Are you experiencing female and male pattern baldness like many others across the world? Androgenetic alopecia as it is otherwise known is often caused by lifestyle factors such as stress, medical conditions, poor diet, or chemical hair treatments. For years a number of treatment options have been available on the market. One such treatment is the topical formulation Minoxidil. Originally developed as a vasodilator in the treatment of hypertension, it was also found to be effective, albeit temporarily when treating hair loss or hair thinning. This is because it has the ability to increase blood flow to the scalp. It does not treat all hair loss conditions, however.
Treatment with Minoxidil has several possible side effects such as irritation of the scalp, hair growing in areas it shouldn’t, and changes in hair color or texture. More serious side effects may include dizziness, heart palpitations, chest pain, fatigue, unusual weight gain, difficulty breathing, and swollen hands and feet. For this reason, many people are seeking more natural solutions for hair loss. The good news is that many studies have been published to show that certain essential oils work like Minoxidil for treating hair loss and balding.
In studies that have been done so far, three essential oils have shown considerable potential.
Peppermint essential oil stands out among the three.
These 3 essential oils work like minoxidil
Peppermint essential oil
Just like Minoxidil, peppermint essential oil acts as a vasodilator by helping to increase blood flow to the follicular dermal papilla cells in the scalp. In fact, it behaves like a local irritant as such and thereby encouraging 3 things, namely, dermal thickness, an increase in hair follicles, and hair follicle depth. A 2014 study that was done on mice showed an increase in hair growth over a period of 4 weeks using a 3% solution of peppermint essential oil sans any toxic signs. It turns out that Menthol, a constituent of Peppermint oil is an effective penetration enhancer, making peppermint essential oil work like Minoxidil. In addition to these benefits, Peppermint essential oil’s antiseptic cooling action also helps calm an inflamed scalp. You may also see an end to dandruff problems when using this oil.
We choose
Pranarom Peppermint Essential Oil
100% Pure Natural Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil for Diffusing
Wellness, and Digestion | USDA and ECOCERT Certified Organic, 15ml
Lavender essential oil
It turns out that Lavender essential oil works like Minoxidil too because of its great hair growth-promoting effects. A 2016 study done, indicated a dramatic increase in hair follicle numbers, dermal thickness, and depth in female mice. A 5% lavender oil compound solution was applied to the backs of mice, once a day for 5 days over a period of 4 weeks. The results of this study concluded that lavender essential oil has marked hair-growing effects. It is interesting to note that this study involved female mice and not male mice. Caution is advised though as lavender oil may have some estrogenic activity and act as a hormone disrupter. A 2007 study indicates exactly this. It study seems to have been poorly constructed. The issues raised here are that the sample pool of only 3 boys is too small, neither the ingredients in the solution or the chemical compounds in the packaging were revealed. Nevertheless, it remains prudent to seek the advice of an experienced essential oil health practitioner if you want to treat any medical condition such as alopecia.
Rosemary essential oil
A 2015 study again weighed up the benefits of using rosemary essential oil against minoxidil in the treatment of androgenic alopecia over a period of 6 months. The results were promising. It showed that rosemary essential oil was as effective as 2% minoxidil. You can find the study here.
How to use these oils at home
All three essential oils that work like Minoxidil essentially act like circulation boosters. You can use them at home, by adding them to your scalp directly or mixing them into another oil such as Jojoba. Pumpkin seed oil, also known for promoting hair growth, is another good carrier oil. A 2017 study showed that massaging the scalp increases hair thickness.
Make sure to do a patch test first for any negative reactions. Apply these oils using by massaging them into your scalp using your fingertips, thereby increasing blood flow. Also, look at micro-needling as an alternative and more intensive way to increase penetration of the essential oils. Microneedling devices have tiny needles that roll over the scalp making tiny puncture wounds. The skincare industry uses it to treat dermal scarring and promote youthful-looking skin. Opt for high-grade, pure, and therapeutic-grade essential oils, especially if you expect them to actually be useful.
We choose
Sdara Skincare Derma Roller
0.25mm Microneedle Roller For Face w/ 540 Titanium Micro Needles
Microdermabrasion Tool | Storage Case Included
We choose
HEETA Scalp Care Hair Brush
Soft Silicone Scalp Massager (Black)
Last thoughts on these essential oils that work like minoxidil
People sometimes forget that essential oils are very potent plant compounds that are highly concentrated. Applying them straight to your skin, undiluted may have unwanted consequences and symptoms of toxicity. The best practice would be to work alongside an essential oil expert to treat androgenic alopecia, especially if you have underlying health conditions. They will advise you further on which essential oils work like Minoxidil, the correct application methods as well as application frequency. With more and more studies being done and the existing studies showing promising results, essential oils are certainly are worth a try.
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Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; the content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your licensed aromatherapist, dermatologist, or physician with experience in essential oils when considering treatment of any health condition. This article was not written by a health practitioner or someone with a medical background.
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