Peppermint Essential Oil: What are the benefits for hair?

A study has shown that a topical application ofpeppermint essential oil for 4 weeks, at a concentration of 3%, resulted in a stimulation of the growth of thick and long hair.

Indeed, studies have observed an elongation of hair follicles from the epidermis to the subcutis, which has been associated with an increase in the length of the keratinised hair shaft. This extension of the follicles is a positive indicator of hair health and growth. The study also noted that peppermint essential oil significantly increased the expression of the IGF-1 gene mRNA. This is a mitogen that promotes the growth and survival of cells, and contributes to hair thickening. Furthermore, peppermint essential oil promotes the early transition of hair into the growth phase (anagen phase) by stimulating the dermal papilla and an enzyme, alkaline phosphatase.

The essential oil of peppermint may prove promising for fighting dandruff due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe scalp itchiness.

Furthermore, some of the active substances found in peppermint essential oil also possess antifungal properties. A study revealed that menthol, in combination with menthone, acted synergistically as a fungicidal agent against Rhizopus and Mucor, and showed significant inhibition of growth in Sclerotinia. Although this property is intriguing, no research has yet been able to demonstrate that peppermint essential oil can also exert a fungicidal activity on Malassezia furfur. Thus, while this fungicidal activity is promising for Malassezia furfur, it still requires further research to be confirmed.

Peppermint essential oil is particularly noteworthy due to its anti-inflammatory properties which are effective in combating scalp inflammation. Menthol, a component of this essential oil, works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules such as prostaglandin PGE-2, interleukin IL-1-β, and leukotriene LTB-4. It can also block calcium channels involved in cytokine production and pain signal transmission. This reduction in neuronal excitability helps to alleviate the sensation of pain associated with inflammation, thereby reducing feelings of heat and pain resulting from the inflammatory response. On the other hand, menthone, another compound found in peppermint essential oil, has shown significant inhibition of the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.

Theessential oil of peppermint thus exhibits intriguing properties for alleviating various conditions related to inflammation and soothing the scalp. However, it is important to note that this essential oil does not treat the underlying cause of the inflammation.

Peppermint essential oil possesses refreshing properties. It acts as a thermal regulator, enabling the reduction of temperature in an area typically associated with inflammation. This characteristic is attributed to menthol, which is present in high concentration (30 to 55%) in peppermint essential oil. Menthol works by stimulating the skin's thermo-receptors, resulting in profound analgesia, that is, significant pain relief. The targeted receptors are TRPM8 receptors, which are sensitive to cold temperatures and play a crucial role in inflammatory, painful, and itching (pruritus) processes. This property has been scientifically proven and has been observed to decrease body temperature by 2 to 4 °C.

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