Is Ojon Restorative Treatment Any Good?

by Right Brain on May 24, 2006

Anonymous Asks:
I was curious about what you thought of the Ojon products, specifically their restorative hair treatment. Is this any better than other products, and how would it work to improve your hair?

Try Ojon Now!

The Right Brain Responds:
Ojon’s oil treatment consists of palm oil, fragrance, and a few extracts. It’s particularly interesting because recent research has shown that only SOME oils will actually penetrate the hair. Mineral oil and sunflower oil, for example, will not penetrate.  But coconut oil (which is essentially the same as palm oil) will filter deep into the cortex because it is so similar to hair’s natural lipids.

Why is that a big deal? Because the natural oils in your hair help make it flexible and waterproof. Washing your hair removes some of these natural oils. So it is possible that applying coconut oil to your hair can fight some of the effects of this oil loss. Once inside the hair, the oil serves as a re-fatting agent.

However, this type of conditioning won’t have much effect on the cuticle, the outer layer of hair, so you’ll still need to use a good conditioner to smooth the hair and make it easier to comb.

Is it a good value? Well, that’s another question. Any other coconut oil based product should do about the same job and should be much cheaper. Off hand we can’t recommend any specific brands, but look for products that feature coconut oil as the first ingredient. (If anyone has any recommendations we’d be glad to review them. Just let us know.)

Is there anything to their rain forest hype? Well, their rain forest story seems well intentioned but this ingredient isn’t proven to work any better or any differently than non-rain forest ingredients. Coconut trees only grow in tropical climates, but there’s nothing special about trees from the rain forest. So, if you like Ojon’s products and you want to support their cause AND you can afford the $55 for this product, then by all means buy it. But don’t buy the product just because they tell you their rain forest extract is better.

The Beauty Brains Bottom Line:

We haven’t tested this product but based on recent scientific research, the palm oil used by Ojon should penetrate the hair. Therefore it could protect your hair from over-washing. However, at $55, it’s a bit pricey so shop around for other coconut oil products because you may be able to get the same effect for less money.

Nster.com

{ 85 comments… read them below or add one }

tobina March 5, 2009 at 1:24 pm

Hi Brains!

You write “because recent research has shown that only SOME oils will actually penetrate the hair. Mineral oil and sunflower oil, for example, will not penetrate….. Once inside the hair, the oil serves as a re-fatting agent.”

Can you supply the reference for the study you are referring to.

Many thanks,

Tobina
(cosmetic science student)

Sally Johnson April 16, 2009 at 4:33 pm

Is this the same palm/coconut oil that is causing critical habitat destruction for the orangutans in Borneo?

Miss Lynx April 17, 2009 at 10:01 pm

Count me as another person who uses coconut oil straight up. I don’t see the point in paying a huge amount of money for something that’s mainly just coconut or palm oil when I can get coconut oil for $5 at the health food store.

And it works really well – on my hair type, anyway. My hair is fine in texture, but curly and tends to be quite dry. I use coconut oil like a cross between a styling gel and a leave-in conditioner.

After washing and drying my hair, I take a little dab of coconut oil, rub it between my hands, and then lightly run my fingers over the curls to separate them. Mostly I put in near the ends, but I usually finish by stroking my palms over the upper part of my hair to smooth it down and give it a bit of extra shine.

It feels slightly oily for a little while after I do this, but within an hour or so it’s all soaked in and doesn’t feel oily at all – just shiny and healthy. My hair pretty much drinks it up.

Edith May 2, 2009 at 7:51 pm

I have been using the pure palm nut oil and yes the smell leaves a lot to be desired but every one thinks a million of my hair. If anyone is interested then please contact me for organic palm nut oil we are currently selling at £20 per 100mls. By the way this one is from Central Africa not South America.

Julie June 22, 2009 at 1:11 am

I will not buy ojon products if they use a pesticide (citrunell) as one of the ingredients. I used to use Humectress until they changed the formula two years ago. Does anyone have any other suggestions for very frizzy, dry, curly hard to manage hair?

