Friday, November 27, 2009

Almond Oil Vs Jojoba Oil For Natural Hair

Natural hair care products such as naturally derived plant oils give you the peace of mind of a chemical free hair treatment. Almond and jojoba oils have moisturizing properties that combat dry, frizzy hair. They can restore or complement your hair's natural oil and decrease the chance of breakage.


Origin


Jojoba oil is derived from the jojoba, a shrub native to the American Southwest and northern Mexico. It is actually a wax ester, similar to beeswax and sperm whale oil, not an oil. It is naturally a thick, golden liquid, which is processed into a lighter clear liquid for hair-care products. Almond oil is the oil derived from the nut of the almond tree. It has a light texture and a milky, golden appearance. Both contain vitamin E, which promotes healthy hair.


Moisturizing


Almond and jojoba oil both moisturize your hair by attaching to and penetrating the hair. The makeup of jojoba oil is similar to the natural oil produced on your scalp, and you should use it sparingly because overuse can result in oily hair. Almond oil is lighter, so you can apply it more easily than the thicker jojoba oil. They are both ideal for frizzy hair since they soften strands of hair and make them straighter.


Scalp Condition








Your scalp, or the skin on top of your head, relies on the oil produced by glands attached to the hair follicles for moisture. If they are not producing enough oil, the skin becomes dry and flaky, causing dandruff. Jojoba oil is an ideal product to use on your scalp because it acts like the natural oils do to moisturize the skin. Almond oil will moisturize the scalp but it washes away with shampoo, which often leaves the scalp as dry as it was before.


Products


Almond oil is widely available in hair care products such as shampoo and conditioner, which are available at grocery stores and big box retailers. Jojoba oil is somewhat harder to find, though many health food stores carry it. Some shampoos and moisturizers containing jojoba oil are available, or you can buy the oil and add a small amount to your favorite product. You also can use either almond or jojoba oil alone by applying it to your hair and rubbing or combing it in. Almond oil is less expensive than jojoba oil since almonds are a more prevalent resource. Jojoba oils tend to be organic and made in small batches, which raises the price.

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