Can Peppermint Oil Grow Hair?

Peppermint leaves can undergo steam distillation, supercritical fluid extraction, or ultrasound-assisted extraction to extract their oils. The result is an extremely versatile essential oil that's used in food, beverages, skin care, perfumes, and even in medicineto help combat spasms characteristic of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

As for the potential of peppermint essential oil for hair growth, a 2014 study published in Toxicological Research found that peppermint oil helped regrow hair in mice. The animals in the study were placed in four groups, each receiving a different topical treatment over the course of four weeks. One group received saline, another received jojoba oil, the third received 3-percent minoxidil (a common ingredient for addressing hair loss found in products such as Rogaine), and the final group used 3 percent peppermint oil diluted in jojoba oil. The study found that of the four different groups, the group of mice who received peppermint oil showed the most prominent hair growth effects, including hair thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth. On the other hand, a review conducted in 2020 found no clinical evidence supporting the use of peppermint oil to treat hair loss in humans.

 The Best Hair Oil for Your Hair Type

 "Menthol, the main component in peppermint oil, has been shown to increase blood flow to the area where it is applied. Better blood circulation to the skin could encourage more hair to grow in the affected area." (Boosting circulation can ensure that follicles receive nutrients that are key for hair growth.)

 "Peppermint oil should not be used for those with a dry scalp or brittle hair". This is because it can cause irritation, so you want to make sure your hair and skin aren't dried out or irritated before starting a new treatment. Flaking, dryness, and itchiness are signs that something's out of whack, but when in doubt your derm can help you assess the state of your scalp.

How to Use Peppermint Oil For Hair Growth

If you've confirmed you have a healthy scalp and want to test peppermint oil for hair growth, start out by adding a few drops of the oil to the shampoo you're already using. Just remember that pure peppermint essential oil that you can buy online or in stores is potent. "Be careful not to add too much" . "About five drops per ounce of shampoo or conditioner is recommended." Using more than that can irritate your scalp.