8 Ways to Use Peppermint Oil for Hair

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Sep 10, 2023

8 Ways to Use Peppermint Oil for Hair

Sharmon Lebby is a writer and sustainable fashion stylist who studies and

Sharmon Lebby is a writer and sustainable fashion stylist who studies and reports on the intersections of environmentalism, fashion, and BIPOC communities.

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Peppermint is good for more than just adding something extra to your chocolate chip ice cream. The essential oil, made from the leaves of the peppermint plant, has been used topically to aid with a range of medical issues. Moreover, as a natural ingredient, it is often included in hair products to boost fragrance, strength, and longevity.

Here are eight ways to include peppermint oil in your hair care routine.

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Add a few drops of peppermint oil to your shampoo for a more aromatic experience. You can also make your own shampoo bars.

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Peppermint has been reported to stimulate the area of the brain responsible for alertness and increase lung function. Adding 4-5 drops of peppermint essential oil directly into the bottle of your favorite conditioner will leave you invigorated and ready for the day. Make sure the oil is fully mixed prior to use.

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A healthy scalp is the first line of defense against common hair problems. The condition of the scalp can impact hair growth and retention, as well as prevent dandruff and disease.

As an anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory oil, peppermint is known to soothe itchy skin. Combine the essential oil with jojoba or grapeseed oil and keep your scalp in peak condition.

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A pre-shampoo treatment, also called a "pre-poo," involves applying an oil, gel, or butter to your hair and allowing it to soak in for a period of time. The treatment should be left on for at least 30 minutes and at most overnight.

If you're looking to stimulate hair growth, adding peppermint essential oil to your hair care routine may be helpful. The key ingredient here is menthol, a vasodilator that can stimulate blood flow to the applied area.

Peppermint oil could give an extra boost when combined with other ingredients. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to your favorite carrier oil and gently massage the oil onto your scalp.

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Another way to keep your scalp healthy is is use a scrub while giving yourself a scalp massage. The act of massaging your scalp can promote hair growth, and a scrub can help unclog pores and improve shine.

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Hair masks are a great way to introduce moisture into the hair shaft. Combining peppermint oil with a moisture-inducing oil such as olive oil can increase the benefits and keep you on the road to healthy hair.

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Peppermint essential oil doesn't have to just be relegated to the hair on your head. Using it as part of the depilatory process can be just as helpful. With its anti-inflammatory properties and usefulness for skin irritations, this therapeutic oil makes a great addition to shaving creams.

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Aside from providing a lovely fragrance, peppermint oil is known for providing numerous health benefits, including those for hair. Peppermint has anti-inflammatory, moisturizing properties.

For hair growth, use peppermint essential oil with menthol, a vasodilator that can stimulate blood flow to the applied area. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to a carrier oil and massage the mixture onto your scalp.

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Koyama, Taro, et al. "Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue." Eplasty, vol. 16, 2018, pp. e8.

Ali, Babar, et al. "Essential Oils Used in Aromatherapy: A Systemic Review." Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, vol. 5, no. 8, 2015, pp. 601-611., doi:10.1016/j.apjtb.2015.05.007