Most articles on rosemary and peppermint oil for hair growth are ineffective and can waste the next six months of your life if you ignore the basics. Most people do. Then they wonder where the results are.
I’ve seen many articles online that cite the same study. Offers vague instructions, “add a few drops,” and yet they also promise “miracle results”.
Wyndmere Rosemary & Mint
The pre-mixed Growth Stack.
Contains 1.8-Cineole (Rosemary) to target DHT & Menthol (Peppermint) to drive micro-circulation.
How many drops and which carrier oil can make or break this natural hair care treatment.
If you plan to use rosemary and peppermint for hair growth, then do your hair a favor and erase the confusion today.
| Oil | Evidence Type | Confidence Level |
| Rosemary | Human trials (multiple) | Moderate-High |
| Peppermint | Mouse study + small human pilots | Low for growth, moderate for circulation |
| Combination | One human trial (2023) | Emerging |
How These Oils Work on Your Follicles
When you understand this, it will help you achieve better results and make proper formulas.
Rosemary Blocks DHT
DHT (dihydrotestosterone) miniaturizes hair follicles, which is observed in pattern baldness. Rosemary has 12-methoxycarnosic acid. This acid can inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.
Studies show 82-95% inhibition comparable to finasteride.
Also, rosemary can boost IGF-1 expression (key to follicle cycling).
Peppermint Increases Blood Flow
Menthol is made up of around 42% peppermint oil. It can relax blood vessels to increase circulation to your follicles.
Peppermint also activates TRPM8 receptors, which wake up dormant hair follicles. And the studies we have seen show an increase in IGF-1. This is crucial for your hair shaft development.
When you put peppermint oil, you’ll feel a pleasant tingling on your scalp. This is the menthol dilating your blood vessels. If you don’t feel, then your peppermint oil is from a bad source.
Why Combining Peppermint & Rosemary Makes Sense For Your Hair Health
Rosemary attacks your sworn enemy (DHT). Peppermint enhances blood circulation in the scalp. This makes rosemary oil work much better, creating complementary effects.
DIY: Best Rosemary and Peppermint Hair Oil Recipe Formula
No more “a few drops” confusion. Let’s do what the studies have done to make people grow hair and reduce shedding.
Important: Aim for essential oils under 3% of the total volume. Peppermint with more than 1.5% menthol may cause irritation for some. These aren’t numbers taken out of thin air. They follow the 2024 dermatology safety guidelines.
Overdosing will not produce better results.
Basic Rosemary-Peppermint Growth Formula
For beginners:
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) jojoba oil
- 4 drops rosemary essential oil
- 3 drops peppermint essential oil
Total concentration: ~2%. Effective but won’t irritate your scalp.
Store in a dark glass so it can last for 6 months. 6 months is a perfect shelf life for these oils because in this time span, hair growth is visible for most people, if not all, who use it properly.
Enhanced Growth Serum
For those who want the maximum effect:
- ¼ cup (60ml) castor oil
- ¼ cup (60ml) fractionated coconut oil (optional, I don’t use this, but I got results)
- 8 drops rosemary essential oil
- 6 drops peppermint essential oil
- 4 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
Castor oil brings ricinoleic acid to the table, its own blood circulation-boosting agent.
Lightweight Formula (Fine Hair)
If heavy oils can weigh down your hair:
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) grapeseed oil
- 3 drops rosemary essential oil
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
Use 3-4 drops per application. Grapeseed absorbs fast.
Match Your Carrier to Your Hair Type
| Hair Type | Best Carrier | Reason |
| Fine/oily | Jojoba or grapeseed | Lightweight |
| Thick/coarse | Castor oil blend | Deep moisture |
| Dry/damaged | Argan oil | Vitamin E, repairs |
| Normal | Fractionated coconut | Balanced absorption |
How to Apply Rosemary and Peppermint Oil For Hair Growth
The application matters equally as the recipe formulas.
The Pre-Shampoo Method (Recommended)
This filters out the greasy hair moments that make people quit, and sadly won’t see the promising results.
- Section hair into 4 parts with clips
- Measure 1-2 tablespoons of the formula you choose to make
- Apply directly to your scalp and not the hair lengths
- Massage 5-10 minutes using fingertips, circular motions
- Focus on temples, crown, hairline areas, the “problem areas”
- Leave 1-2 hours at least, minimum
- Shampoo twice to remove it fully
Overnight Treatment (Intensive)
Use the formula before bed. Wear a shower cap. And Shampoo in the morning. Gentle shampoo is better than expensive marketing hyperbole products. I use shampoo made for kids.
This provides you with the maximum absorption. But it’s not necessary to reap results, but good for intensive phases. Once a month is good.
How Often to Use
| Goal | Frequency | Lightweight |
| Building results | 3-4x weekly | First 6 months |
| Maintenance | 1-2x weekly | Ongoing |
| Intensive phase | Daily | 4-6 weeks |
Here’s the kicker:
Consistency > concentration.
2% oil used regularly will outperform 5% oil that’s used sporadically.
Realistic Timeline: When to Expect Results
Ok, now that you have read the studies and have seen the proof with your own eyes, it’s time to prepare you for the reality, so you won’t miss out on the hair health benefits.
Har growth follows a biological cycle. Anagen, catagen, and telogen.
Most hair treatments, including rosemary, extend the anagen phase. This explains why results are only visible after 12-16 weeks of consistent use.
Week 1-2
Tingling sensation from peppermint. Normal. Your scalp may feel healthier. If it burns rather than tingles, reduce the amount of peppermint.
Month 1
Reduced shedding is usually the first sign that shows up. Less hair in your brush and the drain. Don’t expect any visible growth yet.
