Peppermint Oil vs Minoxidil: Understanding the Differences
Both Peppermint oil and Minoxidil are popular choices for hair fall treatment. This guide will help you understand Peppermint oil vs Minoxidil.
People may often be confused about whether to opt for a natural treatment or a medicine.
Peppermint oil and Minoxidil are two commonly used treatments for hair growth.
Where Peppermint oil has been used for centuries for several benefits, Minoxidil is a clinically proven medicine for hair growth.
Both treatments have their own set of pros and cons.
In this article, we will explore the differences between Peppermint oil and Minoxidil and help you decide which treatment is right for you.
Quick review
Before we delve deeper into understanding if peppermint oil better than minoxidil or vice versa, here is table to make this comparison easier:
| Basis of comparison | Peppermint oil | Topical Minoxidil |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | A natural product that serves multiple purposes, including hair growth | Developed specifically for hair loss |
| FDA status | Not FDA-approved for hair growth | FDA-approved to treat Male Pattern Baldness |
| Mechanism of Action | Vasodilator, promotes blood circulation, and hair follicle stimulation | Potassium channel opener,Vasodilator,Promotes hair follicle growth |
| Formulation | It is available as an essential oil or can be present in ointments, or hair care products | It is available as Solution Spray Foam |
| Effectiveness | Mixed results in studies | Proven efficacy in many cases |
| Side effects | Skin irritation Rashes Itching Redness Rashes | Itchiness Dryness of the skin Burning sensation Flaking Skin irritation |
| Availability | Widely available | Over-the-counter and prescription |
| Cost | Comparatively cheaper than Minoxidil | Comparatively more expensive than essential oil |
Peppermint oil vs Minoxidil studies
A clinical trial was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology on the effectiveness of different strengths of Minoxidil in patients with Alopecia Areata.
It found that both 1% and 5% Minoxidil were effective in promoting hair growth in people with Androgenic Alopecia.
Another study was published in Toxicology Research Journal comparing Peppermint oil with Minoxidil.
The research suggested that Peppermint oil and Minoxidil were both effective in promoting hair growth.
After the topical application of Peppermint oil, hair showed a significant increase in the number and depth of hair follicles.
Minoxidil, on the other hand, helped hair grow in terms of the amount of hair follicles, the depth of the hair follicles, and the thickness of the dermis at week 2.
Moreover, Peppermint oil showed faster hair growth than Minoxidil.
However, this study was conducted on mice and hence, more research is needed to establish similar results in the human population.
It can, therefore, be concluded that while both Peppermint oil and Minoxidil are effective in increasing hair growth, more studies has established the success of Minoxidil.
Side effects of Peppermint oil and Minoxidil
Peppermint oil is generally considered safe and has fewer side effects when used topically.
However, some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions when using Peppermint oil.
In rare cases, Peppermint oil can cause a burning sensation or itch on the scalp.
Minoxidil, on the other hand, can have more significant effects.
Common side effects of Minoxidil include itching, scalp irritation, and dryness.
In some cases, Minoxidil can also cause unwanted hair growth in other parts of the body, such as the face or hands.
However, in rare cases, it can cause chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or dizziness.
Peppermint oil for hair
Peppermint is a herb native to Europe and North America.
It is a natural cross between water mint and spearmint.
Essential oil is a concentrated oil with a plantâs characteristic odor and flavor. It is extracted from Peppermint leaves and flowers.
Peppermint oil has been in use for centuries to treat various ailments, including hair loss.
It contains around 40% of menthol, which improves blood circulation, stimulates hair growth, and reduces inflammation.
When applied to the scalp, it increases blood flow to the hair follicles, which promotes hair growth.
The oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers of Peppermint, a herb native to Europe and North America.
The oil has the natural properties and odor of the herb.
Minoxidil for hair growth
Minoxidil, on the other hand, was first introduced to treat Hypertension.
However, people with hair problems started noticing hair growth after taking it for Hypertension.
Now, Minoxidil is an FDA-approved medication popularly used to treat hair loss.
The medicine works by increasing the blood supply and required nutrients to your hair follicles.
This helps strengthen the hair follicles, encouraging them to grow.
Minoxidil also increases the growing phase of hair, thus resulting in decreased hair fall.
Takeaway
In conclusion, Peppermint oil and Minoxidil are both effective in treating hair loss, with slight differences in their working.
Both Peppermint and Minoxidil have different side effects. However, Minoxidil has more significant side effects.
Peppermint oil is a natural essential oil that can help increase blood flow to the scalp.
Minoxidil works in a similar way. It also increases the active phase of hair, reducing hair loss.
However, more studies have been conducted on the efficacy of Minoxidil.
Also, FDA approval gives Minoxidil an edge when it comes to Peppermint oil vs Minoxidil.
When choosing between the two treatments, it is essential to consider individual needs, the cause of hair fall, and consultation with a healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you mix Peppermint oil and Minoxidil?
No, do not mix Peppermint oil and Minoxidil, as it can cause irritation or skin reaction. Furthermore, it is advised that you should avoid using anything after the Minoxidil application. If you wish, you can use Minoxidil at night and Peppermint oil in the morning for best results.
Is Peppermint oil better than Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is generally considered a more reliable and clinically proven treatment for hair loss, with a substantial body of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. Peppermint oil, while a natural option with some potential benefits, lacks the same level of robust research and may vary in efficacy from person to person.
Does Peppermint oil increase facial hair growth?
Yes, you can use Peppermint oil to increase facial hair growth. It works by increasing blood circulation in the application area. If you stay consistent with your treatment, you might notice a significant improvement in your facial hair.
Is Minoxidil effective for hair growth?
Yes. Minoxidil is a proven treatment for hair loss and has been approved by FDA for this purpose. It is effective for both male and female pattern hair loss and can help stimulate hair growth. It works by increasing the blood flow to the scalp.
Are there any side effects of Peppermint oil on hair?
Peppermint oil is generally safe when used topically, but it can cause skin irritation in some people. The pure form of Peppermint oil is highly concentrated; thus, it should be diluted before use. Also, you should do a patch test before using it on the scalp or the skin.
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