Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!
Check out this article to know the benefits of peppermint oil and how to use peppermint oil for hair growth.
Peppermint oil has been used in the beauty and wellness industry for a long time now because it has a lot of benefits for promoting skin health.
But did you know that peppermint oil can also be beneficial to hair growth?
This article will tell you all about peppermint oil, how essential oils are different from carrier oils, how peppermint oil benefits your hair and how to use it for hair growth.
I’ve also added some general tips you could consider while using peppermint oil for your hair.
What are peppermint oil benefits for hair?
Peppermint oil is known for its invigorating properties and potential benefits for hair, which include stimulating scalp circulation, promoting hair growth, and reducing dandruff. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities can soothe an itchy scalp, while its cooling effect refreshes and energizes. When diluted and applied topically, peppermint oil can help to balance scalp oils and rejuvenate hair follicles, potentially leading to stronger, healthier hair. However, it should be used with caution and in proper dilution to avoid skin irritation.
Key Takeaways:
- Peppermint oil offers numerous benefits for hair growth and scalp health, including stimulating circulation, reducing dandruff, and promoting thicker, stronger hair.
- Derived from the peppermint plant, this essential oil contains menthol, which provides a cooling effect and possesses antibacterial properties.
- Peppermint oil can help combat scalp infections, increase blood flow to hair follicles, and balance scalp oils, leading to healthier hair growth.
- It can be used through scalp massages or by adding a few drops to shampoo and conditioner.
- Dilution is essential to prevent skin irritation, and patch testing is recommended, especially for those with sensitive skin.
- High-quality peppermint oil should be chosen, and care should be taken to avoid contact with eyes and to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
What is peppermint oil?
Peppermint belongs to the family of mint but is more of a hybrid variety.
Peppermint essential oil is the concentrated oil extract of peppermint and therefore is very strong compared to carrier oils.
This oil is usually used for topical purposes after being diluted with another carrier oil.
Peppermint essential oil is one of the most versatile oils out there. It has antibacterial properties that can help get rid of skin issues and it also promotes a cooling effect on the skin.
The latter is mainly due to the presence of ‘menthol’, a compound found in peppermint oil that is responsible for most of its benefits.
How does peppermint oil help hair and hair growth?
Proper hair growth can occur only on a healthy scalp free from scalp infections, dandruff, product buildup etc., that can otherwise inhibit proper hair growth and clog the hair follicles.
Therefore, all aspects of hair and hair health have to be considered when we talk about hair growth.
Here are the benefits of peppermint oil:
Helps reduce scalp infections
A lot of people suffer from scalp infections like scalp eczema, seborrheic dermatitis etc.
These infections can cause itching and damage to the hair follicles, which will then inhibit proper hair growth either because the hair follicles are damaged or dead and further fail to produce hair in future.
Peppermint oil can help reduce this scalp dryness and itching sensation as it is antiseptic in nature and also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the skin and reduce the irritation and the infection over time.
Can increase hair growth
This is possible because peppermint oil helps promote better blood circulation in the scalp. When there is sufficient blood circulation in the scalp, the hair dormant hair follicles can get stimulated and begin to produce hair.
Can help reduce dandruff
Dandruff can often occur due to excessive product buildup because of hair care products, excessive sebum production, dead skin formation etc.
This can make it hard for hair to grow because the environment is unhealthy. This can further lead to irritation and bacteria formation.
Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties that can reduce and prevent dandruff formation.
Helps increase hair thickness and strength
Peppermint oil has properties of vasodilation. This means that it promotes sufficient blood flow to dilate the blood vessels.
When the blood vessels are dilated, there is sufficient blood circulation that can stimulate the hair follicles, promoting hair thickness and strength as sufficient nutrition is carried to the hair strand by the blood.
Cleanse the scalp and balance the levels of oil in the hair
Peppermint oil has properties of scalp clarification as it helps cleanse the scalp without completely removing and stripping away the hair’s natural oils.
It can also unclog the clogged hair follicles, letting the hair grow well.
Peppermint oil is most effective for people with oily hair and scalp types because it can help balance the pH levels of the scalp. This helps maintain and regulate the levels of oil production.
Rich in nutrients that can promote better hair heath and hair growth
Peppermint oil contains nutrients like iron, omega-3 fatty acids, folate and potassium. These ingredients are very essential for the hair to grow well.
Iron helps carry the oxygen from the blood to the hair roots.
Omega-3 is rich in protein and nutrients that also helps prevent the hair follicle from getting inflamed while also keeping the hair hydrated.
Folate helps in healthy cell regeneration and growth. Potassium can help promote better blood circulation in the scalp.
How to use peppermint oil for your hair
There are two ways I’d recommend you can use peppermint oil for your hair:
Peppermint oil scalp massage
Scalp massages are one of the best ways to promote hair growth because once the warm oil is applied on the scalp and the scalp is massaged using the fingertips.
The oil then penetrates into the hair follicle and stimulates hair growth.
Here’s how you can use peppermint oil for a scalp massage:
Step 1: Warm up (let it not get too hot) 2 tablespoons of any carrier oil of your choice (like coconut oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, argan oil or olive oil etc).
Add in 3 to 4 drops of peppermint essential oil to it and mix it.
Step 2: Let your hair be dry when you oil it. Partition your hair so that the oil gets evenly applied.
Apply the oil all over your scalp and then using your fingertips, gently massage your hair using circular motions.
This will help stimulate the blood flow towards the scalp and let it get properly circulated to stimulate the hair follicles.
You can apply a little oil over your hair as well, using downward strokes.
Step 3: After you’ve massaged your scalp, leave this oil to sit on your head for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off.
Caution: Remember to do a patch test before completing its application to avoid any irritation.
Adding peppermint oil to your shampoo and conditioner
The proportion of adding your peppermint oil into your shampoo and conditioner can be around 15 drops in a 100 ml (millilitre) bottle of liquid.
For those who do not wish to massage your hair with diluted peppermint oil, then this method can be another alternative.
You can use your shampoo and conditioner just the way you’d use your shampoo and conditioner for your hair wash, preferably thrice a week.
Once you shampoo your hair, make sure your hair is lathered properly and then gently massage your head using your fingertips and let the shampoo sit on your hair for around 5 minutes or so before rinsing it off.
When you condition your hair, use the conditioner only on the hair and not on the scalp.
While the shampoo should only be used on your scalp and not on your hair (as the water will let the shampoo seep down over your hair as well, while you rinse it off).
Caution: Patch testing for first-time use is always recommended. Do not add in too much peppermint essential oil as it can cause irritation.
Here’s a tip: For the first trial, if you do not want to add the peppermint oil into the entire bottle of shampoo or conditioner. You can dilute around 4 to 5 drops in a smaller quantity of around 30 ml (millilitre) of shampoo or conditioner
Tips To Consider While Using Peppermint Oil For Hair Growth
While purchasing peppermint oil, make sure to buy high-quality oil that is safe for skin use. Therefore, checking the label is important.
Peppermint oil is considered safe for all hair types but patch testing before complete application is always advised because it can cause skin irritation in some people.
Therefore, people with sensitive skin types require to be more precautious while using peppermint oil.
If any irritation upon use of diluted peppermint oil persists, make sure to consult your doctor.
Always dilute the peppermint oil before using it and do not over use, as it can cause skin burning and irritation as peppermint oil is highly potent and concentrated in nature. To dilute, you can add 1 to 2 drops of peppermint oil into 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil of your choice.
Make sure not to use peppermint essential oil directly on your skin.
Make sure not to get any peppermint oil into your eyes. If by chance it does enter, rinse off with plain water immediately.
Do not keep it in the reach of children or pets.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
The final takeaway
Hair growth methods are something a lot of people are looking out for in the present day and apart from hair growth supplements and treatments, natural methods always come in handy.
Peppermint oil is one such method that can be used for hair growth. It is essential to note that the results may vary from person to person.
Nevertheless, those with severe balding or alopecia cannot expect the best results as the hair loss is already severe and will require more advanced hair treatment methods.
Also Read:
Amazing Spearmint Oil Benefits For Hair
Is Sulphur Good For Hair Growth
Jamaican Black Castor Oil For Hair Growth
What Happens If I Leave Coffee In My Hair Overnight
Effects Of Using Walnut Oil On Natural Hair
To Summarize
