Have you been looking for an easy, natural way to nourish your hair, treat dandruff, and reduce itchiness on the scalp? Maybe you want to help prevent split ends or find a treatment that supplies the scalp with beneficial nutrients. Whatever your reason, this peppermint scalp treatment does all of that and more. In this article, we’ll explore how the ingredients in this treatment benefit the hair and scalp.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Not only does peppermint essential oil have a refreshing aroma, but it also has a place in skin and hair care applications. Peppermint essential oil exhibits antimicrobial, analgesic, insecticidal, pesticidal, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilating properties. Some people have used it to counteract hair loss because it contains menthol. Menthol is a natural vasodilator that improves blood flow to the scalp. In most cases, hair loss occurs due to starved blood flow to hair follicles. By increasing circulation to the scalp, you could potentially improve hair growth. It may also strengthen strands and prevent split ends by hydrating and nourishing hair, which helps reduce breakage.
Jojoba Oil
Due to its oily composition, jojoba oil can act as a natural moisturizer for hair, conditioning and protecting it against dryness and breakage. Because it can moisturize the scalp, it may act as a natural dandruff remedy. Additional evidence shows that Jojoba oil is a staple ingredient in many shampoos and conditioners. Its inclusion is for micro emulsion, which basically means that it assists in carrying the active ingredients of the product to where they need to go, i.e. the hair and scalp. The oil also has a reputation as a hair growth stimulant, but that is not backed by research. One study tested jojoba oil for hair growth and it was less effective than minoxidil and peppermint essential oil.
Coconut Oil
Used topically to hydrate the scalp, coconut oil may help prevent dandruff and promote hair growth. There is some evidence that the lauric acid in coconut oil may protect the hair against protein loss. Dyes, bleach, some shampoos, and various styling products can cause hair to become dull and fragile due to keratin loss. Lauric acid’s unique structure allows it to be absorbed into the hair shaft, which prevents moisture loss and encourages stronger hair. Additionally, some evidence indicates that coconut oil may help you manage a dry, itchy scalp. A small study found that applying coconut oil to the scalp had anti-fungal benefits. Researchers also noted that coconut oil may help combat scalp yeast infections and reduce scalp flaking.
DIY Peppermint Scalp Treatment
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 1 teaspoon castor oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops tea tree oil
Instructions:
- Spoon the coconut oil into a small bowl and microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to melt it. Once melted, mix in the jojoba oil and castor oil.
- Stir in the peppermint essential oil and tea tree oil. These oils give the treatment a lovely aroma, but they also do wonders for reducing itchiness and dryness on the scalp.
- Pour the mixture into a dropper bottle and use when ready. You can apply the oil mixture directly to the scalp, gently massaging it in circular motions for three to five minutes to increase the absorption and stimulate circulation.
- Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes, covering your hair with a shower cap or towel to protect the hair and scalp during the process.
- Use a natural shampoo to wash the treatment out. Ideally, use this treatment once or twice per week to keep your scalp healthy and fabulous.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
