Peppermint oil is sourced from the peppermint plant’s green pointed leaves, stems, and stalks. The plant is similar to spearmint or water mint. Besides using it for skin and hair remedies, it’s also helpful for easing flatulence and other gastric upsets. Almost everyone loves the fresh and refreshing smell of peppermint.
Peppermint oil contains an ingredient called menthol. Menthol gives it that cooling and refreshing sensation when you eat it or apply it to your skin or scalp. Menthol is also used in cough drops and cold medications as it can break through the phlegm to soothe a bad cough. Menthol is the main ingredient from peppermint that gives it its healing qualities.
The peppermint leaves are highly fragrant, but when the essential oil has been distilled from the plant, it makes the smell intensely potent. It’s often considered one of the most concentrated essential oils on the market today.
Peppermint oil needs to be mixed with carrier oil, as it can leave a burning sensation on the skin. You only need to use one or two drops at a time to experience the maximum benefits.
How Peppermint Oil Can Benefit Scalp and Hair
As we age, our hair can also naturally get thinner. Many people may also suffer from itchy or flaky scalps. This condition may be dandruff or some other skin condition.
In the past, men have often treated their hair loss with Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine. Peppermint oil works much the same as Rogaine does, as it increases blood flow to the hair follicles—formally called follicular dermal papilla cells. Sadly, prescription medications can cause people to have increased heart rate, breathing difficulties, weight gain, and itchy dry scalp, leaving them to abandon treatments. Fortunately, peppermint oil is a safer and more natural way to treat hair loss issues.
How to Use Peppermint Oil to Increase Hair Growth or Treat a Flaky Scalp
The steps to treat your hair or scalp are extremely simple. Collect together the following ingredients.
- Measure out one tablespoon of carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil.
- Pour two drops of peppermint oil into the palms of your hands.
- Mix between the palms of your hands, then apply to the roots of your hair and the scalp.
- Avoid middle or lower portions of your hair. It would be best if you focused on the roots of your hair or your scalp.
- You should feel a slight tingling. If it bothers you, wash your hair.
- Massage the oil over your scalp for five minutes.
- Leave the mixture on your head for 20 minutes.
- Wash your hair.
- Avoid using any conditioner.
- Repeat treatments every three days. You can use your regular conditioner in between treatments.
A Faster Way to Treat Your Hair and Scalp
Not everyone has extra time in the morning to measure out a carrier oil and peppermint oil, then wait 20 minutes. Here’s a faster way to treat your hair with peppermint oil.
- Pour 4 to 6 drops of peppermint oil into one ounce of shampoo or conditioner.
- You may wish to mix up a more substantial amount, so it’s convenient to reach.
- Choose one or the other, but not both shampoo and conditioner.
- Wash your hair with the shampoo as usual, or pour conditioner onto your head as normal.
- Massage around the scalp for two minutes.
- Rinse off hair thoroughly, being sure that you have removed all traces of the product.
- Repeat once a day.
What Types of Carrier Oils Can I Mix With Peppermint Oil?
A carrier oil is also called a base oil and is used to dilute essential oils, to make them safer for usage. They can be used for massage, direct application, or aromatherapy.
People who use peppermint oil for hair can have individual preferences for carrier oils. Some people don’t like the smell of olive oil or coconut oil and want some better choices. Some oils may also affect the scent of peppermint oil. Some oils also absorb better than others.
Generally, you’ll add up to four drops of peppermint oil to about one ounce of carrier oil. This makes it safer to use peppermint oil to treat the scalp or skin.
Here are a few choices to help get you started.
- Almond oil or Sweet almond oil
- Jojoba oil
- Virgin or Organic coconut oil.
- Refined coconut oil — This version is fragrance-free, but if you like the coconut scent, opt for the virgin or organic coconut oil type.
- Apricot oil
- Grape seed oil
- Avocado oil
- Olive oil
- Sesame oil
- Evening primrose oil
- Canola oil
- Vitamin E oil
- Castor oil
Precautions and Warnings for Using Peppermint Oil on Scalp and Hair
Follow these instructions when using peppermint essential oil to help heal an itchy flaky scalp, or to help improve hair growth.
- Don’t use peppermint oil directly out of the bottle as it can cause a burning sensation.
- Even if you’ve used only a drop and find it extremely irritating, it may be time to discontinue using, as it can cause allergic skin reactions.
- Be sure to use a carrier oil before applying to your hair, or mix it with your shampoo first.
- Store your bottle of peppermint hair oil in a safe spot away from pets or children.
- If you have a severe health condition, such as liver disease, check with your doctor first before trying one of these treatments.
- While using peppermint oil externally is safer than taking it internally, if you take certain prescription medications, you may wish to seek the advice of your doctor first.
- Do not use peppermint oil directly on broken or scabbed skin. It can burn more than usual. If you use it to treat acne, do it as soon as your pimple pops up. You may wish to get a physical done at your doctor’s clinic if you experience sudden, rapid onset hair loss.