Month 2-3
Some people can experience a temporary shedding. Seems counterintuitive, but it’s often a positive sign because weak hairs are making room for stronger ones.
Baby hair appears, and scalp condition improves.
Month 3-6
When real results show.
The Panahi study found no significant changes after 3 months. Significant improvement was shown in 6 months.
If you stop after 6 weeks, you quit right before the results typically appear.
Signs It’s Working
- Less hair in drain (first sign)
- Scalp feels healthier
- Baby hairs at hairline/crown
- Your existing hair feels thicker
Signs It’s Not (After 6+ Months)
- No change in shedding
- No visible new growth
- Continued thinning
Non-responder after 6 months of consistent use? This approach may not suit your type of hair loss. See a dermatologist.
Why Your Rosemary Oil Isn’t Working
If you don’t see any results after 6 months, there are many reasons. I would recommend checking out these hair tips and following the tip on how to loosen up your scalp.
A tight scalp can hinder these oils from penetrating. Really do check out the hair tips while you wait for your order to arrive. This will help you immensely and prepare your scalp for what’s to come.
You’re Applying to Hair, Not Scalp
The oil must reach your follicles. This is why parting your hair into sections is not an option but a must. Use a dropper and apply directly to your scalp.
Oil needs to reach follicles. Part your hair into sections. Use a dropper. Apply directly to the scalp.
Remember this: greasy hair lengths but dry scalp = you’re doing it wrong.
Your Concentration Is Wrong
- Too little = no effect
- Too much = irritation’
Get these oils from brands that know what they’re doing. Don’t just sort by lowest price.
Some oils you buy might not even be concentrated enough for hair use, but they’re just for aroma, to use in a diffuser so your room smells good.
You Haven’t Given It Enough Time
Clinical evidence suggests you use it for 6 months. Not 6 weeks.
Your Scalp Isn’t Clean
Oil that comes from product buildup can’t penetrate. Silicone serums or shampoo/conditioner that has silicone does this to you. Clean up that scalp before you use oils.
Clarifying shampoo is your best friend.
Hidden Tips from Experienced Users
I’m gonna be frank, here’s some wisdom you will have trouble finding online:
Derma Rolling Changes the Game
Microneedling creates microchannels for better absorption. Users consistently report faster results.
- 0.25-0.5mm needle length (crucial, deeper needles is bad for hair growth)
- Roll once weekly
- Wait 6-12 hours before you apply the oils
- Don’t apply immediately after because of irritation risk
- But try immediately and check if your scalp can handle it
Warm the Oil First
Not hot, warm. This enhances the absorption and spreads it more evenly.
Adjust the Ratio for Sensitive Scalps
Peppermint can irritate the scalp more than rosemary. If tingling feels like burning, drop peppermint to 2 drops and increase rosemary instead.
Track Your Baseline
Count hairs in the drain for one week before you begin this therapy. Take photos in the same light. And do monthly comparisons to investigate progress. Even look for subtle changes.
DIY vs Store-Bought
You can make your own formulas but make sure you get the real deal otherwise you spend 6 months with potentially weak extracts.
What to Look For Before You Buy Rosemary & Peppermint Oil
It’s crucial your oil is pharmacetuical grade blend because buying the wrong oil means you boight the one that is suited for armoa theraphy.
In short, oils that are weak and only useful for putting in a difuser to solely make your room smell nice.
Look for this:
- “100% pure essential oil” on label
- Botanical name listed (Rosmarinus officinalis, Mentha piperita)
- Dark glass packaging
- GC/MS testing available
Recommended Brand: Nature’s Alchemy (the one I use) – High grade but not overpriced.
When DIY Makes Sense
- You want concentration control
- Sensitive skin that needs customization
- Budget-conscious (setup: $15-20, lasts months)
- You want to add other beneficial oils
Who Should NOT Use These Oils
Skip if:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Epileptic
- Allergic to rosemary, mint, or related plants of the mint family
- Active scalp wounds or psoriasis flares
Use cautiously if:
- High blood pressure
- Taking blood thinners
Patch Test Protocol
- Mix 1 drop essential oil + 4 drops carrier
- Apply dime-sized amount to inner elbow
- Wait 24-48 hours
- No reaction = proceed
The Bottom Line
Rosemary and peppermint oil is not a miracle cure, but nor are they snake oils.
Rosemary has legit human evidence that match 2% minoxidil. Studies show it rivals 5% minoxidil results. Peppermint has promise results in animal studies and small pilot human studies. This combination makes sese logicaly, and the ongoin research supports it.
If oils is not your way, then learn how to make rosemary water for hair growth by using the best formula.
The real requirement is patience, at least six months minimum.
Make the basic recipe. Apply 3-4 times weekly and take baseline photos to compare. But give it six months befire you judge. Hair growth takes time.
Your hair didn’t vanish overnight, so it won’t recover overnight.
The evidnce say it works for many. Its an affortable and sustainable treatmeant without harsh side effects.
Can you mix rosemary and peppermint oil together?
Yes. Use 2:1 ratio (more rosemary) for most people. Equal parts if your scalp tolerates it.
Which is better: rosemary or peppermint oil?
Rosemary has human clinical evidence. Peppermint only has mouse studies. If choosing one, rosemary wins.
How many drops of rosemary and peppermint oil for hair growth?
For 30ml carrier oil: 4 drops rosemary, 3 drops peppermint. Creates ~2% concentration.
How often should I use rosemary mint oil?
3-4 times weekly for building results. 1-2 times weekly for maintenance.
How long until rosemary oil works?
Clinical research shows 6 months for significant results. Reduced shedding often appears within 2-4 weeks.