Cinnamon for Hair Growth: Benefits, How to Use, and Side Effects
Cinnamon for Hair Growth: Benefits, How to Use, and Side Effects
Cinnamon is a spice known for its flavor, but did you know that it can help treat some hair problems as well? Research shows that cinnamon can control hair loss and possibly reduce the chances of baldness ( 1 ). In this article, we will explain the many benefits of cinnamon for hair care, such as hair growth, hair loss prevention, and improving hair quality. Scroll down to find out more!
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Cinnamon for hair: the benefits
Cinnamon has been used since ancient times as a remedy for infections and sinus infections. Research shows that its rich nutritional formula can promote healthy hair. Here is a quick review of its benefits for hair.
- Prevents hair loss and baldness : Research has shown that cinnamon can control hair loss and help prevent baldness
- Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties : Cinnamon polyphenols act as natural antioxidants. Its antimicrobial properties may help prevent scalp infections
- Improves Hair Length , Density, and Growth : Topical application of cinnamon essential oil improves hair length and diameter in rat studies. Cinnamon essential oil contains cinnamaldehyde, which dilates blood vessels and enhances blood flow to the scalp. This may stimulate hair growth
- Prevents hair damage and increases the anagen phase : Cinnamon contains procyanidin , which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-fungal properties. This may help protect the scalp and hair from free radical damage, irritation, and inflammation, and prevent dandruff. Procyanidin has been found to induce anagen (active growth) of hair in mice. They also showed significant hair growth in men with alopecia areata
- Reduces/treats head lice : Research suggests that cinnamon oil mixed with shampoo can help reduce head lice.
- Contains vitamins, protein and minerals : Cinnamon also contains vitamin C and minerals that improve hair health. It contains riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, vitamin A and protein, which may also promote hair health
- Antifungal properties : In one study, cinnamon oil demonstrated antifungal properties against Malassezia furfur, which may cause seborrheic dermatitis or chronic dandruff.
- Alopecia in chemotherapy patients : Another study showed that cinnamon bark extracts taken orally in capsule form (400 mg) helped hair loss in breast cancer chemotherapy patients.
There are some myths about cinnamon and its relationship to hair health. Check them out in the next section.
Cinnamon Benefits for Hair: Common Myths
- Cinnamon is a miracle cure for hair loss.
While research shows that cinnamon can help stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss, it doesn’t happen right away. Allspice is not a magic cure for hair loss. You need to use it for a certain period to see results.
- Cinnamon can be used to treat acne on the scalp.
Cinnamon is used in soaps and other products to treat acne and reduce acne blemishes. However, the spice has not been shown to treat scalp acne.
- Cinnamon helps reduce hair breakage and split ends.
Research shows that cinnamon may increase hair length and thickness. But there is no evidence to suggest that it can prevent split ends.
If you are wondering how to make cinnamon oil, here are some ways to try it!
How to make cinnamon oil for hair
The oil is extracted from the bark of cinnamon and saturated with an essential oil to form cinnamon oil. It not only reduces hair problems but also helps treat stress and dermatitis. Here’s how to make cinnamon oil in the comfort of your own home.
1. Thermoplastic
Ingredients
- Cinnamon powder: 250 g
- Olive oil: 1 liter
Note : The ratio of olive oil to cinnamon powder should be 4:1 .
Procedure
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan.
- Add the ground cinnamon once the oil is hot enough. While the heat continues, mix the mixture.
- Leave the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat as soon as the cinnamon smell becomes strong. Let the mixture cool down to room temperature.
- Strain the mixture using a fine strainer and store the oil in an airtight container.
It is advised not to reheat olive oil more than required. You can also make cinnamon oil without using heat.
2. Without heat
Ingredients
- Cinnamon sticks: a pack
- Olive oil: 1 liter
- gauze
- mason jar
Procedure
- Put all the cinnamon sticks in a jar, put as much as possible.
- Pour olive oil into a mason jar. Fill it well so that all the cinnamon sticks are covered with oil.
- Seal mason jar airtight.
- Place the jar near a window, in the sun.
- Keep it there for about three weeks. Shake the jar at least once every day to make sure the oil mixes with the cinnamon sticks and extracts the essence.
- After three weeks, drain the oil from the jar with a cotton cloth and place the mixture in an airtight container.
Here are some recipes for cinnamon hair masks.
How to use cinnamon for hair
Note : Do a patch test with cinnamon powder to make sure there are no allergic reactions such as itching, redness or irritation .
