The researchers also found that the hair grew faster and thicker when peppermint oil was used. Peppermint oil also contains a compound called methanol which gives you that cooling sensation. This compound is primarily responsible for increasing blood flow and circulation when applied to the scalp.
Massage the oil into your scalp. You may feel a tingling, minty sensation. 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 to balance the effect or wash your scalp with shampoo immediately.
Some of the best essential oils for hair are jojoba oil, clary sage, cedarwood, and lavender. You can also leave these essential oils on your strands for 30 minutes or even overnight. Wash them in the morning and you'll notice an improvement in your hair texture.
Peppermint oil should not be used full strength on the skin or scalp. Instead, it should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, or mixed in with a hair product.
Peppermint essential oil is so potent that undiluted it will cause your skin to tingle or burn.
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.
Leaving your oil on your hair for more than one day is a bad idea. Even one day is not recommended since it can cause the oil to form a layer on your scalp, clogging your pores, accumulating dandruff and attracting dirt. Apart from that, it will make your scalp constantly feel greasy and dirty.
“Hair loss is directly linked to the pH level of your scalp,” says Anker, “So if your hair is dry or overly oily, you'll experience more hair loss.” Adding extra oil to the scalp also messes with the natural oil/water balance on the scalp. “If you put extra oil on it your body will stop producing natural oil.”
In general, it is not recommended to leave oil on for more than 6-8 hours, as that might make things tricky. The oil can attract a lot of dirt, dust, grime and get them to stick to your hair!
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.
Can peppermint oil damage your hair? No, peppermint oil can improve your overall hair and scalp health. However, using undiluted peppermint oil can result in itching, burning, headache, or skin sensitivity (6).
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.
The researchers concluded that peppermint oil may improve blood flow to hair cells, causing the hairs to enter the anagen, or growth, phase of their growth cycle. Although this study is interesting, it's far from conclusive proof that peppermint oil is effective at promoting hair growth in humans for several reasons.
She says: “Dust gets collected in your hair if you keep oil overnight which can block the hair follicles and lead to scalp infections. Keeping the oil on for 30 minutes is more than enough.”
Oils and grime can be trapped, creating odor
When you don't wash your hair, oils may accumulate on your scalp. This can cause odor on the scalp and hair. If you use hair care products, these can also build up on your scalp and create odors, even if the products themselves smell good.
Oils can cause an increase in naturally occurring yeasts that will exacerbate conditions like Seborrheic Dermatitis. Also oils like castor cause an excessive build-up of dirt and which can clog the hair follicles.
The short answer is yes! The slightly less short answer is that an oily scalp definitely contributes to hair loss but is often not the sole cause of it. Excess amounts of oils can trap and attract dirt, dandruff, and product build up, which clogs pores and prevents new hair growth.
More oil means using more shampoo, and this in turn can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture, leaving you with dull, damaged and dry locks. Tight hairstyles are a strict no-no especially after you've oiled your hair. When your hair is oiled, it is in a vulnerable state.
Oils like castor, peppermint, onion, coconut, jojoba, argan, amla, olive, grapeseed, rosemary, and tea tree are often recommended for hair growth. They help boost blood circulation and strengthen hair.
Poisonous Ingredient
Menthol is the ingredient in peppermint oil that can be poisonous in large amounts.
The side effects of peppermint oil include rashes, headaches, dizziness, and blisters in the mouth and nostrils. It may also interact with certain medications and may exhibit toxicity if used in higher amounts. Peppermint oil should be kept away from children and infants as it may trigger breathing issues.
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.
For your itchy scalp
To help you can massage the scalp gently with your fingertips -- not nails -- using an oil mixture including a few drops of peppermint oil. You can also mix it in water and a spray bottle, using it throughout the day whenever you get the itching urge!
The use of undiluted essential oils on sensitive skin or in the nostrils can irritate or burn. Susceptible people may also develop an allergic reaction and a skin rash.