Aside from its soothing properties and countless skin and weight loss benefits, peppermint tea also acts as a viable solution for thinning hair as well. The natural tea has been found to stimulate your scalp and assist in hair growth by promoting and improving circulation. Research shows that peppermint tea soothes the blood vessels and boosts blood flow to the hair roots, allowing it to stimulate new strands to grow for fuller, thicker hair.
More Remedies For Thinning Hair
In fact, you can get the same results from applying peppermint oil directly to your scalp. Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CNS., notes that this powerful essential oil can help promote hair growth when combined with sage essential oil. "You can try mixing three to four drops each of rosemary, peppermint and sage essential oils in one tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil, then massage the mixture into the thinning area(s) once or twice a day," he says.
These are just two of the many essential oils that promote hair growth. A study found that a mixture of rosemary, thyme, lavender, and peppermint oil was able to help promote hair growth in those who had alopecia when combined with jojoba or grapeseed oil. Forty-four percent of the participants in the essential oils group showed improvement, compared to just 15% of the control group. The experts at Viviscal Advanced Hair Health advise that you should consult with your dermatologist before trying this at home.
It's also recommended to switch to a peppermint oil-infused shampoo to help reap its hair growth benefits. New York City dermatologist Neil Sadick says that it's best to avoid hair products that contain "with dyes and preservatives, like parabens and synthetic fragrances" as they can irritate the scalp and prevent new strands from growing.
Instead, opt for shampoos that are formulated with amino acids and antioxidants as they promote hair growth and give your tresses the proteins, nutrients, and minerals they need to be strong, healthy, and shiny.
"Amino acids provide the building blocks to build new strands, while biotin, part of the B-vitamin complex, is required by hair to metabolize amino acids and can help strengthen hair,” Dr. Sadick tells Allure. "Antioxidants such as vitamin E and ginseng are beneficial to promote hair growth because they reduce free radicals from sun, stress, or overprocessing and have anti-inflammatory properties.”
Where To Find The Best Peppermint Shampoo For Thinning Hair
TRY IT: Nioxin System 2 Cleanser Shampoo ($20)
Dr. Sadick loves Nioxin's System 2 Cleanser Shampoo because it contains amino acids, antioxidants, and peppermint oil. Plus, it's super affordable, too!