Is Peppermint Oil Beard as effective as Minoxidil for hair growth?
In a randomization process, researchers divided rats into 4 groups: saline (typical saltwater), Minoxidil, Jojoba essential oil, and Peppermint essential oil. After four weeks, the rodents’ hair growth was assessed. From week two on, peppermint oil was proven to grow hair more quickly; by week three, it had quickly surpassed saline, jojoba oil, and even minoxidil. At the conclusion of the study (week 4), the researchers found that peppermint oil produced hair growth at an astounding 92%, compared to minoxidil’s 55% [9]. This hair growth was quantified in terms of dermal thickness, hair follicle count, and even follicle depth.
Are your facial hairs giving you more looks of middle school? Yet, you are willing to have a Viking look with your beard? So it is the perfect time for investing in the oil for your beard growth. Guess what? Considering the side effects of Minoxidil, you can safely choose the Peppermint oil with full confidence. The discussion ahead will shed light on Minoxidil’s side effects that urge the buyers to look for natural ways of growing their beards with natural oil.
Side effects of Minoxidil
You can find your internet bombarded with the success stories of Minoxidil as the perfect oil for hair growth (facial). However, internet sites must practice showcasing such information with a lot of caution. Don’t forget the reason behind its strong advocacy by its users on Reddit, Youtube, and Instagram. It can be the paid sponsorships for the products. Positive feedbacks and anecdotes are present on the internet while hiding its reporting of negative side effects with the reporting biasness.
However, the studies showed with its evidence that the Minoxidil is found to be safe, generally. Yet, it has some side effects, which must be in the knowledge of its customers. Firstly, it causes a temporary effect of shedding the existing hairs during its initial topical application of one to two weeks. Remember that this phenomenon is telogen effluvium. The shredding occurs due to action between the Minoxidil and the hairs going through the telogen phase.
You should not worry much about it! The follicles initiate the anagen phase with healthier follicles subsequently. However, benefit happens with the usage of Minoxidil or long durations.
Have a look at its secondary side effects:
- Allergic reactions on the skin
- Palpitations
- Dermatitis, which leads to inflamed skin resulting in itching and reddening.
- Also, the Minoxidil comprises propylene glycol that itself leads to dry skin, redness, and itching.
The secret behind the selection of Peppermint oil beard
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a preferable choice for many reasons, particularly the therapeutic characteristics. Have a look at its favorable benefits:
- Relief from bloating and gases
- Induces relaxation in the users
- Agent for the skin conditioning
Menthol is the essential and primary ingredient behind the numerous benefits of peppermint oil beard. Extensive studies support Menthol for its antimicrobial potency, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. But the question arises that its presence in peppermint oil beard turns to be beneficial for hair growth?
Scientific Back Up
According to a recent study in 2014, researchers studied the hair growth on four groups of rodents with the application of ordinary salt water (saline), peppermint oil beard, jojoba essential, and Minoxidil. After four weeks, the evaluation showed rapid hair growth (follicles’ depth and quantity, dermal thickness) of the rodents from the second week. Still, higher and better hair growth in the third week, and leaves behind Minoxidil, jojoba oil, and saline. However, the fourth week showed the finest results of peppermint oil beard with the rapid growth of 92% and Minoxidil with hair growth of 55% only.
References
- Ingprasert, S., Tanglertsampan, C., Tangphianphan, N., & Reanmanee, C. (2016). Efficacy and safety of minoxidil 3% lotion for beard enhancement: A randomized, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled study. The Journal of dermatology, 43(8), 968-969.
- Hills, J. M., & Aaronson, P. I. (1991). The mechanism of action of peppermint oil on gastrointestinal smooth muscle: an analysis using patch-clamp electrophysiology and isolated tissue pharmacology in rabbit and guinea pig. Gastroenterology, 101(1), 55-65.
- Oh, J. Y., Park, M. A., & Kim, Y. C. (2014). Peppermint oil promotes hair growth without toxic signs. Toxicological Research, 30(4), 297-304.
- Oh, J. Y., Park, M. A., & Kim, Y. C. (2014). Peppermint oil promotes hair growth without toxic signs. Toxicological Research, 30(4), 297-304.
