Rosemary Essential Oil vs Peppermint Essential Oil- Which is Better For Hair Growth?

Rosemary Essential Oil is all the rage for hair growth and scalp health. But there is another essential oil that we don’t talk enough about- Peppermint Essential Oil! Yes, peppermint essential oil is another potent essential oil that has scientific evidence for supporting hair growth! 

Now you might ask us, if both these essential oils help with hair growth then which one should you use? 

Let this article help you decide which of these superherbs are meant for your scalp type and concern! 

Science behind Rosemary & Peppermint Essential Oils- 

• Rosemary: Rosemary Essential Oil helps with stimulating blood flow on the scalp. It is a natural DHT blocker which means it controls the production of the primary hormone responsible for male & female pattern hair loss. 

It has anti-inflammatory properties, soothing inflamed follicles & conditions like dandruff and seborrhea. 

Rosemary oil started to receive international recognition when a study published by the National Institute of Health stated that it was as effective as the FDA approved treatment for genetic hair loss- Minoxidil! 

• Peppermint: Peppermint Essential Oil is a natural vasodilator (expands the blood vessels), which helps with better delivery of nutrients to your scalp. Peppermint prolongs the anagen phase of your hair strands, keeping hair attached to your scalp for an extended period of time. The natural tendency of peppermint is refreshing with a tingling sensation, when applied to the skin. The tingling helps with stimulation of the roots and new hair growth. There are studies on peppermint oil suggesting its effectiveness in increasing follicle diameter and depth, giving you thicker hair.

Key differences between both the essential oils:

Application & Usage:

• Scalp Massage- Mix 2-3 drops of Rosemary oil & peppermint oil each in 1-2 tbsps of your chosen carrier oil (for example- coconut, castor or jojoba). Massage for 5-10 minutes to stimulate your roots. Leave it for a maximum of 3 hours and wash it off with a mild, sulfate free shampoo. 
• Quick shampoo hack- If you are short on time and don’t want to oil your scalp, just mix 2 drops of each essential oil into your palmful shampoo and emulsify between your palms. Work your way through your scalp & hair and let the shampoo stay for 5 minutes. Rinse off. 
• Hair Mist- Mix 5 drops of each- rosemary essential oil & peppermint essential oil in 100 ml of water into a spray bottle. Add 1 tsp of Aloe Vera gel in the water. 

Shake well and spray on your scalp and hair for instant hydration and refreshment.  

Benefits beyond growth:

• Aromatherapy: Both rosemary and peppermint are herbaceous smelling, with different scents for different purposes. Rosemary has a mild yet stimulating fragrance which can help improve memory and focus while studying or working.  

Peppermint on the other hand, has a strong refreshing scent which is used to shoo away parasites and insects as well as awakening your senses when you’re feeling lethargic or sleepy.

• Reduction of flakes: Both peppermint and rosemary essential oil are antifungal and antibacterial in nature. They significantly help with reducing dandruff and flaking on the scalp due to excess sebum, giving you a squeaky clean scalp and hair that flows freely. 
  

Safety, Side Effects and Precautions:

• Always, and we repeat always! Apply essential oils only once they have been diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or castor. Application of essential oils directly to your scalp can lead to burning and irritation, which can also lead to hair loss.  
• Avoid contact with eyes, nose or open wounds as they can cause burning, pain and other infections. 
• Always choose essential oils that come in dark glass bottles to protect their potency and efficacy from the harsh sunlight. 

Patch Test-

If you want to check whether an essential oil suits you or not, do a small patch test! 

Take 1 or 2 drops of either rosemary essential oil or peppermint essential oil and apply it either to the back of your forearm or behind your ear.

All you should be feeling is a light tingling sensation. 

If you feel a strong, burning sensation with pain, immediately discontinue. 

FAQs & Common Myths: 

  1. Can rosemary and peppermint reverse balding?:

Rosemary and Peppermint both are potent natural solutions for hair loss. However, they can only show effect on active follicles. If your roots and follicles are dead, then hair regrowth most likely would not occur. 

  2. How long does it take to see results?:

• Any topical product for hair growth will show results only after at least 3 months of consistency and patience. 
• In the first 1-2 weeks you should feel your scalp getting healthier, irritation and dandruff reduce. 
• In between months 1-3, you should notice hair fall control & stronger roots.
• By months 3-6, you should notice visible new hair growth & increased hair density. 

  3. Which of these essential oils are more potent for Androgenetic Alopecia?:

• Rosemary Oil helps reduce DHT sensitivity, which is the main cause of androgenetic alopecia. 
• It's results show up gradually, but supports long term scalp health and hair growth. 
• Peppermint Oil increases blood circulation to hair follicles which accelerates hair growth for a short term stimulation. 
• It doesn’t directly block DHT. 

Final Verdict?

The best approach is to use both of these oils together to reap their combined benefits. Use 3-4 drops of each essential oil into your preferred carrier oil and massage it to your scalp and hair. Rosemary boosts long term follicle health while Peppermint adds an extra growth boost. So kick out the minoxidil! Say hello to thicker, longer and healthier strands with the power of all natural essential oils.