only continued to gain momentum. You can find jojoba oil in just about any type of cosmetic product, including:
- Lipsticks
- Moisturizers
- Face creams
- Hair care products
Why is jojoba so popular?
When it comes to hair care, jojoba prevents the loss of moisture by creating a protective layer on the outside of your hair shaft. And, unlike other oils, it easily rinses out of your hair so you can easily avoid unwanted buildup on your scalp & in your hair.2
What is Argan Oil?
Like jojoba oil, you’ve probably seen argan oil listed as an ingredient in various self care products.
This popular natural oil comes from the argan tree, which originates in Morocco. For hundreds of years, Moroccan natives completed the labor-intensive process of retrieving argan oil from inside nuts produced by the argan tree so that they could use it for both cooking & cosmetic purposes.
More recently, argan oil has become a popular addition to hair products, in particular, for its ability to:
- Improve overall scalp health
- Give hair a more vibrant shine
Argan oil has even been used as a remedy for hair loss.3 Perhaps that’s why it has the aptly titled moniker, liquid gold.
Argan Oil vs Jojoba Oil: What Are the Benefits?
After spending hours on Google searching for answers to questions like “What is hair serum?” and “How do hair oils differ from serums?” you’ve come to the conclusion that oils like Jojoba and Argan are calling your name. If you’re simply looking for a product that can add moisture, prevent dandruff, protect your hair & more, look no further. Below, we cover some of the benefits you can expect from both of these instrumental oils:
Provides Additional Moisture
Interested in keeping those luscious curls hydrated & healthy all year long? We know we are, & we know just what will get the job done–jojoba oil & argan oil.
The moisturizing properties of these carrier oils are extremely beneficial for curly & coily hair types. Because of their smaller-sized hair follicles, both types of hair often experience dryness. This explains why you may find it challenging to keep the mid-shaft & ends of each strand moisturized.4 Adding jojoba & argan oil to your daytime or night time curly hair routine makes it easier to attain & maintain hydrated hair.
Here’s a breakdown of how each oil provides your curls with the moisture they crave:
- Jojoba – You can use jojoba oil to moisturize your hair from root to tip. Jojoba oil not only provides moisture, but it also locks this moisture in for long-lasting protection. This can help fight against everyday environmental aggressors, like polluted air, which can lead to sensitive scalp syndrome.5
- Argan – Containing essential fatty acid, argan oil helps to lubricate the hair cuticle, which can minimize dryness & make your hair shinier & softer.
Prevents Dandruff
If you’ve noticed an itchy, flaky, or dry scalp you might be suffering from dandruff. Luckily, jojoba & argan oil both contain properties that can ease your discomfort & prevent the likelihood of a repeat occurrence.
Jojoba oil contains palmitic acid, which helps condition & hydrate your hair.6 With added hydration, you’re more likely to stop those irritating flakes from making an appearance.
Consider applying a few drops of our Jojoba Oil Blend to your scalp 15 to 20 minutes before shampooing to add moisture before your wash. You can also use a small amount after washing your hair to provide deep conditioning. Trust us— your curls & scalp will thank you.
Argan oil is also useful in that it can lessen the inflammation that contributes to a dry & itchy scalp. You can use PATTERN’s Argan Oil Blend as a scalp exfoliation by:
- Applying a few drops directly to your scalp
- Massaging the oil into your scalp
- Letting your scalp soak in those vitamins & minerals (don’t worry about rinsing it out)
Protects Your Hair
As we mentioned earlier, jojoba oil & argan oil are also known for their ability to protect your hair from future damage. This includes damage caused by:
- Heat – If you use heat-related products on your curls from time to time, adding jojoba oil to your arsenal of hair products can help protect your hair against potential heat damage. Argan oil is also a great option because it can withstand higher temperatures.
- Hair color – Adding color to your hair is an exciting way to mix things up & make a bold statement, but it can be challenging to maintain the vibrancy of your new color. Fortunately, jojoba oil can extend the length of your color’s intensity, giving you more time between touch ups—and the less often you color your hair, the healthier your hair follicle will be in the long run.
