Is peppermint oil good for hair?

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.

8 Ways to Use Peppermint Oil for Hair

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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Invigorating Shampoo

woman using solid soap washing hair with shampoo bar - stock photo — Lourdes Balduque / Getty Images

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

Ingredients

½ cup of castile soap
½ cup of filtered or distilled water
2 teaspoons of jojoba oil (optional)
10 drops of rosemary essential oil
5 drops of peppermint essential oil

Steps

Add castile soap to a container that will be used as the shampoo container. Reusing old shampoo bottles is a great eco-friendly option.
Mix in essential oils and combine thoroughly.
Pour in water and gently shake the container to blend ingredients.
Wash and condition hair.

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Refreshing Conditioner

Close-up of woman's outstretched hand in shower holding handful of cream cleanser, conditioner or other beauty product — Grace Cary / Getty Images

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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Soothing Scalp Treatment

Women itching scalp — chokja / Getty Images

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.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons castor oil
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
5 drops of peppermint oil

Steps

Combine all ingredients into a small container.
Shake the container to mix all the oils.
Rub mixture onto scalp.
Cover hair with a towel or shower cap.
Let sit for at least an hour before washing out.

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Moisture Boosting Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Oil for head. Girl holding dropper — Elena Safonova / Getty Images

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.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons jojoba oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil
2-3 drops lavender essential oil

Steps

Combine all ingredients in a small container.
Dampen hair slightly. The pre-poo can be applied to dry hair, but if you are detangling, wetting hair slightly is the best option.
Apply oil blend in small sections. Detangle hair as you move through each section.
Cover hair with shower cap or towel.
Let sit for at least 30 minutes before washing out.

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Hair Growth Serum

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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Exfoliating Scrub

Homemade sugar scrub with mint leaves and essential mint oil — kazmulka / Getty Images

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.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1 tablespoon honey
2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil

Steps

Mix the ingredients together.
Gently massage the scrub into the scalp for several minutes. Make sure your hair is wet for this massage.
Wash with shampoo and conditioner when finished.

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Conditioning Hair Mask

female hair, hair mask and bamboo comb on white background top view, flat lay. — IrenaStar / Getty Images

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.

Ingredients

Half an avocado
½ cup of olive or avocado oil
5 drops of peppermint essential oil

Steps

Mash the avocado with your oil until well blended.
Add in the drops of peppermint oil.
After shampooing, apply mask to the ends for an isolated split end treatment, or to all of the hair for deep conditioning.
Leave on for about 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

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Hair Removal and Shaving Cream

Closeup shot of an unrecognizable woman shaving her legs — Delmaine Donson / Getty Images

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.

Ingredients

¼ cups shea butter
¼ cups coconut oil
2 tablespoons carrier oil (olive, grapeseed, jojoba, etc.)
5 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil

Steps

Melt shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler.
Remove from heat and add in a carrier oil and essential oils.
Let formula cool in the refrigerator until it has hardened.
Whip using a handheld mixer until it reaches a creamy consistency. A regular mixer or fork can be used as well.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is peppermint oil good for hair?

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.
How do you use peppermint oil for hair growth?

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.