Sandra June 23, 2009 at 6:27 pm

Where can I get coconut oil for hair applications?

ann all new look June 29, 2009 at 3:36 pm

enjoyed reading the reviews on this subject. I’m a hairdresser and feel that you certainly doing your homework. I will stay on this site, it’s very informative

Theresa September 11, 2009 at 10:47 am

Does ojon contain mineral oils and stuff that could build up and not fit a pure natural hair care?
It’s highly recommended just about everywhere but I want to stick to my all-organic way, so I really need to know because I was planning on ordering soon.
Thank you for your answer (:

SouthWind14 October 22, 2009 at 9:01 am

While we have all heard stories that the United States has 200 years worth of coal in reserves, some recent analyses suggest that this estimate is very much overstated, and that coal production may also decline in a few years. ,

Coder43 October 23, 2009 at 6:50 am

This is the first time Shahrizat has discussed the Penan task force report since her appointment as minister in April. ,

Skyeblue10 November 18, 2009 at 4:15 am

Well, i’ve used pure coconut oil on my hair as well… and NOTHING compares to Ojon. The kind of Palm (Coconut) oil used in Ojon is COMPLETELY different from the kind you get anywhere else, my personal results prove it. I have African-American/relaxed hair, and my hair breaks off at the drop of a hat. It would have to be cut, and my hair would start growing instantly, only to break right off again. Ojon Restorative Treatment changed that cycle – now my hair is much more resistant to breakage, it’s softer, thicker, and MUCH healther… it’s beautiful. This is a wonder product for problem hair, and it does so much more than “Protect” your hair from over-washing. Even my friend who had slight bald spots from weaves and bad hair care used this, and her hair grew in full in 4 months! I say try it, you can get it really cheap on Ebay (Which is where i get mine), and do your own experiment… rather than make your decision based on an article that didn’t really test the actual product.

lexi December 17, 2009 at 9:47 am

i agree with skyblue. I just purchased this product, so excited to use it!

Ada January 14, 2010 at 12:40 am

I swear by the Ojon treatment. Have had mixed results with the other products from this line, but the treatment is the only thing that has EVER made my wavy, frizzy medium-textured thick polynesian hair soft, shiny and healthy. I’ve tried everything–every brand, every price. Most products have left my hair dry and brittle or limp and dull/greasy. I take about a dime-sized lump of the treatment out and rub it between my hands until it liquifies. Then, I work it through my wet hair–I don’t do the roots because that can leave my hair feeling too greasy; I just start a few inches down where my hair usually starts to get dry and frizzy. I work it through the length of my hair and comb through gently with a wide-toothed comb. Yes, it is pricey, but my $55 tub lasted well over a year.

carol lynn nuttall January 17, 2010 at 9:25 am

ive been reading the reviews on the ojon products because i wondered if there was anyone else having the same problem that i am. i find the smell of the products repugnant, the tub of restorative hair treatment smells of stale tobacco and left my hair stinking of it even after several washes (not good when your a non smoker!!!) i bought the product off a shopping chanel and will be sending it back for a full refund

malcontent January 27, 2010 at 11:39 am

I have had good results with Ojon shampoos and conditioners. They cost about twenty dollars a bottle, to clarify. I like the scent as well. It’s smoky and spicy, but subtle once rinsed out. I prefer that slight muskiness to smelling like bubble gum or a fruit salad. In any case, Ojon products condition my hair very well, leaving it smooth and pliable. They are expensive, and it may be worth trying coconut oil instead, but Ojon products aren’t really any more expensive than other salon shampoos, many of which yield unimpressive results.

karen March 16, 2010 at 4:49 pm

I have used the Ojon products and IT MADE MY HAIR FALL OUT~!!!
LOTS OF HAIR LOSS~!!!

I would like to talk to others with same results.
Somthing needs to be done about this.
It dies not smell great but I could have lived with that…
but not HAIR LOSS~!!!

PLEASE CONTACT ME
THANK YOU
karen

JANICE WROTE ABOVE…
janice January 11, 2009 at 4:49 pm
i purchased the product and loved the silky feeling however after a few uses my hair started to fall out! Now my hair is thin up top and on the right side! Dismayed I check forums and yes this was a common occurance after using this product.Not a happy camper after the expense of purchasing this product!!!

Zuz March 31, 2010 at 10:26 am

So is there naturally oil in the hair cortex? Why? I thought any oil in the hair came from the scalp and coated the cuticles.

