You can make peppermint oil for hair growth in two ways: infusing fresh peppermint leaves into a carrier oil (the easiest method) or distilling pure essential oil with specialized equipment. Most people searching for this want the infusion method, which requires nothing more than peppermint leaves, a jar, and a good carrier oil. A 3% peppermint oil concentration has been shown to promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles and boosting a growth factor called IGF-1 that thickens hair.
Why Peppermint Oil Works for Hair
Menthol, the main active compound in peppermint, relaxes the smooth muscle around blood vessels in the scalp. This opens up circulation to the dermal papilla, the tiny structure at the base of each hair follicle that feeds it nutrients and signals it to grow. Better blood flow means follicles spend more time in their active growth phase.
A 2014 study published in Toxicological Research compared 3% peppermint oil against minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) in an animal model. The peppermint oil group showed increased expression of the IGF-1 gene, a growth signal that supports cell survival and increases hair thickness, and it did so faster: by week two, compared to week four for minoxidil. The researchers concluded that 3% peppermint oil promotes hair growth by preserving the blood supply to hair follicles and pushing them into the growth phase earlier.
The Simple Infusion Method
An infused oil is the most practical option for home use. You’re steeping peppermint leaves in a carrier oil so the menthol and other active compounds transfer into the oil over time. It won’t be as concentrated as a pure essential oil, but it’s gentle enough to apply directly to your scalp without worrying about irritation from an overly strong concentration.
What You Need
- Fresh peppermint leaves: about 1 cup, loosely packed
- Carrier oil: jojoba, coconut, almond, or sesame oil (jojoba closely mimics your scalp’s natural oil, making it a solid default choice)
- A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
- A dark glass bottle for storage
- Vitamin E oil (optional, for extending shelf life)
Step by Step
Start by drying your peppermint leaves for 24 to 48 hours. Lay them on a clean paper towel or tissue in a dry spot out of direct sunlight. This removes moisture that could introduce mold into your infusion. If you live in a humid climate, consider using a dehydrator on the lowest setting or drying them in an oven at around 170°F for an hour or two, checking frequently.
Once dry, lightly crush the leaves with a mortar and pestle, the back of a spoon, or your hands. This breaks open the plant cells and releases more of the volatile oils, giving you a more potent final product.
Place the crushed leaves in your glass jar and pour enough carrier oil to fully submerge them, leaving about an inch of oil above the leaves. Seal the jar tightly. Set it in a warm, sunny windowsill and let it infuse for two to four weeks, shaking gently once a day. The warmth speeds extraction. Four weeks will give you a stronger result than two.
After the infusion period, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into your dark glass storage bottle, squeezing the leaves to extract as much oil as possible. If you want to extend the shelf life, add vitamin E oil at up to 1% of the total volume (roughly 5 to 6 drops per ounce). Stored in a cool, dark place, the infused oil keeps for up to a year.
The Quick Heat Infusion
If you don’t want to wait weeks, you can speed up the process with gentle heat. Place your dried, crushed peppermint leaves in a heat-safe jar or double boiler with carrier oil. Warm the mixture on the lowest heat setting for 2 to 4 hours, keeping the temperature below 200°F. You should never let the oil simmer or smoke. Strain and store the same way as the cold infusion. This version typically keeps for about six months.
Making Pure Peppermint Essential Oil
If you want the real thing, a concentrated essential oil, you’ll need a steam distillation setup. This includes a distillation pot, a heat source, a condenser, and a separator. Home distillation kits are available online for roughly $50 to $200.
Harvest peppermint in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the sun gets intense. This is when the leaves carry their highest concentration of volatile oils. Wash the leaves, then load them into the distillation pot. As steam passes through the plant material, it carries the essential oils into the condenser, where the vapor cools back into liquid. You’ll end up with a mixture of hydrosol (peppermint-scented water) and a thin layer of essential oil floating on top. Use a separatory funnel to collect the oil, then store it in a dark glass bottle in a cool place.
The yield is small. You’ll typically need several pounds of fresh peppermint to produce just a few milliliters of essential oil. For most people, buying a bottle of pure peppermint essential oil and diluting it yourself is far more practical than distilling at home.
How to Dilute and Apply
Whether you buy pure peppermint essential oil or distill your own, you need to dilute it in a carrier oil before putting it on your scalp. Undiluted peppermint oil can cause rashes and skin irritation.
The general safe range for topical essential oils is below 5%, and a 3% concentration lines up with what the hair growth research used. To make a 3% blend, add about 18 drops of peppermint essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil. For a milder starting point, try 1% (6 drops per ounce) and work up if your scalp tolerates it well.
If you made an infused oil using the method above, it’s already diluted and ready to use directly on your scalp without further mixing.
Application Tips for Hair Growth
Apply your peppermint oil blend directly to your scalp, not just your hair. Part your hair into sections and use a dropper or your fingertips to work the oil along each part. Massage it in for 3 to 5 minutes using small circular motions. The massage itself also promotes circulation, compounding the effect of the menthol.
You can leave the oil on for 30 minutes to an hour before washing, or apply it overnight with a towel on your pillow. Two to three applications per week is a reasonable starting frequency. Consistency matters more than quantity. Results from peppermint oil won’t appear overnight. Based on the research timeline, expect to see changes over several weeks of regular use.
Safety Precautions
Peppermint oil should never be applied to the face or scalp of children under 6 years old. Menthol can negatively affect breathing in infants and young children, and the National Institutes of Health specifically warns against applying it to or near their faces.
Before using peppermint oil on your scalp for the first time, do a patch test. Apply a small amount of your diluted blend to the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours. If you see redness, a rash, or feel persistent burning, your skin is too sensitive for that concentration. Try reducing the amount of essential oil, or stick with a mild infusion instead. Allergic reactions to peppermint oil are rare but possible. A cool tingling sensation is normal and expected. A burning sensation that doesn’t fade within a few minutes is not.