The Benefits of Mint Water for Hair
Mint water has become a popular DIY hair care ingredient in recent years. Many people claim that applying mint water to your hair and scalp provides numerous benefits like stimulating hair growth, adding shine, preventing dandruff, and more. But is there any truth to using mint water for hair care?
What is Mint Water?
Mint water is simply water that has been infused with mint leaves. This provides a concentrated minty essence in the water. There are a few easy methods to make your own mint water at home.
One way is to boil fresh mint leaves in water for 5-10 minutes. Then strain out the leaves and allow the mint water to cool before using on hair. Alternatively, you can let mint leaves soak overnight in room temperature or cold water. Either way yields a nice minty water that can be applied to hair.
Using Mint Water in Your Hair Routine
There are a couple ways to incorporate mint water into your regular hair care routine:
- After shampooing, use mint water as a nourishing rinse for your hair and scalp.
- Spritz mint water onto damp hair as a refreshing toner before styling.
- Apply mint water to your roots and lengths as a stimulating scalp and hair treatment.
You can pour mint water into a spray bottle or applicator bottle to make application easy. Use room temperature or cool mint water for best results.
The Purported Benefits of Mint Water for Hair
There are many popular claims about what mint water can do for your hair. Here is an overview of the top touted benefits:
Stimulating Circulation for Hair Growth
One of the most popular reasons people use mint water for hair is to stimulate circulation in the scalp. Improved blood flow to hair follicles can wake up dormant follicles, nourish existing hair, and pave the way for new growth.
The menthol in mint provides a cooling, tingly sensation when applied. This minty effect increases circulation to the area. Some small studies show that menthol can improve blood flow when used topically.
Adds Shine
Mint is also said to boost shine for dull, frizzy hair. The nutrients in mint like vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin C, folate, and more provide nourishment to enhance hairs natural luminosity. Mint also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can smooth and condition hair strands.
Prevents Dandruff & Itchy Scalp
Dandruff and itching are annoying scalp issues mint water may help address. One cause of dandruff is malassezia - a naturally occurring yeast on our skin. The antifungal and antimicrobial compounds in mint can help control overgrowth of this yeast.
Plus, mint provides a cooling sensation that can instantly relieve itchy scalp discomfort. The increase in circulation from mint water may also improve overall scalp health.
Strengthens Hair
Some DIY fans also use mint water with the goal of strengthening locks against damage, thinning, and hair loss. Mint provides vitamins and antioxidants that nourish hair strands and protect against breakage.
One study on mice also found that topically applied spearmint oil promoted thicker hair growth. So mints nutrients may support fuller, stronger hair over time.
Is Mint Water Effective? What Does Science Say?
Despite the many home remedies with mint water floating around, there is limited scientific research specifically on mint water for hair benefits.
Small studies show positive effects from mint essential oil and extracts. But more research is still needed on using homemade mint water as a hair treatment.
Most evidence is anecdotal from DIY hair care fans. Many people do report noticing benefits like healthier scalp, faster growth, and shinier strands after regular use of mint water.
While mint water is generally very safe for most hair types, those with sensitive skin should still patch test before use. Discontinue if any irritation occurs.
Other Natural Oils for Hair Care
In addition to mint water, other oils like rosemary, lavender, and tea tree are also popular home remedies for hair. Oils provide concentrated compounds that can penetrate hair and deliver targeted benefits.
Many of these natural oils have some promising research. For example, one study found rosemary oil helped increase hair count similar to the drug minoxidil after 6 months of use. More studies are still needed though.
The Takeaway
While lacking in direct scientific proof, mint water is a safe, inexpensive DIY hair treatment many people swear by.
The cooling, invigorating sensation of mint may help stimulate circulation, nourish strands, and make hair feel fresh. Mint also provides anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial compounds that can aid a healthy scalp.
Just don't expect overnight miracles from any home remedy. But adding mint water to your hair care routine certainly won't hurt - and may just give you the gorgeous, flowing locks you've always dreamed of!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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