Essential Oils for Hair Growth

Another pleasantly-scented herb, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil is often used in fragrances and perfumes.  It has also been used medicinally by traditional practitioners for centuries, even as early as the ancient Egyptians.  Researchers have found that rosemary extract does indeed have a number of health benefits including improved circulation in microcapillaries, such as those that supply hair follicles.  A clinical trial on men with androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness) found that applying rosemary oil to their scalps regularly over the course of six months increased hair counts similar to topical minoxidil (a drug used for hair loss), though with less itching reported.²

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has been used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes for centuries. Its main active ingredient is menthol, which has been found to have multiple clinical applications in modern medicine.  This molecule has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.  In addition to being a digestive aid and promoting mental stimulation, peppermint oil has therapeutic potential as a hair loss remedy as well. Topical application of 3% peppermint oil to C57BL/6 mice increased hair follicle numbers and depth, and increased activity of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gene expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), markers of hair growth.³

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) seed oil is a culinary specialty, but recently has also been reported to have antiandrogenic effects and clinical uses for men’s health, such as treating benign prostatic hyperplasia.  It has shown promise as an alternative therapy for male-pattern baldness as well.  In a clinical trial in 2014, men with androgenetic alopecia took 400mg pumpkin seed oil orally in capsule form daily for 24 weeks.  After the treatment period, participants had an average of a 40% greater hair count than at baseline.⁴

You might be familiar with arugula (Eruca sativa) as a salad green, which has a number of benefits for your overall well-being.  Less familiar is propolis, a sticky substance bees produce with beeswax and saliva to seal holes in their hive.  Mixing arugula seed oil with propolis makes a waxy product with hair follicle stimulating properties.⁵