How Does Jojoba Oil Help with Hair Loss When Applied to the Scalp?

Hair loss is one of the most common cosmetic concerns worldwide, and millions of people look for natural solutions to strengthen and protect their hair. Among the many oils promoted for scalp care, jojoba oil stands out as a popular choice. Extracted from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis shrub, which grows in arid regions of North America, jojoba oil has a chemical structure very close to the natural oils produced by human skin. This similarity has led many to believe it may help restore scalp balance, protect follicles, and possibly reduce hair shedding. But what does the research really say?

Why Jojoba Oil Attracts Attention in Hair Loss Discussions

Unlike heavier oils, jojoba oil is not technically a “true oil” but a liquid wax ester. This means that its molecular composition resembles sebum, the natural oily substance our scalp produces to keep skin and hair hydrated. Because of this, jojoba oil absorbs more easily and does not leave the scalp greasy. Many commercial shampoos and conditioners use jojoba oil as an ingredient, claiming it can moisturize the scalp, reduce flaking, and protect against hair breakage. The reasoning behind applying jojoba oil for hair loss is not that it blocks hormones like dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—the main driver of androgenetic alopecia—but rather that it supports scalp health, which indirectly influences how well follicles can grow hair. Healthy follicles need a balanced microenvironment: free from excess dryness, microbial overgrowth, or inflammation.

Evidence from Laboratory Studies

The majority of research on jojoba oil does not come from large human trials but from cell culture studies and animal experiments. These studies provide clues but must be interpreted with caution. A study by Habashy et al. (2005) tested jojoba oil’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in laboratory settings using animal models. They observed that jojoba extracts reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are processes that can contribute to follicle miniaturization and hair loss. However, this study did not directly measure hair growth, and it was performed in animals, not humans. This means its relevance to scalp application in people remains uncertain.

Another line of evidence comes from jojoba oil’s antimicrobial activity. A study by Caceres et al. (2010) tested jojoba oil against fungal and bacterial strains in vitro (outside the body, in lab dishes). The oil demonstrated inhibitory effects against certain microbes, including Staphylococcus aureus. Since scalp inflammation and fungal overgrowth (such as Malassezia) can contribute to conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis **both of which are linked to increased shedding—jojoba oil may indirectly reduce hair loss by maintaining a healthier scalp microbiome. Still, the results were lab-based, not clinical. **

Human Evidence: What Do We Know?

When it comes to direct studies in humans, the evidence is limited and mostly indirect. One of the only human-related mentions of jojoba oil comes from its inclusion in formulations tested for hair conditioning and scalp hydration, rather than stand-alone clinical trials for hair regrowth. A clinical review by Gavazzoni Dias (2015) discussed vegetable oils in hair cosmetics, including jojoba. The author noted that jojoba oil is widely used because of its similarity to human sebum and its ability to form a protective layer that reduces water loss from the scalp. This can prevent brittleness and breakage. However, the review emphasized that there is no strong clinical evidence proving jojoba oil can reverse or slow genetic hair loss.

Could Jojoba Oil Support Other Treatments?

While jojoba oil does not block DHT like finasteride or stimulate follicles like minoxidil, it may still play a supportive role. Because it can dissolve sebum and unclog hair follicles, jojoba oil might help improve absorption of topical medications when used together. In addition, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may protect follicles from secondary stressors such as pollution, sun damage, or scalp irritation. Some community reports on platforms like Tressless suggest that jojoba oil works best when combined with established treatments rather than used on its own. For example, users sometimes mix jojoba oil with topical minoxidil to reduce irritation and dryness. While these reports are anecdotal, they reflect how jojoba oil is used in real-world hair care routines.

References

Caceres, M., Hidalgo, M. E., Stashenko, E., Torres, R., & Jaime, L. (2010). Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of jojoba oil. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 22(2), 129–133. https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.2010.9700285

Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/

Habashy, R. R., Abdel-Naim, A. B., Khalifa, A. E., & Al-Azizi, M. M. (2005). Anti-inflammatory effects of jojoba liquid wax in experimental animals. Pharmacological Research, 51(2), 95–105. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15588671/

For community experiences with jojoba oil and hair loss: Tressless. (n.d.). Jojoba. Retrieved September 29, 2025, from https://tressless.com/search/jojoba