The legacy of passing down tried and tested recipes of hair oil concoctions runs in every South Asian household, much like pasta recipes passed down from nonnas in Italy. It is also a ritual that has become increasingly popular in the West today, with one particular hair oil of natural origin that has taken social media by storm: peppermint hair oil.
The benefits of peppermint range far beyond just aiding in the process of hair growth. The sweet essence of mint and the warmth of the oil can turn your hair regime into a calming therapeutic session. It is a phenomenal ingredient that manages to calm the nerves, assist in anxiety, help you unwind from stress and exhaustion, and hydrate and nourish the hair.
Benefits of peppermint oil
1. Stimulates hair growth:
Peppermint oil has a cooling and soothing effect on the scalp, which can help improve blood circulation and stimulate hair growth.
2. Nourishing:
This oil contains essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that help nourish and strengthen the hair from the roots.
3. Reduces dandruff and itchy scalp:
Because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties, peppermint can aid in reducing dandruff and alleviate itching of the scalp, while also giving a cooling sensation that’s perfect for the heat.
4. Improves scalp health:
Peppermint oil has a refreshing effect on the scalp, improving scalp health and reducing inflammation.
5. Adds shine and lustre:
If a shiny, glazing mane is something you seek, then the richness of peppermint oil is just what you’ve been looking for.
6. Protects hair from environmental damage:
Infused with antioxidant properties, peppermint helps protect the hair from environmental damage caused by pollution, sun exposure, and other external factors.
7. Prevents hair loss:
Peppermint oil helps to improve blood circulation and deliver oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, which can help prevent hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.
8. Control sebum production:
Washing your hair every two days can be as frustrating as it gets, but peppermint oil has properties that help regulate sebum production on the scalp, which in turn can help reduce greasiness and clogged hair follicles.
How to use peppermint oil in your beauty regime
Incorporating the goodness of herb-infused hair oils into your hair routine doesn’t have to be a task. It's merely a mix and match of two (or fewer) ingredients that could give your hair a rejuvenating boost.
Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil. Massage the mixture into your scalp to stimulate hair growth and wave goodbye to unhealthy scalp conditions. Another hack calls for adding a few drops of peppermint oil to a cup of water and using it as a final rinse while washing your hair, leaving it smelling as refreshing as freshly cut grass. You can also mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil to form a massage oil that will help relax your muscles. You’ll feel your hair thanking you later.
Tips to remember before incorporating peppermint oil into your beauty regime
- Make sure you dilute essential oils such as peppermint oil before applying them. Otherwise, it can cause topical irritation or even chemical burns.
- A patch test before using any new essential oil is essential in itself. Apply a small amount of the diluted essential oil to a small area of your skin and wait for 24 hours to see if you have any adverse reactions.
- Use essential oils that promise quality, are 100% pure without being adulterated with synthetic fragrances or other chemicals.
- Keep the usage of essential oils very limited around your eyes, mouth, and other sensitive areas of your skin.
- Store essential oils in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat. This will help prevent the oils from deteriorating or becoming rancid.
Too much of anything can do more harm than good. Using these essential oils in moderation is highly advisable. While they can provide many benefits, using too much of them can cause adverse reactions. Start with a small amount and gradually increase if needed.
Article Image : Instagram/@hot.hair.balloon
