The topical application of peppermint oil has been shown to increase the number and the depth of hair follicles. After 4 weeks, Peppermint Oil improved the hair growth by 92% compared with 55% of Minoxidil. It serves as an indicator for the efficacy of peppermint oil in the treatment of hair loss.
How often can you use it: You can use peppermint oil up to three times a week. Works well with: Peppermint oil should be mixed/diluted with a carrier oil. It works especially well with rosemary essential oil to promote hair growth.
Peppermint essential oil
This can help promote hair growth during the anagen (or growing) phase. One study found that peppermint oil, when used on mice, increased the number of follicles, follicle depth, and overall hair growth.
It will start to work within a few hours but it could take up to 1 to 2 weeks to take full effect. Keep taking peppermint oil until your symptoms improve. Common side effects include heartburn and indigestion.
"Massage the oil into your scalp and leave the treatment on for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash your hair with shampoo," adds Dr. Zierig. Using peppermint oil during a scalp massage can even help reduce buildup at the hair's root.
Please note: Undiluted peppermint essential oil can be toxic. It can cause burning and tingling on the scalp, and must never be used on its own.
Peppermint essential oil stimulates activity in the hair dermal papilla cells, which promotes blood circulation to the scalp and induces early anagen (growth phase) stage, leading to hair growth. Peppermint essential oil also has antifungal and antibacterial properties (4). These may help promote scalp health.
Its side effects are claimed to be usually mild and minimally toxic (gastro esophageal reflux, heartburns, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions and diarrhea). High doses could be hepatotoxic[2] and nephrotoxic (rarely interstitial nephritis and acute renal failure).
When used as directed, dietary supplements and skin preparations containing peppermint oil are likely safe for most adults. Peppermint oil may cause side effects such as heartburn and it may interact with certain medications. Talk to your health care provider before using peppermint oil.
It's generally recommended that adults can take between 0.2 to 0.4ml of peppermint oil in capsule form up to three times a day. For headache relief, apply 10% of peppermint essential oil diluted with a carrier oil, such as almond oil, sparingly to the skin.
Increasing circulation with a vasodilator like peppermint could potentially improve hair growth and prevent some hair loss. Peppermint menthol also imparts a freshened smell and tingly sensation on the skin and scalp. You can reap these benefits by adding the essential oil to your beauty products.
More hair growth was observed in the peppermint essential oil group. A histological analysis determined that the peppermint essential oil group had more significant increases in dermal thickness, hair follicle number, and hair follicle depth than the other groups – even more so than the minoxidil group.
While there are a few essential oils that can help to stimulate hair growth, Henry said that rosemary oil tends to be a top choice.
As noted earlier, peppermint oil can repel lice (which can cause hair loss) and block 5a-reductase to minimize DHT in the bloodstream. Based on one safety report (3), the menthol constituent can also improve the penetration of other chemicals, a third property that may help with hair loss conditions.
You can make a 2 percent concentration by mixing 2 drops of peppermint essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil. For a 1 percent concentration, use just 1 drop of peppermint mixed into a teaspoon of oil.
Peppermint essential oil is so potent that undiluted it will cause your skin to tingle or burn.
The physical action of inhalation also impacts our respiratory system the strongest; think of the cooling sensation in your chest when inhaling eucalyptus or peppermint oil. Skin: As essential oil molecules are extremely tiny, they are able to penetrate the skin through hair follicles, pores, and sweat glands.
The topical application of peppermint oil is generally safe, although it is necessary to dilute with a carrier oil like almond or jojoba oil. It is advised that some people may experience a burning sensation or allergic rash, especially with sensitive skin.
Apply peppermint oil directly to your scalp.
To apply peppermint oil directly, mix one to two drops into a tablespoon of jojoba oil, coconut oil or shea butter oil, then massage the oil into your scalp before washing your hair with shampoo.
One of the most widely used and proven treatments is minoxidil (Rogaine and various generic products). It's available in liquid, foam, or shampoo options. Stronger forms of minoxidil are also available by prescription. Minoxidil may cause side effects like skin irritation or unwanted hair growth on skin near the scalp.