Topical Peppermint Oil for Hair Loss: Increases IGF-1, Reduces Inflammation

Of the 4 experimental groups, PEO [(peppermint oil)] group showed the most prominent hair growth effects; a significant increase in dermal thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth. ALP activity and IGF-1 expression also significantly increased in PEO group.

Via PMC

Also from the same study:

These results suggest that PEO induces a rapid anagen stage and could be used for a practical agent for hair growth

Peppermint oil comes from peppermint, a native plant in Europe and is frequently used for various therapeutic applications like oils, shampoos and lotions. It has been used to relieve flatulence and as a gastric stimulant. Peppermint oil comes from a family of liquids known as essential oils, which basically means liquids containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. They contain the ‘essence’ of the plant’s fragrance and are frequently used in aromatherapy and perfume production.

Anti-inflammation: a key to hair loss prevention

Peppermint is usually known for its main ingredient, menthol, which has been proven to have a distinct cooling and refreshing sensation which has been used as a treatment to counter itchiness in humans, whether it is ingested or applied to the skin (Bromma et al., 1995) as well as analgesic (pain relief) properties (Galeotti et al., 2002). As an ingredient in treating hair loss, peppermint is extremely useful in soothing the scalp as an anti-inflammation substance, treating inflamed hair follicles which can prevent optimal hair growth. A study in 2014 (Oh, Park & Kim, 2014) recently compared the effectiveness of peppermint treatment with 4 other treatment options (including minoxidil, the recommended treatment for hair loss) and found that peppermint exhibited significant increase in dermal thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth compared with other treatments when done on mice. This has confirmed numerous anecdotal evidence of the usefulness of peppermint oil in combating hair loss.

Besides directly impacting the scalp, peppermint oil also helps stimulate hair growth by increasing blood circulation around the scalp and cleaning the area around the scalp; this helps prevent scalp buildup (sweat, sebum, dead skin etc) which can lead to irritation and inflammation. It also has antimicrobial and antifungal properties which can help prevent the growth of fungus and bacteria on the scalp, which are common causes of dandruff.

Results

I’m amazed at the study results on peppermint oil for hair loss. According to the study cited below, peppermint oil was more effective than Minoxidil:
PEO: peppermint oil. SA: saline solution. JO: Jojoba oil. MXD: Minoxidil.

From week 2, PEO grew hair more rapidly than SA and JO. At week 3, PEO remarkably promoted hair growth than SA and JO, even greater than MXD. At week 4, PEO showed hair growth about 92%, whereas MXD about 55%
NCBI

I am truly amazed by the results of peppermint oil, especially as it is such a cheap, safe treatment, with no reported side effects. Take a look at this chart:

Mixing Minoxidil with peppermint oil

To get even better results, try buying a liquid Minoxidil solution, like a cheap Kirkland 5% Minoxidil product and add 10ml peppermint oil to the bottle. Minoxidil increases the growth factor VEGF, which keeps the hair in the growth phase longer. It’s also though to open potassium ion channels, which seems to increase hair growth further.

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Whats the best shampoo for hair loss?

If you’re going to use a peppermint oil treatment you’ll get much better results if you use it in combination with Minoxidil.