Should You Use Peppermint Oil for Hair Care?

Should You Use Peppermint Oil for Hair Care? With so many shampoo choices, it’s hard to know what to use for optimal hair care, especially if you have issues like hair loss, itchiness or dandruff. Hair Care is one of the many amazing Uses for Peppermint Oil!

Should You Use Peppermint Oil for Hair Care?

Peppermint oil is a powerhouse essential oil! It is one of the very most important oils you can own, besides lavender essential oil and lemon essential oil. Peppermint oil for hair care is one of the best ways to use this oil – maybe I’m biased because that’s my favorite! I love adding peppermint essential oil to my sulfate free shampoo and then mixing it up. I can actually feel it working when I shower – as long as I let it sit for a few minutes while washing up. It’s normal for dead skin cells to build up on the scalp and cause flakes and/or itchiness and peppermint oil is not only soothing and healing, but it is moisturizing, too!

(Also read: The Best Sulfate Free Shampoo for Your Hair)

Why Use Peppermint Oil for Hair?

Peppermint has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial components along with essential antioxidants like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It also contains manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, potassium, and copper.

According to this study at the NIH, peppermint oil promoted hair growth faster than the prescription Minoxidil and with fewer side effects or toxicity. The study showed a significant increase in dermal thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth due to the peppermint.

The reasoning behind the way it works so well for hair growth is that peppermint oil stimulates blood circulation. The hair gets the supply of oxygen it needs, so the hair is free to grow longer and stronger.

Now, because peppermint oil stimulates blood circulation, one should take care NOT to use peppermint oil while pregnant! Drugs.com reports that peppermint oil has emmenagogue capabilities, which means that it may stimulate blood flow to your uterus, which is often used to stimulate menstruation, but can also lead to a miscarriage, as it makes your uterus relax.

Wash your hands well after using peppermint oil to avoid exposing your eyes to the oil.

Peppermint Oil for Hair Loss

Peppermint oil can also be used to prevent hair loss in the first place! It is rich in pulegone and mentone, which strengthens your hair roots and helps in preventing hair loss.

Adding Peppermint Oil to Natural Shampoo

You can also put peppermint oil straight into your shampoo instead of mixing it every time you shampoo, just make sure not to add too much. Use about five drops per ounce of shampoo. You can use your shampoo with the peppermint essential oil as you usually would!

1. Measure about 75-85 drops of peppermint oil for 16 ounces of shampoo. Store the excess shampoo if necessary.
2. Put the cap back on and shake well to mix the ingredients.
3. Shampoo like usual. Allow the hair dry or blow dry on low setting and comb through.

Shake before each use to ensure consistency. The shampoo and oil may separate when not in use.

Peppermint Oil for Scalp Massage

Another way to use peppermint oil for hair and scalp issues is by a direct scalp massage! Add a couple drops of oil to about one tablespoon of your favorite scalp massage oil. If you don’t have scalp massage oil, you can use a simple household oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or shea nut oil.

1. Massage the oil into your scalp. You may feel a tingling, minty sensation.
2. Leave the treatment on for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash your hair with shampoo.

If the menthol sensation gets too intense for you, add other oils like lavender to balance the effect or wash your scalp with shampoo immediately.

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Uses for Peppermint Oil