Benefits of Castor Oil and Peppermint Oil for Hair Growth and How to Use It

Hair loss is one of the bad hair conditions for both men and women. There are many hair products and prescriptions to overcome this problem that go to waste. An effective and natural way to help grow hair is by using essential oils. Two of the best essential oils for hair growth are castor oil and peppermint oil.

These two essential oils are rich of benefits for any purpose especially for health and cosmetics including hair care. To know more about the benefits of castor oil and peppermint oil for hair growth, check this out.

Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair Growth

Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seed of castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). Ranges from colorless to pale yellow, castor oil has a distinct taste and odor. Castor oil is a triglyceride in which ricinoleates take 90 percent of the fatty acid chains.

The other significant components are oleate and linoleate. Common uses of castor oil and its derivative widely range from the manufacturing of soaps, lubricant, paints, dyes, inks, cold resistant plastics, waxes and polishes, nylon and perfume to the simple homemade recipes for skin and hair care. It’s been a popular ingredient for creams and moisturizers. One of the best uses of castor oil for hair care is for hair growth.

Before the various beauty products hit the market, castor oil has been an age old beauty treatment. It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties with the high amounts of Vitamin E, proteins, minerals, Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids. What makes it good for hair and skin is that it contains unusually high ricinoleic acid ratio.

Castor oil works for hair by preventing and healing hair loss, fighting against folliculitus dandruff and scalp infections, repairing split ends, enhanching hair color and boosting hair growth. Its ricinoleic acid contents improve the hair growth by increasing circulation to the scalp. Now, we will explain about the benefits of castor oil and peppermint oil for hair growth!

How to Use Castor Oil for Hair Growth

You can choose several options to use castor oil for hair treatment. If you want to make your own, there are many options to do at home. These are most effective ways to get the benefits of castor oil for hair growth.

1. Castor oil and rosemary essential oil

You will need a tablespoon of castor oil, 2 drops of rosemary essential oil and a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil. You can add some more or reduce the oil based on your hair density. Now mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Apply the mixture to your scalp and continue to your hair strands. Keep it overnight or leave it for an hour. Rinse it off with a mild shampoo. You can see the result after the 2-3 times a week uses.

2. Castor oil and jojoba or argan oil

Mix castor oil and jojoba oil or argan oil to reduce its extreme thickness. Put them in a glass dropper bottle for easy application. Use the castor oil mixture 1-2 times a week on damp but not wet hair. After spraying your scalp and hair with the oil, leave it for several hours or overnight. Use a shower cap or towel to avoid the mess on the furniture or pillows.

Benefits of Peppermint Oil for Hair Growth

Peppermint oil is an essential oil extracted from the Peppermint (Mentha piperita) herb. The most active components of peppermint oil are Menthol and Menthone. Menthol is analgesic which is beneficial for reducing headaches, muscle aches, and inflammation. Beside of being analgesic, Menthone also shows antiseptic activity. It also has energizing effects from its invigorating properties.

The common uses of peppermint oil for skin and hair are as an astringent that closes pores and tighten the skin, to give cooling and warming sensation to reduce inflammation, to promote the safe and healthy skin renewal, to relieve sunburn, to stimulate the scalp and to remove dandruff.

Peppermint oil has a pleasant smell and a tingly sensation which useful in many cosmetics and hair products. It’s used in shampoos, cleansers, soaps, makeup and lotions. It has a promising advantage for hair growth treatment. Based on studies, peppermint oil performed better than minoxidil, a well-known and approved hair growth product.

Menthol has been shown to promote the blood flow by widening the blood vessels. Theoretically, the better blood circulation to the skin can help encouraging the hair growth.

How to Use Peppermint Oil for Hair Growth

To use peppermint oil for hair growth, there are some methods you can use. Since you should not use essential oils directly to scalp, these are some ingredients for peppermint oil to mix with.

1. Peppermint oil and shampoo or conditioner

One of the simplest method to use peppermint oil is by adding a high-quality peppermint oil directly to your shampoo or conditioner with a proper concentration. To measure the concentration of 3 percent oil, add 1 or 2 drops of oil to the hair product in your hand. Mix it and apply it to your hair. A light tingle is normal since it contains menthol. But, if you feel burning or too much tingling, it means the oil is too strong. Immediately rinse the product of the area if this happens. Next time, you will need less oil to use.

2. Peppermint oil and carrier oil

Using peppermint oil alone can be so potent, so you need to mix it with a carrier oil. There are many carrier oils to choose such as jojoba oil, castor oil, coconut oil, argan oil, olive oil, and grape seed oil. The carrier oil will reduce the irritation when the peppermint oil contacts the skin while carrying the active ingredients.

Those are some benefits of castor oil and peppermint oil for hair growth that can help you. To prevent the future hair loss and help the treatment to work effectively, you may need to follow these tips for your routine.

1. Keep your hair hygiene with the right shampoo.

2. Add some vitamins to boost the treatment.

3. Massage you scalp to improve the blood circulation.

4. Tip your head forward and dry your hair upside down to booster the circulation.

5. Avoid Pulling your hair too tight.