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.
Invigorating Shampoo
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 soap½ cup of filtered or distilled water2 teaspoons of jojoba oil (optional)10 drops of rosemary essential oil5 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.
Refreshing Conditioner
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.
Soothing Scalp Treatment
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.
2 tablespoons castor oil1 teaspoon jojoba oil5 drops of peppermint oil
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.
Moisture Boosting Pre-Shampoo Treatment
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.
3 tablespoons olive oil3 tablespoons jojoba oil2 drops peppermint essential oil2-3 drops lavender essential oil
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.
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.
Exfoliating Scrub
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.
2 tablespoons sugar1 tablespoon jojoba oil1 tablespoon honey2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil
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.
Conditioning Hair Mask
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.
Half an avocado½ cup of olive or avocado oil5 drops of peppermint essential oil
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.
Hair Removal and Shaving Cream
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.
¼ cups shea butter¼ cups coconut oil2 tablespoons carrier oil (olive, grapeseed, jojoba, etc.)5 drops peppermint essential oil10 drops lavender essential oil
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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- 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.
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.
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.