Ren Bell July 7, 2010 at 4:25 am

I start using Ojon after a hair accident involving chemical straighting and bad hair colouring… my hair was falling a lot and super dry. The ends were all opened and dry. The strands were broken… a disaster!

Ojon treatment did wonders. It was the best treatment for dry hair I’ve used. I’ve used Kerastase for many many year, Redken, Shiseido and many others and nothing really compares to Ojon.

I also use for my skin which is dry and it feels great.

It really recovered my hair, not for one day only. My hair feels stronger overall.

I recommend it!

I also use a tiny bit (rice grain size) as a leave-in if my hair is really rebellious. So basically it is one product that works as 3: Hair treatment, skin care and leave-in. Great! I love it!

Ojon works August 4, 2010 at 6:29 pm

For the user “Mary” if you’re going to bash something do your research well.

A. I feel for you that you had an allergic reaction.

However, B. Learn how to spell the chemical properly it’s “Citronellol” and do objective research i.e. it’s a natural acyclic monoterpenoid, and its FDA approved in the states to be ingested. Meaning, it can be used in pesticides, but it, alone, is not a pesticide! Otherwise if you’re talking about “HYDROXYCITRONELLAL” it’s a fragrance that occurs naturally in fruits like lime, lemon, and sandalwood. It’s also safe to be used in many types of soaps.

Alas, C. just because you went and purchased a product you didn’t fully research and reaped an allergic reaction, harsh as it is to say, that is all on YOU! YOU should have been a wise consumer investigating what you plan to use. It’s the information age, if you are able to whine on this page you can Google these chemical words.

Personally, I love the Ojon restorative Hair Treatment because it’s the only thing that really works for me and my lifestyle. And of course I researched all the chemicals beforehand. Hair is not something to gamble away at.

I agree that other oils work for some people and I’ve tried the coconut oil and olive oils myself. However, I find them to be too much of a hassle for me.

For instance, I detested the residual oily feeling that didn’t get washed off during the shampooing. The consistency was another big no, no for me, as my hair didn’t feel good over oily until the third or fourth day.

Ojon, at least for me, has all the benefits of the other natural oils and does not have these two draw backs and that’s what keeps me hooked. And it doesn’t hurt to know that the Ojon business returns profits back to the Tawira Tribes so that they can continue their cultural lifestyle and protect their rain forest.

So I’m basically saying I don’t mind spending the extra penny. Besides how many companies do you know sell products that help preserve rain forrests by helping, involving, and working with the residing natives of that rain forrest?

Eliza September 26, 2010 at 10:45 am

***THIS IS A REVIEW THAT I FOUND OF GREAT VALUE AND TRUTH ON AMAZON***

369 of 394 people found the following review helpful:
If people would just read the label…………., April 29, 2007
By A Book Lover

This review is from: Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment (Misc.)
First, let me list both the pros and the cons of using this hair product.

PROS: 1) The product consists of 95% of all natural ingredients that will benefit your hair much better than those alternative synthetic conditioners found on the cosmetic shelves. 2) It can definitely work on all types of hair – especailly ethnic hair which tends to be on the dry side & therefore would need more emollients.

CONS: 1) Most of the ingredients (see below) that this product is made of can be found at your local health food store or ordered on-line from a herbal supply company at a fraction of the cost that Ojon is requesting. 2) The main ingredient in this product is simply oil. It’s the same concept of the “hot oil treatment” but marketed in a different way in order to make Ojon seem more exotic. The fact is that using any oil – e.g. olive oil, coconut oil – will give you the same results.

Now, I am going to break down the ingredients label so that you can see what you are paying for.

Ingredient #1: Elaeis Oleifera is American Palm Oil. It is native to the tropical Central & South Americas and is a very low cost oil (10 cents per oz) so therefore it is widely used in many industries such as food, candles, & cosmetics. It is very emollient & leaves a non-greasy shine to the hair & skin. The entire base of this 5-oz jar is made up of this palm oil, so the cost is estimated to be no more than a total of 50 cents.

Ingredient #2: Lecithin is a natural emollient that is heavily found in egg yolks. It has great conditioning properties & feeds the skin & hair natural carbohydrates. Many local health food stores sell it for about $2 for a 16 oz bottle. A little goes a long way, so for or a 5 oz jar of oil, only 1/4 teaspoon of lecithin is required.