1. Hair mask with honey, olive oil and cinnamon
Cinnamon with honey and olive oil can reduce hair loss, olive oil contains triglycerides, tocopherols, carotenoids and monounsaturated fatty acids that moisturize the hair. It is also rich in squalene, which has antioxidant properties that prevent hair damage caused by UV rays. Research shows that olive oil can help strengthen hair fibers and prevent breakage
Honey is a well-known emollient. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that soothe inflammation, psoriasis and dermatitis of the scalp and can help prevent dandruff. It also helps balance the pH levels of the scalp.
Ingredients
- Cinnamon powder: 1 teaspoon
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Olive oil: 4 teaspoons
Procedure
- Heat the olive oil to make it warm.
- Add cinnamon powder and honey to make a paste.
- Apply the mixture well to your hair and leave it on for about 15 minutes.
- Wash it off with water.
How often
Once a week or as needed
2. Turmeric and Cinnamon Hair Mask
Turmeric oil is a well-known antiseptic often used in the healing of cuts and boils. A study shows that turmeric and coconut oil can reduce dandruff. Turmeric may also help treat graying hair. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
Ingredients
- Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon powder: 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil or coconut oil: 2-3 tablespoons
Procedure
- Heat coconut oil or olive oil to warm it.
- Mix cinnamon powder with turmeric.
- Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp well and leave it for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash off the mixture with warm water and shampoo to make sure the turmeric is removed.
How often
Once a week or as needed
3. Egg and Cinnamon Hair Mask
Eggs are a great source of fats, carbohydrates, protein, and water. These nutrients are essential for healthy hair and its growth. Eggs also contain vitamins A and B12, riboflavin, choline, zinc, iron and calcium. While egg yolks and eggs contain equal parts of nutrients, egg yolks contain concentrated amounts of fats, minerals, and vitamins. Egg yolk has been found to induce hair growth in dermal papilla cells Egg white contains water, 150 proteins and peptides that can strengthen and moisturize hair
a. yolk
Ingredients
- Cinnamon powder: 1 tablespoon
- egg yolk: 1
- Olive oil: 1 teaspoon
- Yogurt: 2 tablespoons
- Honey: 1 teaspoon
- shower cap
Procedure
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to your scalp and hair.
- Put a shower cap on your hair and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Wash off the paste with warm water and shampoo (preferably organic).
Honey Fashion Hot Swimwear
How often
Once a week or as needed
B. egg white
Ingredients
- Cinnamon powder: 1 tablespoon
- Egg white: 1
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Sage essential oil: 2-3 drops
- shower cap
Procedure
- Mix the ingredients to make a paste.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.
- Put on a shower cap and leave the mixture on your hair for 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with warm water and shampoo (preferably organic).
How often
Once a week or as needed
4. Coconut and Cinnamon Hair Mask
Coconut oil is a well-known hair care product. Research shows that coconut oil can penetrate the hair fiber to nourish it from within and reduce protein loss and also protect hair from free radical damage caused by UV rays. Coconut oil also contains proteins that nourish and repair damaged hair. The oil also protects against damage caused by healthy fatigue. It may also reduce dandruff and prevent head lice.
Ingredients
- Coconut oil: 4 tablespoons
- Cinnamon essential oil: 3-5 drops (or ½ tablespoon of ground cinnamon).
Procedure
- Heat the coconut oil in a skillet.
- Add cinnamon oil and stir well.
- Apply the mixture to the scalp and hair, especially to the roots and ends.
- Leave the mask on for 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair with warm water and shampoo.
How often
Once a week or as needed
5. Cinnamon and Clove Mask
Cinnamon and Cloves May Improve Hair Color and Shine Cloves have anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties Anecdotal evidence suggests that cloves can improve scalp and hair health. Cloves may also improve blood circulation and potentially stimulate hair growth. However, more research is needed in this regard.
Ingredients
- Cinnamon powder: 1 teaspoon
- Clove powder: 1 teaspoon
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Burdock oil: 2 tablespoons
- Cayenne pepper drops: 10
Procedure
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Apply the mixture to your hair at the roots without rubbing it.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash off the mixture with warm water and shampoo.
How often
Once a week or as needed
6. Cinnamon, nettle and coffee mask
Stinging nettle has been used in medicine and cosmetology for hair growth. Nettle contains a variety of rich nutrients that stimulate blood flow in the capillaries and stimulate the regeneration of hair follicle cells (that is why nettle products are used in the prevention and treatment of telogen effluvium. Coffee contains caffeine that prevents hair loss caused by hair loss. Early termination of the hair growth phase Caffeine inhibits certain enzymes (PDE) and stimulates the proliferation of follicle cells
Ingredients
- Cinnamon oil: 2-3 drops (12 teaspoons)
- Coffee powder: 1 tablespoon
- Coconut/olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Nettle infusion
Procedure
- Mix all ingredients (except the herbal mixture) in a bowl.
