Making peppermint oil work for you

Part one in essential oil series

Essential oils elevate wellness products with their various unique health benefits while also having the added perk of being plant based and completely natural. There are a plethora of essential oils out there, but few are as versatile as peppermint oil. While this oil is known mainly for its stomach calming, soothing, and flavoring properties when ingested, peppermint oil is also amazing for your hair and scalp. Below, we’ll explore a few key reasons why you should be incorporating peppermint oil into your hair routine, who it’s for, and how to use it.

1: Stimulating

When applied topically to the scalp, peppermint oil stimulates the hair follicle through the vasodilation, or widening, of blood vessels. This widening leads to increased blood flow, which can in turn help with thickening your hair, slowing hair loss, and even aiding in hair growth. The reason behind these benefits has everything to do with vasodilation. Improved blood circulation can increase hair follicle count, as well as depth, which results in thicker and healthier hair.

2: A Powerful Anti-Inflammatory

As mentioned before, peppermint oil is a known stomach soother when ingested. Many a time, I myself have had peppermint candy after a meal or while traveling to help with nausea, indigestion, and even motion sickness and stomachaches. Fortunately, the soothing benefits of peppermint oil aren’t limited to taking it in some form by mouth. Peppermint menthol has a tingling cooling sensation that can help reduce inflammation when applied topically. For this reason, peppermint oil is used in many scalp soothing products, such as our own Happy Scalp Therapeutic Braid & Scalp Oil. Peppermint oil helps to calm red and irritated scalp that may happen as a result of tight braids, chemical burn, and even conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis.

3: Balancing the Hair and Scalp

Peppermint oil is especially beneficial to those who have scalp issues such as imbalanced pH, oily scalp, or scalp psoriasis. Peppermint oil is an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal that can help with maintaining the scalp’s natural biome and reducing symptoms associated with the aforementioned conditions. Keeping a healthy scalp is the firs step to relieving dandruff, itchiness, irritation, and issues related to stunted hair growth or hair loss. In addition, peppermint oil is an excellent oil regulator, and can help keep people with overly oily scalps like mine from producing excess sebum, which helps with reducing greasy hair and build up.

Using Peppermint Oil Properly

Peppermint oil is suitable for use on all hair types and hair porosities when applied the right way. Peppermint oil should never ever be applied directly onto your scalp or any other skin! It is very concentrated and quite powerful and can easily irritate your skin even if it isn’t particularly sensitive. Peppermint oil should always be diluted before use with a carrier oil such as almond or jojoba oil.

Another tip is to utilize other ingredients alongside your peppermint oil. There is a plethora of other essential oils that work well with peppermint oil and can enhance certain properties based on what your needs are. Adding eucalyptus or lavender to your peppermint is the perfect therapeutic calming cocktail, while adding rosemary and citrus oils such as lemon or grapefruit are powerful scalp-detoxing concoctions.

Parting Words

It may be intimidating to enter the world of essential oils, but there is something for every need here, and peppermint oil is a perfect way to start. As with any product, do your research, identify your needs, and find what works for you through trial and error. Happy experimenting, and good luck on your hair health journey!