Ingredient #3: Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate, & Citric Acid are types of preservatives that many cosmetic industries are required to use to make sure that the oils do not go rancid. They do not contribute any benefits to the hair – they are only additives to ensure the product stays fresh longer.

Ingredient #4: Serenoa Serrulata (Saw Palmetto Extract), Citronellol (roselike odor derived from citronella oil), Linalool (liquid distilled from certain essential oils) & Parfum (a man-made fragrance) are all used to give this product it’s unique “smokey” scent. Since most of this fragrance base is synthetic (& cheap), these ingredients do not contribute that much benefit

Ingredient #5: Prunus Africana. This may be the only ingredient worth paying attention to. It is an herbal extract derived from the bark of an African plant that many men have used to treat prostate illnesses. It has anti-swelling & healing properites. I would predict that this ingredient is added to promote balancing to the scalp, or to add a natural coloring to the oil (as most herbal extracts will do). But, since there is only a miniature amount used in this product, it is highly unlikely that there is enough to add any benefit whatsoever.

Now that I have listed a breakdown of what you are paying $55 for, it is up to you whether you want to try this product or not. It’s not a bad product, but it’s definitely not the greatest or most original product either to justify paying that much money. My suggestion to you is to go to the local health food store, buy some natural oils & herbs for about $7, and create your own conditioning hair oil.

Eliza September 26, 2010 at 11:10 am

Now, that being said, pretty much all hair care products are not only a waste of money, they are often harmful to your health and beauty. Some products do contain a few ingredients, that in of themselves, are actually beneficial, such as the palm or palm kernel oil in Ojon. But theyre mixed in with toxic, environmental and health destroying chemicals (like the ambiguous fragrance which can mean hundreds of different often petroleum based, hormone disrupting chemicals). Not only that, but THEY ARE NOT ACTUALLY HELPING YOUR HAIR. All that the majority of commerical products do (yes even so called organic, natural products) is stick to the shaft of the hair and clog the scalp and follicle root. Its an illusion to think that after damaging hair with heat styling that these products magically somehow restore hair. No damage is damage, and these products just coat the hair shaft to create the illusion of soft shiny hair. Once the product is gone, your real hair is still damaged and your throwing off the PH of the scalp and inhibiting hair growth. Truly beautiful hair is achieved first internally through:

1. Proper Digestion- Nutrient, mineral, and vitamin-rich whole foods, properly assimilated.
2. Exercise
3, Sleep
4. Proper hormone balance
4. Overall good health and lifestyle

and externally through:

1. Proper brushing and scalp stimulation
2. Truly organic cleaners, like pure castile soap, soap nuts, and clay based shampoos
3. TRuly organic conditioners, treatments, styling products like cold pressed unrefined organic oils, honey, certain foods (avocado, etc.),
4. Very very limited heat styling if at all

When I dont have the money, I just used organic castile soap and kitchen ingredients on my hair. But if I have the money, two great websites that have not only pure products, but also lots of information are
https://morroccomethod.com/
http://www.terressentials.com/

Lucile Dominique Okio October 8, 2010 at 11:42 am

http://thebeautybrains.com/2006/07/08/beauty-q-a-is-oil-good-for-your-hair/

In this article you said that SUNFLOWER OIL and COCONUT OIL are one of the few oils that would penetrate the hair shaft! and here you you say that mineral oil and sunflower oil DO NOT penetrate, while I know that science is not infallible you guys should delete the articles or put a disclaimer at the end when new research is found to say the opposite of earlier research….kindof leaves us confused.

Ann November 22, 2010 at 2:46 pm

I purchased Ojon products from QVC about a month ago (October 2010). It was a $40 set of shampoo, creme rinse, hair spray and a leave-in gel for a special price. I fell for the idea that only Ojon penetrated the hair like nothing else can. I don’t have really damaged hair–just occasional split ends and I do use permanent hair color every 6 weeks so I wasn’t looking for dramatic, restorative solutions. I was, however, expecting to realize some improvement. But, I didn’t. No rave reviews here. No people stopping me at work to ask, “What are you doing to your hair?” The shampoo is alright and the conditioner doesn’t really condition. In fact, my after coloring creme rinse, Colorsilk by Revon, is far superior. The hairspray makes my hair feel rather sticky. I don’t plan to use much of it. Oh well. Live and Learn.

chepa mbt shoes January 4, 2011 at 9:38 pm

restoration in Riverside, San Diego and Orange County.The author of the article has great MBT Sandals about Water Damage San Diego.

