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Jojoba oil and Argan oil are both promoted as hair care oils (as well as being promoted as skin care oils).
In this article we are going to try to decipher which is better as a hair care oil. We are going to compare the chemical composition of the two oils, and look at how each effects hair health.
First let’s learn more about these two oils, where they come from and how they are processed.
What is Argan Oil?
The Argan tree grows exclusively in the country of Morroco. Argan trees are an endangered tree that are now being protected because of Argan oil production. The kernels from the Argan nut contain the oil that we use.
For centuries, the people of Morrocco have used Argan oil, both as a cooking oil, and a beauty oil.
The world-wide popularity of Argan oil has helped the women of Morroco by creating jobs. Women’s cooperatives have sprung up to harvest and process this in-demand oil. The harvesting and processing of Argan oil is very labor intensive and is mostly done by hand.
=> Click to Learn More About Argan Oil <=
What is Jojoba Oil?
Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax ester, rather than an “oil”. We refer to it as an oil because of its consistency.
Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis plant that grows in Mexico and Southern USA. These plants can live for hundreds of years and grow in very harsh climates, making it a very sustainable industry.
The harvesting of Jojoba oil has helped stop the killing of whales. Whales used to be hunted for their liquid wax esters, almost to the point of extinction. When Jojoba oil was discovered to be superior to whale oil, it was used instead.
=> Click to Learn More About Jojoba Oil<=
Argan Oil For Hair Health
Argan oil is rich in Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that stimulates cell growth and encourages healthy hair development. It increases elasticity, and reduces breakage.
Argan oil moisturizes the hair and scalp. It can be used to treat dandruff and dry scalp. It encourages the growth of strong, healthy hair, while repairing any damage that your hair may have.
Argan oil tames frizz, while making your hair shiny and more manageable. It is non-irritating and helps keep your hair from breaking and splitting.
Argan oil is excellent as a leave-in-conditioner. It makes your hair soft and sleek, without making it greasy. Argan oil absorbs deep into your hair, carrying nutrients and fatty acids into your hair’s core.
Jojoba Oil for Hair Health
Jojoba oil is an excellent scalp moisturizer, it absorbs deep into your skin, and doesn’t evaporate like water-based moisturizers do. Jojoba oil strengthens your follicle shaft, leading to healthier hair growth.
Jojoba oil closely resembles our skin’s own sebum, and helps regulate our skin’s oil production. This makes it a great aid for those with oily scalps. It can help balance your scalp’s oil production.
Hair follicles clogged with sebum can cause hair breakage and stunted hair growth. Jojoba oil penetrates the hair follicles, clearing these blockages, and in turn, reduces hair loss and stimulates hair growth.
Jojoba oil improves micro-circulation in the scalp and encourages the development of new hair cells. It is also anti-fungal, making it helpful for those suffering from psoriasis and scalp dermatitis.
Jojoba oil is great for treating damaged and dry hair, it tames frizz and makes hair shiny and soft.
Recommended Oils
Organic and Fair Trade Argan oil
Organic, 100% Pure Jojoba oil
Comparing Argan Oil and Jojoba Oil – Which is Better?
Shelf Life:
- Argan oil has a shelf life of 2 years
- Jojoba oil has a shelf life of 5 years
Fatty Acids
Argan Oil:
Palmitic- 11.5 – 15% Stearic- 4.3 – 7.2% Oleic- 43 – 49.1% Linoleic- 29.3 – 36%Jojoba Oil:
Erucic- 13.6% Gadoleic- 71.3% Oleic- 11.2% Linolenic – 0.2% Stearic – 7%What do these fatty acids do?
- Linoleic acid – provides a protective barrier, strengthening and repairing the hair. It stimulate hair growth and controls water loss.
- Oleic Acid – controls water loss and makes your strands softer and more pliable.
- Gadoleic acid – mimics human sebum, good for the scalp and penetrating into the skin.
- Stearic Acid – improves moisture retention.
Unique Strengths
Jojoba Oil
- Anti-fungal, helps regulate oil production and breaks up congested follicles.
- High percentage of iodine, giving it great healing power.
- Allows our skin to “breathe” because it is absorbed, rather than just sitting on the surface.
Argan Oil
- Contains carotenoids, potent antioxidants that promote healthy tissues.
- Contains squalene. Squalene is a non-greasy conditioning agent.
- High in vitamin E, a strong antioxidant
How to do an Oil Treatment for Your Hair
Conclusion
From my research and reading I have come to the conclusion that: Jojoba oil is better than Argan oil for stimulating hair growth and dealing with scalp problems. Jojoba oil is cheaper, making it more practical to use in full head treatments. Jojoba oil also balances scalp oil production and helps with hair growth. Argan oil is better than Jojoba oil for use on your hair ends, to give you some shine and help with manageability, but it is quite expensive to use on your whole head.Who Wins?
If you want to prevent split ends and increase softness and manageability - Try Argan Oil
If you have problems with itchy scalp or want to do full head treatments - Try Jojoba Oil
Diaby says
Thank you for the breakdown, andrea! I currently use argan oil on the scalp before hitting the bed. Will try to add to in jojoba oil to my hair regimen at some point as well. Appreciate the addition of the product links as well.
Andrea says
You are very welcome Diaby 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! I love using argan oil in my hair, it makes it so soft and manageable.
Jazhel says
Thanks for information andrea.. I really confused which is better for my hair and scalp because im losing a lot of hair after giving birth and having dandruff as well specially this winter dry season.. I’ll follow your advice.. thanks..
Andrea says
I would use jojoba oil for your hair and scalp, as it is more affordable.
Rachita Tripathi says
Hi Andrea. Thank you for extensively articulating the difference between these 2 oils.
I have been thinking of buying one of these oils but have been confused between the two. Could you please suggest one for my thin, dry, frizzy, wavy hair with dry, dandruff-prone scalp?
Both these oils are expensive here in India but jojoba is a bit more affordable.
Thank you 🙂
Andrea says
I am partial to Argan oil myself, I just love the way it makes my hair feel 🙂 Either one will probably work, so you could go for what is more affordable 🙂
Sameera says
Hi Andrea. Thank you for this informative post. I have a question, I’m using jojoba as a facial moisturizer from 2-3 months. And recently I got argan oil as well. But I find my argan oil a bit heavier than jojoba oil (buy it absorbs faster than jojoba) and it has no smell. Can you please tell me the difference between these both oils in terms of consistency and smell?
Andrea says
Hi Sameera, jojoba oil has a bit more of a waxy feel to me than argan oil. This is because jojoba oil is actually a wax more than an oil. Argan oil is heavier because of its oleic acid content, but it will absorb well. Argan oil has a mild nutty scent, it should absorb easily without leaving a greasy or sticky residue. Jojoba oil has a slightly earthy scent, it feels very light and much like the oil your skin naturally produces.
I hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!