For a cooling, cleansing treatment for your hair and scalp, try peppermint essential oil. Peppermint oil has great antiseptic, regenerative and stimulating properties that can improve the health of your hair. If you have a dry, itchy scalp, possibly from winter dryness, if you want a gentle stimulating treatment to promote new growth, or if you simply want a refreshing hair treatment, natural peppermint is an excellent choice. You can use peppermint oil for hair in a number of different ways. Decide which hair treatment is right for you.
Peppermint and Jojoba
To nourish, refresh and moisturize your scalp and hair, use peppermint essential oil with jojoba oil for a powerful mask. Jojoba supports new growth by unclogging hair follicles. It also nourishes and moisturizes. This treatment will give your hair shine and luster, while also stimulating blood circulation to the scalp. You will need from one to three tablespoons of jojoba oil, depending on your hair length and thickness, and four drops of peppermint essential oil.
Put the jojoba oil and peppermint in a small, sealed glass jar or plastic bag. Heat one cup of water to boiling. Pour the water into a bowl and then set the glass jar of oils into the water for ten minutes. Meanwhile, wet your hair.
Comb the warm peppermint and jojoba oil into hair with your fingers. Wrap a towel around your head and let this rejuvenating hair mask set for twenty minutes. Rinse with cool water and then shampoo as normal.
Peppermint and Green Tea Rinse
Another way to use peppermint oil for hair is to make a clarifying rinse. Make one cup of green tea, which is a great source of antioxidants for your hair. Add five drops of peppermint essential oil and one tablespoon of white vinegar to the tea. Pour this rinse over damp hair and leave on for five minutes. Then shampoo and condition your hair.
Peppermint Shampoo and Conditioner
An easy way to take advantage of the stimulating, cleansing properties of peppermint oil on a daily basis is to add to your shampoo and conditioner. Add 12 drops of the essential oil to 16 ounces of unscented shampoo or conditioner. Peppermint blends well with rosemary and lavender essential oils for hair care. Use four drops of each oil for a great homemade aromatherapy shampoo or conditioner.
Peppermint oil can be used to make excellent natural treatments for your hair. It cools the scalp, protects hair and skin from bacteria and has a stimulating, rejuvenating effect. While peppermint essential oil is non-toxic and safe for general use, it should be avoided during pregnancy.
Sources:
Balch, Phyllis A. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing.” Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).
Page, Linda. “Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone, 11th Edition” (Traditional Wisdom, 2003).