Do you want to know how to use Spearmint oil for hair growth? Spearmint has a range of benefits for the hair and scalp including promoting hair growth and reducing hair fall, and soothing scalp conditions such as dandruff.

If you are worried about thinning hair, Spearmint oil may be a good remedy for you. It is well known for promoting healthy hair growth as well as providing nourishment to the scalp.
The use of Spearmint oil in beauty treatments is not new. The oil was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans and mentioned in Ayurvedic texts as being beneficial for the skin and hair. It was also found in ancient Egyptian tombs.
If you want to make your own hair products at home, it is easy to add spearmint oil to your recipes. There are many different options for adding spearmint oil to your hair care routine including making a hair mask or shampoo.
This post is all about how to use spearmint oil for hair growth
Spearmint Oil for Hair
The Benefits of Spearmint Oil for Hair
1. Spearmint oil Causes Hair to Grow
There has been evidence to suggest that applying spearmint oil to your scalp can cause your hair to grow faster and thicker. A study that was published in Toxicological Research even showed peppermint oil performed better than Minoxidil in promoting hair growth.
Minoxidil is the only over the counter hair growth product which has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is sold under the name Rogaine, Regaine or Theroxidil and treats thinning hair or baldness.
The study, which involved applying peppermint oil or Minoxidil onto the backs of mice, showed peppermint oil promoted hair growth without toxic signs at a faster rate than Minoxidil. It also increased the hair follicle number, and follicle depth meaning the hair became denser and thicker.
2. Spearmint oil increases blood flow to the Hair Follicles
Spearmint oil contains Menthol which has been shown to increase blood flow when applied to the skin. A study published in Microvascular Research showed that a 4% menthol solution caused blood vessels to dilate and blood flow to increase.
When applied to the scalp it improved blood circulation which helps to strengthen hair follicles and cause hair to grow more quickly.
Many instances of thinning hair or baldness occur due to inadequate blood flow to the hair follicles. If this is the cause of the hair loss then spearmint oil could help to prevent further hair loss.
3. Spearmint Prolongs the Hair Fall Cycle
As well as increasing blood flow, Menthol also disrupts and prolongs the hall fall cycle. When it is regularly applied to the scalp it has the ability to keep the hair retained in its follicle for longer.
This means with regular use the hair will become thicker and will fall out less frequently.
4. Spearmint Oil is Naturally Anti-fungal and Anti-bacterial
Since Spearmint has natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties it is an effective treatment for certain scalp problems such as dandruff.
Spearmint oil can also help calm any redness or inflammation on the scalp and promote healthier skin. The antibacterial nature of Spearmint makes it effective at relieving itchiness or dryness. A healthy scalp leads to healthier hair.
Can I Just Use Peppermint?
We think Spearmint is better as it’s less likely to cause a skin reaction, irritation, redness or burning. It is also the recommended choice for sensitive skin.
The difference between Spearmint oil and Peppermint oil is the amount of Menthol each oil contains. Peppermint contains 40% menthol whereas Spearmint only contains 0.5%.
It is the higher menthol concentration that causes Peppermint to have its stronger, more pronounced flavour than Spearmint. A higher Menthol concentration however can lead to side effects such as skin irritation, burning or redness when applied to the skin.
Since Spearmint has far less Menthol than Peppermint there is less chance of having a skin reaction or burning sensation, but you will still get all the benefits Menthol provides.
How Do You Use Spearmint Oil for Hair?
Nearly all essential oils are too potent to be applied directly onto the scalp. Only a small amount can have a strong effect.
When essential oils are being made it can take over 200 pounds of a plant to make just 1 pound of the essential oil. Since they are so concentrated they should be used with caution to avoid reactions or toxicity.
As a general rule it is suggested that you use a concentration of around 3% of the oil mixed in with either a carrier oil or one of your regular hair products.
Since it can be difficult to measure 3% at home, start by adding 1-2 drops of the spearmint oil to a hair product or carrier oil and mixing it in your hand. If you feel a slight burning you will know the oil is too strong.
Good Carrier Oils for Spearmint Oil
If you don’t want to mix the spearmint oil with your regular hair products you can choose a carrier oil. This might be a good option if you want to use the Spearmint Oil for hair or scalp massage.
Good carrier oils for spearmint include:
- Jojoba Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Almond Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Evening Primrose Oil
- Argan Oil
- Olive Oil
All essential oils are very concentrated, which means a little can go a long way and they can be toxic in high doses.
The most popular carrier oil to blend with Spearmint essential oil is Jojoba oil. This is because Jojoba oil is rich in the vitamins and minerals that nourish hair over time. It is also effective at soothing a dry scalp and combatting dandruff.
Essential Oils to Combine with Spearmint
Spearmint oil blends well with other oils that are known to promote hair growth. These include Lavender oil, Rosemary oil, Cedarwood oil, Lemongrass oil, Thyme oil, Clary sage oil, Tea tree oil and Ylang-ylang essential oil.
The most popular essential oil to mix with Spearmint is Lavender. To make a Lavender and Spearmint shampoo you can use the same recipe to make lavender shampoo but add an extra couple of drops of Spearmint oil to the mixture.
How to Create a Spearmint Oil Hair Mask

Once you have chosen your carrier oil and bought your spearmint essential oil you can make a cooling hair mask.
Mix the Spearmint oil with your chosen carrier oil in the ratio if 1:4. Then apply the mixture to your hair and scalp. Comb through your hair to ensure the oil is distributed evenly through the hair.
Leave the oil on for at least 5 minutes, or overnight for a more intense hair treatment. You may wish to use a shower cap to keep the oil from staining your clothes.
When you are ready to remove the spearmint oil, rinse your hair using a gentle shampoo.
You will find the spearmint cools the scalp. Peppermint and spearmint are the best natural oils to provide a cooling effect on the skin. They both help with reducing skin irritation and cooling inflammation and can be used on both dry and oily hair.
Drinking Spearmint Tea for Hair Growth

Other than applying spearmint oil topically to the hair and scalp, drinking spearmint as a tea has also been shown to have benefits for hair growth.
If you have hair loss that’s related to a hormone imbalance, spearmint may be able to help rebalance your hormones. In a study involving 21 women with hormone imbalances, 2 cups of spearmint tea a day was shown to decrease testosterone and increase LH, FSH and estradiol levels.
Estrogen and progesterone can help keep your hair in the growing phase for longer, so your hair stays on your head and you get less hair fall. Your hair may even start to grow faster.
Conclusion
Spearmint can be effective in promoting hair growth and preventing hair fall. There are many causes to hair loss however so if hair loss occurs suddenly without clear cause, you should see a doctor for medical advice to rule out any underlying health conditions.