Mixing a small amount of peppermint oil into your favorite shampoo will definitely add fragrance, but it may provide other benefits as well. Peppermint has soothing and cooling properties when applied to the skin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This means that peppermint oil shampoo could be soothing to those with irritated scalps. It also makes shampooing a cool and pleasant treat after a sweaty workout, or spending the day outdoors during the hot summer months.
While you may be tempted to pour in a large amount of peppermint oil, remember that less is sometimes more. Adding too much oil could alter the viscosity of your shampoo, making it more difficult to apply or reducing its effectiveness.
Measure out half a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of peppermint oil for every 16 ounces of shampoo in your container.
Open the shampoo container, and pour in the peppermint oil you measured.
Cap the shampoo tightly and shake it vigorously to mix the oil into the shampoo.
Shake the shampoo before each use to ensure that the peppermint oil is distributed evenly throughout the bottle. The oil may separate from your shampoo over time.
Tip
If your peppermint oil shampoo causes skin irritation or a rash, discontinue use immediately. You may have an allergy or sensitivity to the peppermint oil.
Warning
Do not use peppermint oil shampoo on infants or young children. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that peppermint oil can cause serious and life-threatening breathing problems when applied to the face of an infant or young child.
References
Writer Bio
Kittie McCoy has been a freelance writer since 2008. She is also a part-time personal trainer and licensed entertainer in Las Vegas. She enjoys sharing her love of physical fitness and experience in the entertainment industry via her writing.