- Sunlight – Too much sun exposure can cause your hair to become brittle, dry & hard to manage. To avoid this type of sun damage, you can use products with argan oil. For instance, you can try putting a few drops of argan oil into your hair before heading to the beach. The oil & sun will work in unison to create a natural hot oil hair treatment. By the time you get home, your hair will have absorbed the oil’s vitamins, minerals & antioxidants.
Aids in Hair Growth
Another one of jojoba oil’s most helpful properties is its ability to cleanse the pores of the skin—and that includes the skin on your head. In fact, you can use jojoba oil to help dissolve any dirt buildup on your scalp, as well as sebum buildup.
Your body naturally produces sebum to moisturize & protect your skin, but sometimes, it produces more than necessary. This can cause your hair follicles to clog & hinder your hair’s ability to grow.
So, if you use jojoba oil to get rid of any excess sebum on your scalp, your hair is more likely to grow longer, faster.
Jojoba Oil vs Argan Oil: How To Apply
There are a few different ways to use each type of oil, depending on your preference & the intended effect you’re hoping to achieve. From leave-in treatments & sprays to hair masks & conditioners, here are some of the ways you can apply jojoba & argan oil to your hair:
- Use as a protective spray – You can use an argan oil spray to protect your hair against heat-related damage, such as split ends & breakage. Before you begin styling with a heating tool, spray the mid-shaft & ends of your hair with an argan oil spray to add a light protective layer to the outside of your hair’s cuticles.
- Add to other products – Jojoba oil works well alone, but you can also add it to other products to boost their moisturizing powers. Try adding a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner & mixing the two together before applying the mixture as you normally would. You can also add it to other products, such as our Leave In Conditioner or Styling Cream to further enhance your curls & make them more defined.
- Apply as a hair mask – An argan oil hair mask can keep your scalp healthy & strengthen your hair. Begin by deciding whether you want to mix your argan oil blend with a product like our curly hair mask or use it on its own. Then, carefully apply to damp hair, going from root to tip. Wrap your hair in a shower cap & leave it on for as little as five minutes or as long as overnight, depending on your preference. When you’re ready, rinse out the mask in the shower for fuller, livelier curls.
Give Your Hair the Protection It Deserves with PATTERN
When it comes down to it, it doesn’t need to be a competition. Instead of saying jojoba vs argan oil, we should say jojoba & argan oil. They’re both beneficial oils for curly hair & can help you get one step closer to achieving your natural hair goals.
At PATTERN, we offer a variety of natural hair care products created with you in mind. If you’re not sure which oil is right for your hair type, try one of our hair care bundles, perfect for curly, coily & tight-textured patterns.
Treat your hair to the care it deserves with PATTERN.
Sources:
- White, Adrian. "Jojoba Oil for Hair: How It Works." Healthline. 29 September, 2018. https://www.healthline.com/health/jojoba-oil-for-hair#benefits
- Shunatona, Brooke. "Jojoba Oil for Hair: Who Should Use It and How to Apply It." Cosmopolitan. 2 October, 2020. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a34221629/jojoba-oil-for-hair/
- Santos Longhurst, Adrienne. "Does Argan Oil Help Protect Against Hair Loss?" Healthline. 22 February, 2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/argan-oil-for-hair-growth#benefits
- Fregis, Chelsea. "How to Moisturize Coily Hair." Naturally Curly. 17 August, 2012. https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/kinky-hair-type-4a/how-to-moisturize-coily-hair
- "3 Ways Your Lifestyle and Environment Affect Hair Growth." Daily Beast. Updated 17 September, 2019. https://www.thedailybeast.com/3-ways-your-lifestyle-and-environment-affect-hair-growth
- Brady, Krissi. "11 Ways to Use Jojoba Oil for Healthier Skin and Hair, According to Dermatologists." Prevention. 18 November, 2019. https://www.prevention.com/beauty/a29829814/jojoba-oil-benefits/
