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You know that feeling when the back-to-school season hits? It’s like… one minute it’s July 4th, and the next thing you know, you’re hunting down a glue stick in aisle nine while wondering if last year’s backpack still smells like spilled yogurt. Trust me, I’ve been there—year after year.
There’s always a checklist: new shoes, labeled folders, lunchbox snacks that won’t get traded away by Thursday. But there’s one thing that’s been on my list for the past few years that might not be on yours yet: peppermint oil.
Yep. That tiny bottle of tingly magic? I drop it right into my kid’s shampoo. And no, it’s not just for the smell (although it does make them smell like a fresh breeze instead of sweaty recess). It’s for their health, their focus, and yes—because I am terrified of another lice letter.
Let me tell you why this little habit has stuck.
First of all… the lice letter
You know the one. It comes home in a crumpled piece of paper, usually right after picture day, and it starts with something cheerful like:
“Just a heads-up from the nurse!”
We’ve had lice once. Once was enough. I still have flashbacks of boiling pillowcases and combing like my life depended on it.
So, when I found out that peppermint oil can repel lice, I said, “Well, why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?” Lice don’t like strong scents—especially minty ones. And while nothing’s 100%, giving those little buggers a reason to stay away? Yes, please.
It’s good for their scalp, too
I used to think kids didn’t get dandruff. Turns out, they do. Especially in the winter. Especially when they refuse to wear hats like you asked them to. (You know who you are.)
Peppermint oil has these natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that help keep their scalp clean and comfy. No flakes, no itchiness, and no more “Mom, my head feels weird” right as we’re walking out the door.
Just a few drops in their regular shampoo, and it gives their scalp a little TLC without a whole separate product lineup.
Bonus: It helps with hair growth
Look, I’m not out here trying to give my kid shampoo commercials vibes. But peppermint oil does help with blood flow to the scalp, which can support healthy hair growth. It’s not a miracle, but hey—if it keeps their hair full and happy, I’m not complaining.
And here’s the part I really didn’t expect…
It calms them down.
There’s something about that cool, crisp scent of peppermint that just… soothes. I noticed it first after bath time. My daughter was less fidgety, more chill, even a little sleepier. And then I read that peppermint can actually help lower stress and improve focus.
So now? I’ll rub a drop between my hands and smooth it on her ponytail before school if she’s having a rough morning. I’ve even dabbed a bit on her backpack strap before a spelling test. It’s subtle, but it works.
How I use it (the low-effort way)
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I mix 2–3 drops of peppermint essential oil into a palmful of shampoo at bath time. That’s it.
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For mornings, I keep a little spray bottle with water + a few drops of peppermint oil to spritz on hair or jackets.
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I always do a quick patch test—because every kid is different, and sensitive skin is no joke.
Just don’t go overboard—this stuff is strong. You want minty, not tearful.
So… is peppermint oil going to solve every back-to-school woe?
Nope.
It won’t keep the homework dry when a water bottle leaks. It won’t stop them from losing yet another hoodie. It won’t magically make them love math.
But it’s one tiny, simple thing that’s helped us feel a little more ready. A little more in control. And when life feels like a full-on rollercoaster during back-to-school season, I’ll take every small win I can get.
So next time you’re tossing shampoo into your grocery cart, swing by the essential oils aisle and grab a bottle of peppermint. Slip it into your routine. See what happens.
Worst case? Your kid smells amazing. Best case? You dodge the lice drama and help your child feel a little more calm, clear-headed, and confident.
And isn’t that what we’re all trying to do anyway?