You surf the internet looking for essential oils for hair, and you’ll find peppermint oil for hair in the list. Peppermint or pudina has been used in so many ways to cure health and beauty related problems for a very long time. Peppermint oil for hair is used widely in DIY beauty regimes and cosmetic products, and it is known to cure problems such as headaches and relax the mind.
The cooling effect of peppermint oil for hair, its minty flavour, and its taste makes it one of the most sought-after essential oils. You can use peppermint oil for hair growth as it is suitable for your hair and scalp. It also relieves you of itchiness, dryness, and other scalp related problems. You will also find many commercial beauty products using peppermint essential oil for hair in their shampoos, skin creams, and ready to use hair masks.
But then, what exactly is peppermint essential oil? Peppermint essential oil is the essence of peppermint extracted and made into oil using different distillation processes, due to which some essential oils are stronger than the others. Grades categorise these essential oils. Peppermint oil for hair contains menthol in it from which the peppermint oil gets its smell, taste, and cooling effect.
Peppermint oil is pale yellowish in colour and a good source of iron, mineral, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin A and vitamin C. These qualities together go beyond helping you gain your skin and hair beauty goals and exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal activity. Besides all these peppermint oil benefits for hair, it smells great and can be quick to uplift your mood, which is a good enough reason to use peppermint oil for your locks.
Menthol is a compound used in making peppermint oil for hair growth and is proven to increase the blood flow to the area where it is applied. Applying peppermint oil on your scalp helps increase blood flow, which again is beneficial for hair growth. Although menthol has not been directly linked to hair growth, better blood circulation can actually help in more hair growth in the affected area. In this blog, we shall discuss the different uses of peppermint for your hair, but before that, let’s count on its benefits.
Benefits of Peppermint Oil for Hair
For anyone looking for hair growth solutions, peppermint essential oil for hair is one of the best oils to use. There are so many hair and beauty products that use a small amount of peppermint oil for hair due to its cooling effect and fragrance, not to mention the squeaky clean and fresh feeling you have post use. There are many peppermint oil benefits for hair which is why this essential oil is used and recommended. Below we discuss some of its benefits:
If you are coping with hair fall and nothing seems to help, try peppermint oil for hair on your strands. Peppermint oil has stimulating properties due to which it can penetrate deep into the scalp and stimulate your hair follicles. It also helps in enhancing the blood flow resulting in better hair growth.
If your hair roots are strong, there are fewer chances of hair fall. Peppermint oil for hair has abundant pulegone and mentone in it, which is known to strengthen hair roots. When applied to the roots, peppermint oil can prevent hair loss. Since it is an essential oil and comes in the purest and raw form, it is best to blend it with any carrier oil of your choice.
A dry scalp is prone to itchiness and can be problematic as you will feel the urge to scratch it all the time. Peppermint oil for hair has excellent moisturising properties, which is why when you apply it to your scalp, it cures dryness. It hydrates your scalp and gives a cooling sensation. You can mix the peppermint essential oil for hair with coconut oil or olive oil and apply it to your scalp and hair before washing it off with a mild shampoo.
Menthol present in peppermint oil gives it a refreshing and fantastic fragrance. Amazingly, this strong and refreshing smell is known to suffocate the lice on your head and kill them completely. If you or your child has been struggling with lice, applying peppermint oil can help. Simply use the oil on the head at night and wash it the next day. It will help you get good sleep as well as remove the lice from your head.
How to Use Peppermint Oil for Hair?
Okay, now that we know the benefits of peppermint oil for hair, it is time to understand how to use peppermint oil for hair regrowth and other hair related issues. But before we start, you need to consider the fact that essential oils are highly concentrated and can be really harsh on your scalp when used alone. The best way to utilise essential oil is to dilute or mix it with a good carrier oil like coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil. If you have an oily scalp, use a light oil that doesn’t clog the pores, such as jojoba oil.
There are a few ways to apply peppermint oil to your scalp:
For a direct scalp massage, Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a tablespoon of your favourite carrier oil and massage your scalp. You can use oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil etc. On massaging your scalp, you’ll feel a cooling and tingly sensation. Allow the oil to sit for about fifteen to twenty minutes before you shampoo.
If you want to use the oil in your beauty products, add a few drops of peppermint oil for hair in your shampoo and conditioner. Next, simply use your shampoo and conditioner just the way you would and see the results. You’ll feel quite relaxed and fresh.
Hot oil for hair is another way to utilise peppermint oil for your hair. Take one or two tablespoons of carrier oil such as coconut oil and then warm it for about twenty seconds. Now add a few drops, say, four to five drops of peppermint oil in the oil. You can also add ylang ylang oil or lavender oil for hair and massage your scalp and hair. Let the oil sit on your head for about half an hour, and then wash it off with a mild shampoo. You may also wrap a hot towel on your head after oiling, as this will help the oil penetrate deep.
Things You Need To Know Before Using Peppermint Oil
As discussed above, when applied to the skin and scalp, the undiluted essential oil can cause a burning sensation. People with susceptible skin will even experience irritation and rashes. Here are a couple of things you should know before using peppermint oil for hair:
Always dilute the peppermint oil with a good carrier oil before applying it to your scalp and skin. It will prevent you from getting any rashes or developing any irritation.
Never consume peppermint oil. Remember, peppermint essential oil is very different from what you find in cough drops and syrups. A small dosage of peppermint oil can be safe, but more amounts can be toxic. So why risk it at all. Moreover, drinking the oil will not affect your hair condition.
Avoid the oil getting too close or into your eyes. Avoid using the essential oil in infants and children as well.
Above all, always go for the best peppermint oil for hair growth in the market. Before purchasing, make sure to check the label and see if the grade is acceptable. Oil made for a diffuser is not the same as the oil made for massage.
Even with the smallest amount of peppermint oil, some people will experience irritation and rashes on their skin. If you have sensitive skin and on using peppermint oil you experience any discomfort, discontinue use altogether and seek medical help.
Other Benefits & Uses of Peppermint Oil
Besides using peppermint oil for hair, skin, and aromatherapy, you can use peppermint oil for a couple of other reasons. Below we have put together the different benefits and uses of peppermint oil:
The menthol present in peppermint can cure chronic digestive issues. It can also help to cure diarrhoea. You can use peppermint oil-coated capsules to treat these issues.
Massaging with peppermint oil can relieve muscle pain, headache etc.
On inhaling peppermint oil, anyone suffering from nausea or feeling of vomiting can get relief.
Peppermint is also known to kill bacteria and germs. Using peppermint spray can help kills germs on any surface.
Using peppermint oil in a diffuser and room fresher’s can help improve mood of a person.
Side Effects of Peppermint Oil
The side effects of peppermint oil for hair and several benefits also have some side effects. Before you choose to use peppermint oil, it is crucial for you to know its benefits. Peppermint oil for hair side effects include:
- Allergic reaction
- Headache
- Burning sensation
- Skin irritation and rashes
- Diarrhoea with anal burning
- Heartburn
- Mouth ulcers
