Hair loss – whether acute or chronic – can be devastating to the sufferer. After all, hair is one of the first things noticed by people, and many individuals see their hair as part of their identity.
Now, there’s a lot of products available that combat hair loss and promise amazing – sometimes even miraculous! – results. And, while there’s no doubt that many over-the-counter products can encourage hair growth, they contain harmful chemicals that can actually do more harm than good.
Fortunately, there are natural treatment methods which you can use to treat the problem at the source. One such method is with the use of peppermint oil, a strongly-scented essential oil with a serious kick.
Of course, you may be skeptical. But we’re here to show you all of the benefits which peppermint oil use can provide, and how you can get started using it today to combat hair loss and promote the growth of healthy, strong hair.
First, however, let’s take a closer look at the causes of hair loss.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss can be caused by a number of things. However, the most common cause of hair loss tends to be hereditary in nature, and that is Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), also known as male-pattern baldness.
Male-pattern baldness is a result of sensitivity to DHT, a by-product of the male sex hormone testosterone. As DHT travels to the scalp, it attaches to androgen receptors at the base of the hair follicle.
These receptors are located throughout the scalp, but they are most prevalent by the forehead and temples. Once the DHT has attached, the hair follicles soon become unable to perform their job. This results in shortening of the hair and, eventually, complete loss. This is why natural DHT blockers have become increasingly popular for men with hair loss.
Of course, there are more temporary causes of balding, too. These include stress, illness, and medications, but they can be just as devastating to the sufferer as the more chronic form mentioned above.
The Benefits of Peppermint Oil for Hair Growth
The use of an essential oil to treat hair loss may seem out of place. However, the evidence doesn’t lie. Let’s take a look at a few of peppermint oil’s most convincing benefits.
Peppermint Oil is a Potent Antimicrobial
There are a number of microbes which contribute to an unhealthy scalp. These are seen in conditions such as dandruff and psoriasis, and they can even lead to hair loss if not treated.
Peppermint oil, however, is a powerful antimicrobial. This means it’s effective against various strains of fungus and bacteria, and it can be used to cleanse your scalp and provide a healthy place for hair to grow.
Peppermint Oil Balances pH Levels of the Scalp
Your scalp’s pH balance can mean the difference between healthy hair growth and hair loss.
As a result of peppermint oil’s oil balancing abilities, though, you can ensure that your scalp’s pH is healthy, and that will ensure better growth in the long run.
Peppermint Oil Acts As a Moisturizer
Moisture is necessary to fight dry scalp. Of course, it also means more nutrients are absorbed through the skin, and better absorption is achieved.
As a moisturizer, peppermint oil penetrates deep into the scalp. This ensures that the moisture travels below the surface layer of the skin, delivering
Peppermint Oil Increases Blood Flow
Blood flow is necessary for the delivery of vital nutrients and oxygen to the scalp and hair follicles. Without proper blood flow, the follicles become undernourished and unable to perform.
Peppermint oil is a stimulant, promoting increased blood flow to the applied area.
How to Use Peppermint Oil to Promote Hair Growth
The great thing about essential oils is you can add them into your regular routine, or get creative and create your own homemade concoctions.
Add It To Your Shampoo
With just one drop of peppermint oil mixed into four ounces of shampoo, you can do more than just clean and nourish your scalp – you can also stimulate new hair growth.
Once the two are combined, pour it into your palms and then work it into a lather on your scalp. Massage gently, in a circular motion, for at least 3 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, and then dry and style as usual.
Make Your Own Hair Growth Mask
When it comes to essential oils, the more the merrier! That’s why we recommend you combine peppermint oil with other essential oils, like rosemary and lavender.
So, let’s combine a few of the more effective essential oils to create a hair growth mask that nourishes, moisturizes, and cleanses.
What You’ll Need:
- Avocado (1 half)
- Rosemary Essential Oil (5 drops)
- Peppermint Essential Oil (5 drops)
- Cherries (6, peeled and pitted)
- Water (1/2 cup)
- Herbs (nettle, chamomile, reishi)
Directions:
- Add the herbs to a boiling pot of water, remove the pot from heat, and allow the herbs to steep until the tea has reached room temperature. Strain the solids.
- Pour the tea water into the blender, and then add the cherries, avocado, and vanilla and peppermint essential oils. Blend until smooth.
- After shampooing, apply the mask. Begin at the roots, working your way down to the tips of the hair and covering the entirety of the scalp. Massage for 2-3 minutes. For maximum absorption, leave the mask on your scalp for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse and dry as usual.
Conclusion
The trust is, hair loss happens. You don’t have to sit by while it does, though. Above, we showed you the benefits of peppermint oil for hair growth, as well as how to get started using the effective essential oil in your own daily routine.
Now, it’s time for you to test it out for yourself! Do you have any questions about how to best use peppermint oil to promote hair growth? Let us know in the comments below!
7 Reasons why You Should Try Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth
Did you know that peppermint oil repels spiders? It’s an extremely versatile oil with a number of uses!
- Sources
- Disclaimer
Article by Will Hartfield
Sources for this article include:
- Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/
- Chemical Composition, Antifungal and Antibiofilm Activities of the Essential Oil of Mentha piperita L. – https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2012/718645/
- Anti-bacterial activity of peppermint (Mentha piperita) extracts against some emerging multi-drug resistant human bacterial pathogens – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210803316300604
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on Optiderma.com is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified practitioner.
If you are allergic to the foods, herbs, essential oils, any remedies listed here, you must of course avoid them. For example, consuming food that you’re sensitive to will only cause more (not reduce!) inflammation.
Please consult a practitioner (such as Naturopath, Homeopath, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Dermatologist, ...) to follow the most appropriate treatment to heal your skin. All legal mentions »
ADVERTISEMENT
Optiderma.com uses Google AdSense and affiliate link programs to remunerate its contributors. Read more »
