Most hair growth advice leaves out one thing: your hormones.
If you’re in your late 30s, 40s, or 50s, you’ve probably noticed changes — a thinner ponytail or eyebrows, more hair on the bathroom floor, or a scalp that just doesn’t feel as full as it used to. Hormonal shifts, stress, and slower circulation can change the way your follicles behave, long before age should be the culprit.
Drug treatments like minoxidil can push follicles into a growth phase, but they do it by forcing chemical changes — and that can mean irritation, rebound shedding (aka “dread shed”) when you stop, and questions about long-term safety.
That’s why more women are exploring peppermint oil for hair growth and castor oil for scalp health — a duo that supports circulation, nourishes follicles, and keeps your scalp healthy without synthetic side effects.
Why Women Lose Hair After 35 (and What Makes It Worse)
Hair grows in cycles:
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Growth (Anagen) – active phase where follicles produce hair
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Transition (Catagen) – brief resting changeover
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Rest & Shedding (Telogen) – old hair releases so new hair can grow
As hormones shift during perimenopause, pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause, the growth phase can shorten. Add in stress, inflammation, or nutrient depletion, and follicles don’t get what they need to produce strong hair.
Circulation is key: without enough blood flow to the scalp, follicles get less oxygen and fewer nutrients. Over time, hair becomes finer, sheds more easily, and takes longer to grow back.
Peppermint Oil for Hair Growth: Stimulating Naturally
Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, a compound that widens tiny blood vessels in your scalp (vasodilation). This helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to each follicle — the fuel hair needs to stay in the growth phase.
What the research shows:
A 2014 study found peppermint oil outperformed 3% minoxidil in increasing hair thickness, follicle depth, and growth markers — with no irritation or toxicity reported.
Why it’s different from minoxidil:
Peppermint oil supports your scalp’s natural environment rather than forcing follicles into overdrive. That means you can stop without the dreaded rebound shed.
Castor Oil for Scalp Health & Follicle Strength
Cold-pressed castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that helps:
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Lock in scalp moisture
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Support the skin barrier
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Reduce micro-inflammation around follicles
A healthy, hydrated scalp helps hair hold longer in the growth phase and creates the right conditions for new growth to stay put.
Build Your Own Hair Growth Blend
With the Build Your Own Castor Oil Kit, you start with our cold-pressed, hexane-free Golden Castor Oil — then choose your own essential oils to match your needs.
For hair growth support, we recommend:
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Peppermint – boosts circulation to the scalp and delivers more nutrients to hair follicles
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Lavender – calms inflammation and soothes scalp sensitivity
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Tea Tree – clarifies the scalp and helps reduce buildup that can block follicles
Your Growth Blend:
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4 drops peppermint (2 drops if pregnant)
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2 drops lavender
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1–2 drops tea tree
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1 oz (30 ml) castor oil
How to use:
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Add the drops directly into your Golden Castor Oil and shake gently.
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Massage into the scalp for 3–5 minutes, focusing on thinning areas.
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Leave on for 20–40 minutes for easy rinsing.
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Wash out with a gentle shampoo.
Recommended frequency: Use 2–4 times per week, staying consistent for at least 8–12 weeks.
Safety Tips:
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Always patch-test first.
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Avoid eyes and undiluted oils directly on skin.
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If pregnant, stick with the reduced peppermint amount above and confirm with your provider before starting.
✨ Create your custom blend now — start with the Build Your Own Castor Oil Kit →
FAQ
Q: Is peppermint oil really as effective as minoxidil?
Research suggests peppermint oil for hair growth can stimulate results comparable to — or even better than — minoxidil, without the irritation or hormone safety concerns. Studies point to its ability to improve scalp circulation, which helps keep hair in the growth phase longer.
Q: Will I shed hair if I stop using it?
No. Because natural options like peppermint oil and castor oil for scalp health work with your body’s own environment instead of forcing follicle growth, there’s no “rebound” shed when you stop.
Q: Can I use this if I’m pregnant?
Castor oil for hair is generally safe for topical use, but avoid ingesting it or applying it to the abdomen, as castor oil is known to stimulate uterine activity. Peppermint oil should always be diluted and patch-tested. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, confirm with your provider before starting any new scalp or hair growth routine
Bottom Line
You don’t have to choose between results and hormone safety. Peppermint oil and castor oil give you a proven, gentle alternative to drug-based treatments — so you can support growth, keep your scalp healthy, and feel confident in what you’re putting on your body.
