How To Use Peppermint Oil For Hair

What is Peppermint Oil?

Peppermint oil, derived from the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita), is an essential oil known for its invigorating fragrance and cooling sensation. Widely used in various beauty and personal care products, peppermint oil boasts a range of benefits for both skin and hair.

Why Use Peppermint Oil on Hair?

Peppermint oil is a versatile addition to your hair care routine due to its numerous benefits:

  1. Scalp Health: The antimicrobial properties of peppermint oil help maintain a healthy scalp by combating dryness, itching, and dandruff.
  2. Hair Growth: Menthol, a key component of peppermint oil, acts as a vasodilator. By improving blood flow to the hair follicles, it can potentially promote hair growth and reduce hair loss.
  3. Invigorating Sensation: The cooling effect of menthol provides a refreshing and tingling sensation, leaving your scalp feeling revitalized.
  4. Pleasant Fragrance: Peppermint oil imparts a fresh and pleasant aroma to hair care products, enhancing your overall sensory experience.

Key Benefits of Peppermint Oil for Hair:

  • Antimicrobial: Keeps the scalp clean and free from infections.
  • Analgesic and Anesthetic: Can help soothe scalp irritation and discomfort.
  • Vasodilating: Increases blood circulation, which may support hair growth.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and calms the scalp.

Do Studies Support the Use of Peppermint Oil for Hair Loss?

While essential oils have been used for centuries to promote hair growth, peppermint oil's role is relatively new and lacks extensive historical backing.

How to Use Peppermint Oil for Hair Loss

Using peppermint oil can be an effective way to address hair loss and promote healthy hair growth. Here are a few methods to incorporate peppermint oil into your hair care routine:

Direct Scalp Massage

  1. Prepare the Mixture: Add a few drops of peppermint oil to one tablespoon of your preferred scalp massage oil, such as coconut, jojoba, or shea butter oil.
  2. Massage: Apply the mixture to your scalp, massaging it gently. You should feel a tingling, minty sensation.
  3. Leave It On: Allow the treatment to sit on your scalp for 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Rinse: Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo. If the menthol sensation becomes too intense, rinse your scalp immediately and dilute the oil further in future uses.

Shampoo and Conditioner

  1. Add to Products: Incorporate peppermint oil directly into your shampoo and conditioner. A good rule of thumb is to add about five drops of oil per ounce of shampoo or conditioner.
  2. Use as Normal: Use your peppermint-infused shampoo and conditioner as you normally would. This method allows you to enjoy the benefits of peppermint oil with every wash.

For a convenient option, you can purchase products already infused with peppermint oil. Try these options:

Important Note

Peppermint-scented products without essential oil won't provide the same therapeutic benefits. Essential oils are distilled to maximize menthol content, which is necessary for achieving the desired effects on hair and scalp health.

Potential Side Effects of Peppermint Oil for Hair

While peppermint oil offers several benefits, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects:

  • Skin Irritation: Applying peppermint oil directly to the skin may cause irritation, rashes, or allergic contact dermatitis.
  • Pruritus (Itching): Some individuals may experience itching after using peppermint oil on their scalp.
  • Menthol Sensitivity: Peppermint oil contains menthol, which can negatively affect breathing in infants and small children. It should never be applied to their face or inhaled by them.

What happens if you put too much peppermint oil in your hair?

Using a high concentration of peppermint oil on your hair can be risky. Although only a 3% concentration has been tested in animal studies, applying too much peppermint oil may lead to scalp irritation, itchiness, or tenderness in the area where it was applied. It's best to stick to recommended amounts to avoid these adverse effects.

What happens if you don't dilute peppermint oil?

If you don't dilute peppermint oil, its potency can cause your skin to tingle or burn. The strong concentration of the essential oil can lead to irritation and discomfort, highlighting the importance of always mixing it with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin.

How long to leave peppermint oil in hair?

After massaging the peppermint oil into your scalp, let it sit for at least five minutes before rinsing. For optimal results, to stimulate hair follicles and promote healthy growth, allow the oil to work for anywhere from one hour to overnight.


Using peppermint oil in your hair care routine is a natural and effective way to improve scalp health and potentially stimulate hair growth. Whether you choose to massage it directly onto your scalp or add it to your shampoo and conditioner, peppermint oil provides a refreshing and beneficial boost to your hair regimen. To maximize the benefits, opt for products infused with peppermint oil, ensuring you enjoy its full therapeutic effects.

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Discover Key Ingredients

  • peppermint essential oil

    Creates a fresh smell and tingly sensation on the skin and scalp, helping to improve blood flow.

  • coconut oil

    Derived from coconuts, and milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, while still producing a sudsy lather. It is safe for colored hair and helps the transition period from liquid to bar seamless.

  • sodium coco sulfate

    Derived from coconuts, and milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, while still producing a sudsy lather. It is safe for colored hair and helps the transition period from liquid to bar seamless.

  • behentrimonium methosulfate

    Made from rapeseed oil, it is non-irritating and used to soften the hair and reduce static and frizz without causing build-up.

Read Press Coverage

  • "Parrotfish's Argan Shampoo Bar wins the spot for best shampoo bar due to its ability to hydrate and heal several hair types."

  • "Parrotfish's cocoa butter and coconut-based shampoo bars are rich with argan oil or peppermint to cleanse hair and feed it essential minerals to keep locks healthy."

  • "Parrotfish shampoo bars convinced me to ditch my plastic shampoo and conditioner, and I’m never looking back."

Customer Reviews

Based on 82 reviews
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S
Susan T.
Good product

I purchased the purple shampoo and conditioner bars & am very pleased with the results. It has definitely toned down the yellowing of my gray hair and does not dry my hair out. I will be ordering again for sure.

J
JENNIFER B.

purple shampoo and conditioner

D
Dorothy C.
Great product

I color my hair and have tried many products that deal with toning down the orange, but nothing has worked as well as the purple bars for shampoo and conditioner. My hair has never looked or felt better. I love this product.

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Sue T.
Purple

I love the shampoo and cream rinse. They leave my hair shiny and softer.

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Janet T.
Shampoo bar?

I had never seen shampoo and conditioner in a bar before. I decided to try it. I love it! My hair looks and feels great.