How to Use Peppermint Oil for Hair, According to Experts

There are a few different essential oils that may help with hair growth, and the latest one on our radar is peppermint oil. After doing some research for our guide to essential oils and the best essential oils for eczema, migraines, and cystic acne, we decided to take a more in-depth look at the minty, fresh oil. While it's common in toothpaste and floss, it can also be a helpful addition to your hair care routine. Below, find out all the reasons we love peppermint oil (and why we haven't stopped massaging it into our scalps).

Is Peppermint Oil Good for Hair?

Peppermint oil is an essential oil that can promote hair growth, balance oil on the scalp, and calm inflammation. Peppermint oil contains methanol, which studies show can help promote circulation and blood flow on the scalp—increasing hair growth. It also reports having anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties.

Benefits of Peppermint Oil for Hair

Peppermint oil has a range of benefits, most of them derived from its stimulating abilities. As cosmetic chemist Ginger King explains, peppermint oil "can help to stimulate scalp thus potentially help with a better hair growth cycle."

• May promote hair growth: Findings published in Toxicological Research say a peppermint oil solution led to more hair growth than minoxidil, a hair-growth product approved by the FDA. Though there isn't a ton of conclusive research that proves using peppermint oil will cause an increase in hair growth. Board-certified internist Sunitha Posina, MD, says, "It has been shown that peppermint oil can stimulate hair growth due to vasodilation of the blood vessels and help hair loss. There was a study done on mice, where Minoxidil was compared with peppermint oil for its effects on hair growth and the results were comparable and similar to minoxidil in terms of hair growth and thickness."
• Increases hair thickness: "Peppermint essential oil stimulates blood circulation to the skin, which may help with increasing dermal thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth," explains Sara Panton, founder of essential oil company Vitruvi. A study in Microvascular Research found a 4 percent menthol solution "caused blood vessels to widen, which increases blood flow."
• Reduces inflammation: Peppermint has a pleasant, cooling sensation when applied topically, and that sensation can help to reduce skin inflammation, Panton says. "It can help you relax because it is so cooling and calming—which is always a good thing when you're waiting for your hair to grow."
• Antibacterial properties: Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris, a trichology practitioner and founder of Alodia, an organic, natural hair care line says, "Peppermint essential oil is beneficial to the hair and scalp because it has antimicrobial properties that can help with balancing the scalp microbiome."
• Balancing oily hair: Peppermint oil helps balance the pH of your scalp, which helps regulate oil production.

Hair Type Considerations

"Peppermint oil helps to stimulate your scalp and hair follicles, but it should not be used for those with a dry scalp or brittle hair. It works best if you have oily hair and scalp," says Panton. However, Dr. Chambers-Harris says that it's suitable for all hair types. Posina adds, "All hair types can use peppermint oil when used correctly and safely. People should avoid applying peppermint oil directly as it can be very irritating and those with allergies to essential oils or sensitive skin/scalp should avoid it or try a patch test prior to using it."

Peppermint oil is incredible if your hair is on the greasier side—it clarifies, cleans, and invigorates the hair without stripping it of its natural (and necessary) oils. In doing so, peppermint oil balances your scalp's production of sebum, leaving your hair nourished and hydrated without weighing it down (while getting rid of any product buildup or residue in the process).

How to Use Peppermint Oil for Hair

Peppermint oil can be used on its own, in DIY treatments, and mixed with a carrier oil. It's a pretty popular ingredient for a lot of hair care products, including shampoos, conditioners, scalp treatments, and deep treatment masks.

• Massage it into your scalp to soothe tension headaches: "Hold off on the painkillers when you have a tension headache and use peppermint oil instead," suggests Adina Grigore, founder of the sustainable and organic skincare brand S.W. Basics and author of Just the Essentials: How Essential Oils Can Heal Your Skin, Improve Your Health, and Detox Your Life. "Dilute a few drops in any carrier oil, and apply it to your temples, and massage it into your scalp. Participants in a study reported a significant reduction in the pain of their tension headaches within 15 minutes, and the pain continued to drop for the following hour. "
• Dilute in a carrier oil: If you want to use peppermint oil on its own, it's best to dilute it in a carrier oil like jojoba or argan oil. Dr. Chambers-Harris recommends, "since it is an essential oil, the best way to use this oil is to dilute it in your favorite carrier oil at a 1-2 percent concentration."
• Seek out products with peppermint oil: Use products that contain peppermint oil, or just use the pure oil itself. All you have to do is combine one pipette with your shampoo, massage, and rinse.
• Make a DIY mask to stimulate blood flow: Making a DIY mask using peppermint oil is easy. To make a DIY mask, follow the recipe below:

Ingredients:

• Peppermint essential oil
• Coconut oil

Instructions:

• Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with coconut oil.
• Warm until the coconut oil is liquid-y enough to coat your hair.
• Apply to your hair, let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then shampoo and condition as normal.