You can make mint oil for hair at home by infusing fresh or dried mint leaves into a carrier oil, then using the finished product as a scalp treatment. The process takes anywhere from a few hours (with heat) to a few weeks (without it), and the method you choose affects how much of mint’s active compounds end up in your oil. Here’s how to do it right, along with what the science says about why it works.
Why Mint Oil Benefits Your Hair
Menthol, the main active compound in mint, relaxes the smooth muscle around blood vessels in your scalp. That increased circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, which stimulates the cells at the base of each follicle responsible for hair growth. Menthol also acts as a penetration enhancer, helping other beneficial compounds absorb more effectively into the skin.
In a widely cited animal study published in Toxicological Research, a 3% peppermint oil solution promoted 92% hair growth compared to 55% for a standard 3% minoxidil solution over four weeks. The peppermint group also showed significantly more hair follicles, thicker skin tissue, and deeper follicle roots. No human clinical trials have replicated these results yet, but the biological mechanisms (increased blood flow and follicle-cell activation) are well established.
What You’ll Need
You need two things: mint leaves and a carrier oil. For the mint, fresh peppermint or spearmint both work. Peppermint has a higher menthol content, so it’s the better choice if hair growth is your goal. Use about one cup of loosely packed leaves for every cup of oil. If you’re using dried mint, halve that amount since the compounds are more concentrated.
For the carrier oil, lighter oils absorb into the scalp faster and leave less residue. Sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, and sunflower oil are all good picks that are easy to find and affordable. Jojoba oil is another popular option because its structure closely mimics your scalp’s natural oils. Coconut oil works but is heavier, which some people find harder to wash out. Cold-pressed or organic oils retain more of their own beneficial compounds.
Cold Infusion Method (Best for Potency)
Cold infusion preserves mint’s volatile oils more completely than heat does. Hot temperatures alter these delicate compounds, so if you want the strongest possible menthol content, a slow cold extraction is the way to go.
Wash your mint leaves and pat them completely dry. Any water left on the leaves introduces moisture, which can cause mold to grow in the oil. Bruise the leaves gently by rolling them between your hands or pressing them with the flat side of a knife. This breaks open the plant cells and releases more of the active compounds.
Place the leaves in a clean, dry glass jar and pour your carrier oil over them until they’re fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly. You have two options from here: set the jar on a sunny windowsill for 1 to 2 weeks (the “solar infusion” approach), or store it in a cool, dark cupboard for 2 to 4 weeks. Shake or swirl the jar once a day. When it’s ready, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into a clean bottle, pressing the leaves to extract every last drop. Discard the spent leaves.
Heat Infusion Method (Faster Results)
If you don’t want to wait weeks, gentle heat speeds up extraction significantly. The tradeoff is that some of the more delicate volatile oils will break down slightly, but you’ll still get a useful product in a single afternoon.
Prepare your leaves the same way: washed, dried, and gently bruised. Place them in a heat-safe glass jar or the top pot of a double boiler, and cover with carrier oil. Heat the oil using one of these approaches:
- Double boiler: Set the jar or pot over barely simmering water and maintain low heat for 2 to 3 hours. The oil should feel warm but never hot enough to bubble or smoke.
- Slow cooker: Place the sealed jar in a slow cooker filled with a few inches of water. Set it on the lowest setting for 4 to 6 hours.
- Oven: Set your oven to its lowest temperature (around 170°F/75°C), place the jar on a baking sheet, and leave it for 2 to 3 hours.
Keep the temperature below 200°F (93°C). Higher heat breaks down menthol and can give the oil a cooked, off smell. Once cooled, strain and bottle the same way as the cold method.
Boosting Your Infusion With Essential Oil
A homemade infusion captures some of mint’s active compounds, but it won’t be as concentrated as a commercial peppermint essential oil, which is steam-distilled. If you want a stronger product, you can add a few drops of store-bought peppermint essential oil to your finished infusion.
Dilution matters here. For scalp application, keep the total peppermint essential oil concentration at roughly 1 to 2%, which translates to about 6 to 12 drops per ounce (30 mL) of carrier oil. The Tisserand Institute recommends staying in the 1 to 2% range for peppermint specifically, noting that even concentrations below 1% are effective for activating nerve receptors in the skin. Going stronger doesn’t help and increases the risk of irritation.
How to Apply Mint Oil to Your Scalp
Part your hair into sections so the oil reaches your scalp rather than just coating your strands. Use about a tablespoon of oil for medium-length hair, more if your hair is very thick or long. Apply the oil directly to your scalp with your fingertips or a dropper bottle.
Massage in small circular motions for 3 to 5 minutes. The massage itself matters: it mechanically stimulates blood flow to the follicles, and the friction generates mild warmth that helps the oil absorb. You’ll feel a cooling, tingling sensation from the menthol. That’s normal and a sign the menthol is activating cold-sensitive nerve receptors in your skin.
Leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes. Many people prefer to apply it before bed and wash it out in the morning, giving it several hours to work. If you go this route, wrap your hair in a towel or use a silk pillowcase to protect your bedding. Wash out with your regular shampoo. For best results, use the treatment 2 to 3 times per week consistently over several months.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store your mint oil in a dark glass bottle (amber or cobalt blue) in a cool, dark place. Light and heat degrade both the carrier oil and the mint compounds over time. A properly made infusion with no residual moisture typically lasts 3 to 6 months. If you added vitamin E oil (a few drops per cup of carrier), it acts as a natural antioxidant and can extend shelf life by a couple of months. Toss the oil if it smells rancid or looks cloudy.
Skin Sensitivity and Patch Testing
Peppermint oil allergy is uncommon, affecting about 0.6% of people based on a 12-year analysis by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group. But when reactions do occur, they can be significant. Nearly a third of allergic reactions in that study were rated strong or extreme, and the most commonly affected areas were the face, hands, and scalp. Women and people over 40 were more likely to react.
Before applying mint oil to your entire scalp, dab a small amount on the inside of your wrist or behind your ear. Wait 24 hours. If you notice redness, itching, swelling, or a rash, don’t use it on your scalp. People who react to other plant-based fragrances are more likely to also be sensitive to peppermint, so if you’ve had reactions to perfumes or botanical skincare products in the past, be especially careful with your patch test.