What are the benefits of peppermint on the hair?

The essential oil of peppermint is a colourless to greenish-yellow liquid with a characteristic menthol aroma. It primarily contains menthol (around 42%), ketones (menthones) and monoterpenes (limonene, sabinene, camphene).

Like the majority of essential oils, peppermint oil is obtained through hydrodistillation of fresh mint leaves, that is, by steam distillation. The principle involves heating a mixture of water and leaves to evaporate the volatile aromatic molecules and collect them following condensation. This method allows for the extraction of two products, namely the hydrosol and the essential oil, with a low yield of 0.2 to 0.6%. It should be noted, this yield can be improved up to 3% when starting from dried leaves.

Numerous studies on this subject demonstrate that this essential oil aids in enhancing the overall health of the scalp and hair, in various aspects.

• Promoting hair growth.

  There are numerous theories circulating about the stimulating property of this essential oil on hair regrowth. Indeed, a study conducted in 2014 on mice is quite promising. Peppermint essential oil led to hair growth as rapid as minoxidil, a molecule used in dermatology to combat androgenetic alopecia. According to the researchers, this is explained by the high quantity of menthol present in the essential oil. Menthol is a vasodilator, it improves blood circulation. Now, baldness is often due to a lack of blood flow to the hair follicles. Increasing circulation with a vasodilator like peppermint essential oil thus helps to stimulate hair growth or at least prevent their loss.

• Combatting dandruff.

  This essential oil also possessespurifying andantibacterial properties. It helps to regulate sebum production, thus preventing the excess that leads to oily and imbalanced scalps. It also provides an immediate sensation of freshness upon application, as well as a pleasant mentholated scent.

• Reducing itchiness.

  Peppermint has soothing properties. It alleviates scalp discomforts such as itching, tingling, tightness, and other unpleasant sensations.

How to use peppermint essential oil for hair? Peppermint essential oil should not be used undiluted directly on the scalp. It is instead recommended to incorporate a few drops into a carrier oil or your regular shampoo.

Like the majority of essential oils, peppermint oil is potentially allergenic due to the presence of certain compounds such as limonene. It is contraindicated for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as for individuals with a history of convulsive or epileptic disorders.

Note: It is advisable to test the essential oil before using it (two drops in the crook of the elbow for at least 24 hours to ensure that there is no reaction).

Typology has developed two hair care treatments containing this essential oil.

• The scalp scrub PHA 5% + jojoba beads: this pre-shampoo exfoliating gel gently removes dead cells for a healthy and balanced scalp. Growth is stimulated, hair becomes shinier and more voluminous.

• The scalp treatment with purifying Zinc PCA 4% + nettle extract: this care regulates sebum production and purifies the scalp to prevent it from becoming too greasy too quickly.

• Oh, Ji Young & al., Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs, Toxicological Research, (2014).