Peppermint essential oil is one of the ingredients that care for and beautify our hair in a natural and respectful way.
Beautiful and healthy hair is our best calling card, and although there are countless products in the supermarket to care for it (shampoos, conditioners, masks, oils…) that promise to solve different hair problems, many of them contain substances that are not recommended, such as petroleum derivatives.
You can incorporate peppermint essential oil into your hair care routine in various ways: in a hair-strengthening shampoo, a pre-moisturizing treatment, or to soothe the scalp.
Benefits of peppermint essential oil for hair
Peppermint essential oil is a highly concentrated natural extract derived from the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita). It is one of the most widely used essential oils in aromatherapy, thanks to both its refreshing scent and its therapeutic properties.
Known for its antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties, peppermint essential oil is also attributed with beneficial effects for hair care:
Hair strengthening: Peppermint oil helps increase blood circulation in the scalp thanks to one of its key components, menthol. This strengthens hair and is believed to even promote hair growth.
Scalp care: In addition to promoting circulation, it helps stabilize the scalp’s pH, maintaining an ideal balance that prevents dryness or excessive oil production. It has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the scalp.
Hair hygiene: its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties contribute to the cleansing of the hair and scalp.
Refreshing sensation: Peppermint oil provides a refreshing and invigorating sensation to the scalp and hair.
Strengthening shampoo with peppermint essential oil
The easiest way to incorporate peppermint essential oil into your hair care routine is to add a couple of drops to your regular shampoo (which should ideally be a mild, organic shampoo).
If you prefer, you can make your own homemade shampoo by following a few simple steps:
Ingredients:
½ cup of soap made from an olive oil-based soap.
½ cup of filtered or distilled water.
10 drops of rosemary essential oil.
5 drops of peppermint essential oil.
2 teaspoons of jojoba oil (optional).
Preparation:
Pour the soap into the container you will use for the shampoo (you can reuse an old shampoo bottle).
Add the essential oils and mix everything well.
Pour in the water and gently shake the container to mix all the ingredients.
Hydrating pre-wash treatment
Pre-shampoo hair treatments (known as “pre-poo” because it is short for “pre-shampoo”) consist of applying an oil or butter to the hair and letting it absorb for at least 30 minutes (or overnight at most).
The one we propose, in addition to the moisturizing properties of vegetable oils, provides all the benefits of mint essential oil.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons of olive oil.
3 tablespoons of jojoba oil.
2 drops of peppermint essential oil.
2-3 drops of lavender essential oil.
Preparation:
Pour all the ingredients into a small jar and mix them well until combined.
To apply the treatment, it’s best to dampen your hair first and then dry it thoroughly with a towel. Apply the mixture to small sections of hair, detangling it with a comb, until you’ve applied it to all of your hair.
Cover your hair with a towel or shower cap and leave the oils on for at least 30 minutes before washing them out.
Soothing scalp treatment
Peppermint essential oil, as we mentioned before, is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, and for helping to stabilize the pH of the scalp, which can help prevent problems such as dandruff or itching.
You can prepare a soothing scalp treatment by following a few simple steps:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of castor oil
1 teaspoon of jojoba oil
5 drops of peppermint essential oil
Preparation:
Pour all the ingredients into a small jar and shake to mix well.
To apply it, rub the mixture into your scalp with your fingers for a few minutes, massaging gently. Then, cover your hair with a towel or shower cap and leave the mixture on for at least an hour before washing it out.