- Apply the mixture to the hair and leave it for 15 minutes.
- Wash your hair with warm water and an organic shampoo.
- Rinse the hair with the herbal infusion of nettle.
How often
Once a week or as needed
7. Almond, Banana and Cinnamon Oil Mask
Almond oil contains vitamin E that prevents hair loss and may strengthen hair Bananas contain silicon compounds that strengthen the outer layer of hair and reduce friction between the fibers, and they also contain vitamins and minerals known to reduce hair loss.
Ingredients
- Banana: 1
- Almond oil: 2 tablespoons
- Cinnamon powder: 1 teaspoon
- 3 tablespoons honey (optional)
Procedure
- Break the bananas into small pieces and blend them in a blender to make a smooth paste.
- Add cinnamon and almond oil to this paste and mix well (you can also add honey).
- Apply the mixture to your hair and leave it for 20 minutes.
- Wash it with warm water and shampoo
How often
Once a week or as needed
8. Rice water, banana and cinnamon mask
Bananas are good for hair as they have antimicrobial properties. It also soothes hair and repairs damaged ends. Rice water is known to reduce hair surface friction and improve hair elasticity. It also contains inositol, which gradually penetrates the hair and strengthens it from the inside
Note : The use of rice water alone may lead to flaking of the scalp .
Ingredients
- Cinnamon powder: 1 tablespoon
- Rice water: half a cup
- Banana: 1
Procedure
- Break the bananas into small pieces and blend them in a blender to get a smooth paste.
- Mix cinnamon with banana paste.
- Add rice water to the mixed paste. The consistency should be soft and a bit thick.
- Apply the mixture to your hair without rubbing it into the scalp.
- Leave it on for 10-20 minutes.
- Wash it off with warm water and shampoo.
How often
Once a week or as needed
9. Yogurt, avocado and cinnamon mask
Yogurt contains probiotic bacteria that can increase hair density. Bacteria also increase the number of hair particles in the anagen phase, which promotes hair growth. Yogurt is often added to hair masks to fight dandruff. Avocados are popular for treating dry and damaged hair. It also has antioxidant properties and omega-3 fatty acids that help improve moisture retention.
Ingredients
- Cinnamon powder: 1 tablespoon
- Yogurt: 5 tablespoons
- Avocado: ½
- eggs: 2
Procedure
- Mash half an avocado until it becomes a smooth paste-like consistency.
- Add eggs and mix well.
- Add yogurt and cinnamon powder.
- Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Wash off the mixture with shampoo and warm water.
How often
Once a week or as needed
10. Cinnamon, Calendula and Onion Mask
Research shows that onion juice can stimulate hair re-growth in the treatment of alopecia areata. Onions are known to help stimulate hair growth, reduce hair loss, and eliminate head lice. Calendula is used to treat dermatitis ( 30 ). It is also applied to the scalp to promote stronger hair growth as it boosts blood circulation and collagen production
Ingredients
- Cinnamon powder: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 1 teaspoon
- Marinated calendula: 1 tablespoon
- egg yolk: 1
- Onion juice: 1 tablespoon
- shower cap
Procedure
- Mix all the ingredients to form a thick and smooth paste.
- Apply the paste to your hair and scalp without rubbing it.
- Put on a shower cap and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo and warm water.
How often
Once a week or as needed
11. Rosemary and Cinnamon Mask
Rosemary may help stimulate hair growth and regrowth An animal study shows that rosemary leaves can stimulate hair growth Research also shows that rosemary can be used to reduce dandruff
Note: It is UNSAFE to take rosemary if you are consuming lithium, are (or are trying to become pregnant), or if you have shown adverse reactions to rosemary .
Ingredients
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tablespoons
- Rosemary essential oil: 10-12 drops
- Olive oil: half a cup
Procedure
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan or in the microwave. Don’t heat it up too much.
- Add cinnamon and mix well.
- Add rosemary oil and mix.
- Apply the mixture to the roots and ends of the hair without rubbing.
- Wash off the mixture with shampoo and warm water.
How often
Once a week or as needed
Cinnamon has benefits for hair health. However, it may cause harmful effects in some people. Take a look at the next section.
Cinnamon side effects
It is safe to use cinnamon powder or oil topically. But they may cause allergic reactions, irritation, or redness in some people. It is advisable to do a patch test before applying cinnamon for the first time.
Consuming cinnamon is safe in the correct dose. Excessive consumption may lead to liver damage, low blood sugar levels, allergies, and problems during surgery.
Now you know that this winter seasoning does more than just add flavor to your food. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that the above hair masks can help improve overall hair health. You can start using cinnamon today. If you have any major concerns, see your doctor.
