Peppermint Oil for Hair Growth is it really an effective hair loss treatment?

Written by Our Editorial Team

You know the most popular medications minoxidil and finasteride that are recommended every time that you do a quick search. We’re also very certain you have become familiar with the common side-effects especially affecting men. Unfortunately, because of the way that most common hair loss treatments like minox and fin work you’re going to find that side effects are a possibility.

Now if you’re looking for an alternative that has a low toxicity and little to no side effects one comes up usually and that’s peppermint oil. Why is it so popular and why does it pop up so often? Well while we know it for having that wonderful scent and flavor on peppermint candy there’s newfound scientific evidence that has been proving to be exciting for peppermint and its effect on hair growth and preventing hair loss.

What is peppermint?

Peppermint is an herb that is very common, and its oil produces that sharp and refreshing aroma and flavor due to menthol. Peppermint oil is very common in candy and is used regularly in soaps and conditioners and even air fresheners.

Now while it is true that peppermint oil hasn’t been studied extensively, its compound menthol is what has been used for generations in traditional medicines to treat a variety of conditions including upset stomachs, IBS, headaches and other ailments. You also know menthol because of the cooling sensation in your joint pain balms and ointments. In aroma therapy its very common to find a peppermint scent due to its soothing effect. Most exciting however is that recent studies have really demonstrated that peppermint oil may be an effective treatment for hair loss.

The science behind peppermint oil and hair loss

A lot of companies point to the 2014 study published in Toxicology Research, which compared peppermint oil to saline treatments and minoxidil In mice. While it was an animal study it opened the door and provided encouraging results as the mice that were treated with the peppermint solution re-grew hair at a better rate than those with a “real” medicine.

The second study in 2016 focused on the effects of the chemical compound menthol that is peppermint oils active compound. This one found that menthol increased blood flow to the vascular system. The same exact reason why you feel that tingly cooling sensation.

Why is this important? Because that’s exactly how FDA approved hair loss treatments such as minoxidil (minox) work they are vasodilators that improve blood flow to your scalp. Which is the logic behind the potential use of peppermint oil for hair loss.

Is it conclusive?

No, however, what is very well reported is the toxicity and level of the side effects of using finasteride and minoxidil. While there is a lot of positive results from it. The truth is only you and your physician should make that decision. But it is very encouraging to see that there may be products with peppermint oil that have been helping people in some cases with their hair loss with relatively no toxicity as well as virtually no side effects.

How to use peppermint oil for hair loss:

Buy a Product with peppermint oil in it:

There are plenty of products that already contain it and its quite simple. You can buy a hair care product that already contains peppermint oil and simply use it following the instructions.

Add it yourself to your favorite product:

You can test peppermint oil by adding it to your own favorite product. Just be mindful that it might affect the consistency of your product.

Apply directly to your scalp:

Mix some peppermint oil into a carrier oil like olive oil or shea and massage into your scalp and then rinse out after a few minutes.

Peppermint oil side effects

In most cases peppermint oil orally or topically is extremely safe for people. Topically peppermint oil may cause some irritation or even a rash and should not be applied to the face of infants or children.

Orally peppermint oil can cause dry mouth, nausea, abdominal pain and allergic reactions in rare cases. As with most cases caution and easing into it may be the best route to follow.

If you’re ready to try a shampoo that is ready made click here.

Is peppermint oil your only choice for hair loss?

There are several venues to try helping you to slow down the process or even regrow some lost hair including the following options:

Finasteride: which is a prescription medication that blocks the hormone that causes male pattern baldness. Used with minoxidil it slows down and can stop hair loss. In some cases it has also been shown to regrow hair in thinning areas.

Minoxidil: A topical treatment that increases blood flow and brings on new hair. This is the one that is most like peppermint oil in how it works due to its effects as a vasodilator.

Saw Palmetto: an herb that functions in blocking the hormone DHT and helps keep hair thick and healthy. This is available as and over the counter supplement and has been recommended to help with other male issues such as an enlarged prostate and in women it helps regulate hormonal levels.

Biotin: Highly recommended vitamin that is found in many over the counter products that helps keep healthy hair growth.

So as you can see there are several options in helping you keep that head of hair. And while peppermint oil is not a definite solution we believe there definitely is merit in trying it out. You could try our shampoo. It’s a balanced shampoo that works by cleaning the area with tea tree oil for its antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties as fungal infections have also shown to be a possible cause of hair loss. Then stimulating your scalp and hair follicles with peppermint oil by increasing blood flow and finally the nutrient rich jojoba oil and other ingredients provides your scalp and hair with the building blocks for a healthy head of hair we also offer a conditioner if you need to have a lightweight but effective conditioner with tea tree oil and peppermint oil as well.