Kit January 25, 2011 at 1:41 pm

A great cheap alternative is a hair mask by Neutrogena. It’s called Triple Moisture Deep Recovery. It has Coconut Oil and lots of other great stuff :)

Dawn Bell February 21, 2011 at 10:43 am

I had been using the Ojon products for over a year and became allergic to nuts. I was having sweating dripping from the head , it became very itchy. This went as far down as the neck I’ve called QVC where I purchased this. I wanted to talk with someone as they have mascarra and other facial produts. Why won’t anyone listen to me. This is dangerous.

Nia June 10, 2011 at 9:05 am

Save $51 dollars by trying Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Conditioner (not the mask)

Bersa Eagle Imports July 29, 2011 at 9:44 am

I see your point, and I really admire the blog. For what its worth I will tell all my friends about it, quite fresh. Thank you.

Kassandra Almon July 30, 2011 at 5:09 pm

location is currently starying significant reconstruction do the job using

Katrin October 4, 2011 at 5:02 pm

I just tried out Ojon, got free sample. It worked great on my hair but after a few hours of using it I suffered a major allergic reaction. My hands swelled up like crazy and itched so bad I felt like chewing them off. Since the sample doesn’t really list all the ingredients, I have no idea which one caused the reaction. I’m not really allergic to anything that I know of.

Devon October 22, 2011 at 6:36 pm

I have to agree with one of the earlier reviews in this article, if you haven’t USED it, how can you review it properly?

Also, where are you getting the treatment from? It’s not $55, it’s $33 and I got it from Sephora yesterday. You must have gotten the treatment when it just launched, because the price has decreased over the years it has been out. Furthermore, Ojon made a “Plus” version of the treatment in Spring or Summer 2011, it’s lighter in color (cream/vanilla) and lighter scent. However, when it says “lighter”, it’s practically no scent.

I got into Ojon 3 years ago from a family friend, and I have African American hair that’s VERY thick and grows like grass. This treatment I use sparingly, because my hair was transformed with the shampoo and conditioner alone. I recommend the treatment if your hair gets easily kinky, needs to be managed, damaged, but somewhat healthy. I’ve noticed something with some of the reviews though, the restorative treatment is just for damaged hair. If you have other issues with your hair and it is not damaged, try the other types of Ojon. “Dry, Dehydrated” works for me, and “Damage Reverse” was what helped me in the first place.

Natalie February 17, 2012 at 3:38 pm

FYI. Ojon products were incredible. Ojon has been purchased by Estée Lauder. Formulas have changed, Save your money!

Desiree May 28, 2012 at 11:45 pm

This product is a must have, I have colored my hair for 8 years and had straightened it almost everyday until I fried it and extremely damaged it on my last coloring. For months I tried everything from leave in conditioner to heat protection to hot oil treatment. I read a review online about ojon and purchased it right away. Since my hair was extremely damaged over the weekend I left the ojon restorative treatment in for 2 days and had a shower cap on. When I dried my hair after I washed it out I almost started to cry, I couldn’t believe how much healthier my hair looked and how much softer it felt. I am going to follow up with another treatment next week and I haven’t been this happy about my hair in months. I highly recommend this product as it was a lifesaver for my hair and hopefully will be for yours too!

Bebelyn86 July 11, 2012 at 12:26 am

What is your opinion on organix nourishing coconut milk anti-breakage serum.

Diane Pickering July 17, 2012 at 7:58 pm

I have been using Ojon for quite sometime and I love their products. I have thin baby fine hair and when I have my hair highlighted it gets very dry and tangles very easily. I buy their products when they go on sale on the shopping channel. You only have to use a very small amount when you wash your hair. My current bottle of shampoo and conditioner I have had for 4.5 months and it is only about 1/2 empty and I wash my hair every day. A little bit of this goes a long way. Yes it costs more up front to buy it, but since it is highly concentrated it is actually quite economical. I am an Ojon girl for life!

Leave a Comment

{ 19 trackbacks }

Previous post:

Next post: