Peppermint Oil For Hair Growth: Use & Benefits

Cool and minty-fresh, peppermint is the most widely used of all aromatic essential oils. It can be distilled into an essential oil for use on sore muscles —or to soothe the system with its anti-nausea and digestive benefits. Though primarily for stomach and sinus issues, the benefits of peppermint oil for hair growth have been scientifically proven.

Hair loss is more common than you might think—even among young women. Sometimes it’s due to genetics or a shift in your diet. It can also be a result of medications, weight loss, disease, or stress. If you aren’t sure what’s causing your hair loss, it’s always a good idea to approach the condition with a natural remedy—like peppermint oil for hair growth—rather than turning to a medication that could create other problems in the body.

The positive effect of peppermint oil for hair growth was the subject of a 2014 study from Keimyung University in Korea. Researchers compared the effectiveness of 4 different substances to study the increase in hair growth in mice. The four substances were:

• Saline
• Jojoba oil
• Minoxidil
• Peppermint oil

Mice were divided into four groups, and each group was treated with a different solution. The effects were astonishing. Peppermint oil was the most effective for increasing hair thickness, number of hair follicles, and the depth of the follicles—without causing any unwanted side effects or weight gain in the animals. The results showed that peppermint oil for hair growth can be an effective treatment option for hair loss.

We always recommend an all-natural remedy to increase hair growth. Non-natural hair loss medications can cause side effects like skin itching, increased heart rate, weight gain, or erectile dysfunction in men. Peppermint oil is one of many natural plant remedies being evaluated by scientists, along with some other essential oils. Not only is peppermint oil applied to the scalp known to help with hair loss, but it also has amazing overall health benefits, as well.

To get the most out of your peppermint oil for hair care, pick an oil that is fine to use directly on the skin. As with most essential oils, the pure form of peppermint oil is too strong and will irritate your skin.

You can also use pure essential peppermint oil and dilute it yourself with jojoba or coconut oil.

• Take diluted peppermint oil and rub it into your scalp. Let it work for about half an hour and then wash your hair as usual. The friction on your scalp will increase the blood circulation, which will activate your hair follicles and produce healthy hair.
• For a quicker fix, add a few drops of peppermint oil into your shampoo or conditioner before getting in the shower. (Use one drop peppermint oil to every one ounce of product.) Allow the mixture to sit on your scalp for five minutes before rinsing out. 
• Adding a few drops of oil to your regular hair mask also works. Peppermint oil for hair loss will add an extra energy boost to your homemade moisturizing hair mask. Just apply the mask as usual and wash your hair thoroughly after. Peppermint essential oil for hair can help to calm your scalp—and help your hair growth.

Peppermint oil for hair growth is natural, inexpensive and smells wonderful. If you want to take your hair growing up a notch, however, you should also try a hair supplement with all natural ingredients.