
Getty Images
Hair health has As much to brawl with what you put option into your body As it DOE with what you put into your strands. It flourish when IT has access to strengthening nutrients the likes of omega-3 fatty acid and biotin, which can Be derived from your diet. Because these nutrient reach your scalp by travel through your blood, massaging it with peppermint oil—which excite blood flow—can help. information technology boost circulation to your scalp, giving your hair greater access to the good stuff.
“While studies are limited, Mentha piperita oil is thought to benefit the scalp past improving blood circulation to the hair follicle when rub down into the area,” say Martin N. Zaiac, MD, board-certified dermatologist. “When our scalps are fitter and happier, hair wellness be supported, as well, sol [there tin be] advance in hair texture and growth.”
In addition to better blood flow, Mentha piperita oil can besides help cut down dandruff and dryness. “Peppermint oil also hour angle antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which help to benefit overall scalp health,” say Marisa Garshick, MD, angstrom unit board-certified dermatologist.
Meet the expert
- Dr. Martin N. Zaiac, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Greater Miami skin & Laser Center.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, be a board-certified skin doctor in new York City and new Jersey.
- Dr. Shirley Chi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist inch southern California.
What be peppermint Oil?
“Peppermint oil be Associate in Nursing necessary oil pull up from the leaves of the peppermint plant,” says Dr. Zaiac. “Most of us know peppermint oil for its soothing effect on digestion when taken orally. We also know peppermint oil in aromatherapy for IT uplifting scent, so we’ll see it often apply in place fragrances. Mentha piperita oil can also atomic number 4 used topically, specifically in hair care, to help invigorate the scalp. inch personal care, we unremarkably see peppermint oil added to hair product inch small concentration and complement with other ingredient to support IT overall effectiveness.”
Benefits of peppermint Oil for Hair

Getty Images
When massaged into the scalp, peppermint oil can benefit hair in A number of ways.
Boosts the delivery of Nutrients
Because peppermint oil addition blood circulation, the hair gets to absorb a greater volume of nutrients. “Boosting scalp circulation is key inch order to support the health of the hair overall,” say Dr. Zaiac. “When we can improve blood circulation in the scalp, we ar serving to present important food to the area that can support the health and verve of the scalp area.”
Increases Oxygen Flow
In addition to increasing the spread of nutrients, hike up circulation helps the flow of oxygen to the scalp and hair follicles. O plays angstrom crucial role inch keeping our cells healthy and functional. “Improving blood flowing to the scalp aid to secure that hair follicle receive a rich people supply of O in addition to those nutrients, which can promote healthier hair as a result,” say Dr. Zaiac.
Supports hair Growth
“Peppermint oil has be shown to addition blood flow to the scalp and May stimulate maturation and thicker, strong hair strands,” say Dr. Garshick. She point to a 2014 study deal in rats that “showed the employment of peppermint oil increased dermal thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth.” Translation: information technology resulted in angstrom unit thicker, stronger scalp, Associate in Nursing increased figure of hairs, and angstrom deeper anchorage of hair into the scalp, devising them More resistant to excessive shedding.
“In lab studies, Mentha piperita oil has comparable personal effects to Rogaine, W unremarkably used topical medicinal drug for hair thinning that relaxes the scalp blood vessels and increases blood flow,” adds Dr. Shirley Chi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.
If you’re struggling with hair loss, know that there are More effective solutions than peppermint oil out there to consider. “While peppermint oil could glucinium attempt atomic number 33 AN all-natural treatment for hair loss and overall hair health, IT genuinely depend on your scalp and hair goals,” says doctor Zaiac. “Meeting with angstrom unit board-certified dermatologist can also assistance develop the best course of action and determine if Mentha piperita oil solutions are right for you. other treatment options include prescription medications, steroids, topical treatments, and injections.”
Kills Microbes
“Peppermint oil hour angle anti-microbial effects which can reduce dryness and dandruff,” say Dr. Chi. That’s because dandruff is ofttimes caused by AN over-proliferation of yeast, so the anti-microbial nature of Mentha piperita oil helps to decrease that yeast and balance the scalp.
Soothes Irritation
“Peppermint oil can also be helpful in naturally soothing rile and itchy scalps,” say Dr. Zaiac.
How to Use Peppermint oil for Hair

Getty Images
Before you choice up a bottle of pure Mentha piperita oil, know that pure necessary oils need to Be diluted in angstrom unit carrier oil (like jojoba oil OR Sweet almond oil) earlier they can be applied to the skin. Dr. Garshick note that utilise undiluted Mentha piperita oil can do the opposite of what you want, “contributing to burning, irritation, or sensitivity.”
Different people will give you different ratio for dilution, soh your safest bet be to usage angstrom unit peppermint oil hair product that Evergreen State develop and mixed by chemists who know how much to use so that you get all the benefits without the irritation.
Although the mere act of utilise Mentha piperita oil tin can beryllium helpful, massage addition it’s superpowers. “Peppermint oil should beryllium unite with manual massage technique to maximise circulation to the area,” say doctor Zaiac.
Risks and Precautions
Even when in good order diluted, peppermint oil may non be the best solution for some people. “Obviously if you are allergic to peppermint, you won’t deprivation to use IT on your scalp,” say Dr. Zaiac. “For children, pregnant OR nursing women, and those with certain medical checkup conditions or pickings specific medications, you should avoid using peppermint oil on the scalp or consult with angstrom unit board-certified dermatologist who can help sail through with whatsoever consideration that might need to atomic number 4 made earlier use peppermint oil to the scalp. Finally, if you are facing vexation on the scalp, the like eczema or dermatitis, peppermint oil can sometimes exacerbate the symptoms. Again, if you have whatever hesitations, contact your dermatologist.”