Does peppermint help grow new hair or does it just give a cooling sensation?

When we use a product with peppermint or menthol, we immediately feel a cooling sensation, as if the scalp were "breathing" or cooling down.

This sensation has an explanation: menthol activates nerve receptors called TRPM8. These receptors are normally activated when we feel cold (for example, when touching ice or being in a cool environment). When menthol is applied, a similar sensation is produced without the body’s temperature actually dropping.

This effect is completely normal and does not, by itself, mean that hair is growing or healing. It’s simply a nervous response that gives us a pleasant, refreshing feeling.

What Happens on the Scalp?

The scalp doesn’t just hold the hair in place: it’s a zone rich in blood vessels, nerves, and sebaceous glands (which produce natural oil). Over a lifetime, several conditions can affect it.

Some people have dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis (an inflammation accompanied by redness and flaking), psoriasis (an autoimmune disease that produces thick plaques), or fungal infections. All of these conditions can influence scalp health and, in some cases, contribute to hair loss.

In addition, there’s alopecia, the general term for hair loss. There are different types: androgenic alopecia (linked to hormonal and genetic factors, common in both men and women), alopecia areata (autoimmune in origin), and others caused by stress, nutritional deficiencies, or even certain medications. The scalp may appear healthy on the outside but still be undergoing internal imbalances that affect the natural hair cycle.

What Does It Mean When Something "Regenerates" Hair?

The word “regenerate” sounds powerful. Many brands use terms like “stimulates,” “revitalizes,” or “activates” hair growth. These words don’t always refer to true follicle regeneration (the structure under the skin that produces the hair), but rather to visual or sensory effects: more shine, volume, or the mentioned freshness.

But hair growth is a biological process with clear stages.

Each hair goes through a cycle with three main phases: the anagen phase (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest or shedding).

When we talk about “regenerating” hair from a scientific point of view, it should mean that a treatment helps more follicles enter the anagen phase or that inactive follicles are reactivated.

A clear example of this difference is the case of minoxidil. This medication was discovered by accident: it was used to treat high blood pressure, but patients noticed that their hair grew more.

From there, studies began with people using the product on their scalp.

Several clinical trials confirmed that minoxidil can help extend the hair’s growth phase and keep follicles active longer. Thanks to this evidence, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved its use as a treatment for hair loss. This shows us that to claim something helps with hair growth, we need studies in people, measured results over time, and a clear effect beyond subjective sensation.

What Science Says About Peppermint and Hair Growth

One of the most cited studies on this topic was conducted in South Korea in 2014.

Researchers at Keimyung University tested peppermint oil on mice for four weeks. They compared them with other groups that received saline water, jojoba oil, diluted peppermint oil, or minoxidil.

What did they observe?

That the group treated with peppermint showed an increase in hair thickness, number of follicles, and blood flow in the area.

Now, how reliable is this result? Several points must be considered. First, it was a study in mice, not humans. Second, the effects were measured over four weeks, a short period if we consider the human hair growth cycle. And third, the essential oil was used in its pure and controlled form, very different from what we find in most cosmetic products.

While it’s an interesting study that suggests a possible effect, it doesn’t prove that peppermint makes hair grow in humans. So far, there is not enough solid scientific evidence in humans to show that peppermint alone regenerates follicles or stops hair loss.

Many People Associate That Sensation with “Cleanliness,” “Activity,” or “Effectiveness,” Even if There’s No Real Change in Hair Growth

Peppermint oil can help relieve symptoms like itching or scalp irritation, making the scalp feel more comfortable.

This is not a bad thing, but it’s important not to confuse it with a regenerating effect.

Differences Between Feeling Freshness and Stimulating Growth

Feeling freshness is a nervous system response. Stimulating hair growth, on the other hand, means influencing deep cellular processes. For something to really help with growth, it must be absorbed through the skin, reach the follicle, and trigger a reaction that keeps that follicle active longer.

There’s nothing wrong with using products with peppermint if you enjoy their scent or the sensation they leave. But it’s key to know that, at least for now, there’s not enough evidence to claim that they “stimulate growth” in a medical or biological sense.

User Experiences

Community feedback on peppermint oil for hair growth shows a mix of interest, experimentation, and cautious optimism.

In one highly engaged post, a user highlighted a study showing that 3% peppermint oil outperformed minoxidil in mice for hair regrowth. This sparked debate, with some users skeptical about extrapolating animal data to humans, but others found it promising and began experimenting with DIY solutions. One user mentioned mixing peppermint oil with rosemary and coconut oil along with crushed minoxidil tablets to create a topical treatment, asking others for input on optimal ratios and safety precautions.

Another thread directly asked the community if anyone had seen real results using peppermint oil or similar natural oils. Responses were mixed—some users reported anecdotal evidence of improved hair thickness or faster regrowth, while others said they noticed only the cooling effect with no visible change. A few users emphasized that peppermint oil should be properly diluted with a carrier oil to avoid irritation and that it might work best when combined with other treatments like microneedling or finasteride.

In older discussions, one user claimed that peppermint oil worked “2x as well as Rogaine” for them when used consistently. However, another pointed out that while the cooling sensation is immediate, any growth benefit likely takes weeks and is hard to isolate unless used in a controlled regimen. A few people also noted that peppermint might reduce DHT and inflammation, making it potentially helpful for androgenic alopecia, though this remains theoretical in human use.

A 2020 post speculated that peppermint oil might reduce scalp testosterone and DHT levels, referencing peppermint’s potential anti-androgenic properties. Users in that thread showed interest but wanted more human studies before relying on it as a primary treatment. Many seemed to agree that while peppermint oil is unlikely to harm when diluted correctly, it’s probably best used as a complementary option—not a substitute for proven treatments like finasteride or minoxidil.

Conclusion: Does Using Peppermint on Hair Help?

Yes, but not for the reasons often advertised.

Peppermint can relieve annoying symptoms like itching, oiliness, or discomfort. It can make the scalp feel fresh and more relaxed. But we shouldn’t expect it to grow new hair or cure conditions like alopecia on its own.

References

Park, M., Bae, J.H., Lee, D.S., & Park, S.H. (2014). Peppermint oil promotes hair growth without toxic signs. Toxicological Research, 30(4), 297–304. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/

Kumar, N., Singh, R., & Srivastava, A. (2016). Effects of topical menthol on cutaneous blood flow and skin sensitivity in humans. Archives of Dermatological Research, 308(9), 651–659. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27530594/

National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2022). Peppermint oil. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil

PubMed Central. (2023). Menthol: Review of potential applications in dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7769185/