Cinnamon For Hair: Benefits
Cinnamon has been used since ancient times as a remedy for sinus infections and inflammation. Research shows that its rich nutrient composition could also promote hair health. Here is a quick review of its hair benefits. There are certain myths surrounding cinnamon and its relation to hair health. Check them out in the following section.
Cinnamon Hair Benefits: 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 does not happen instantly. The spice is not a miracle cure for hair loss. You need to use it for a certain period to see the results.
- Cinnamon can be used to treat scalp acne. Cinnamon is used in soaps and other products to treat acne and reduce acne blemishes (5). However, the spice is not proven to treat scalp acne.
- Cinnamon helps reduce hair breakage and split ends. Research shows that cinnamon may increase hair length and density. But no evidence suggests that it can prevent split ends. In case you are wondering how to make cinnamon oil, here are some methods to try out!
How To Make Cinnamon Oil For Hair
Oil is extracted from cinnamon barks and infused with a base oil to form cinnamon oil. It not only reduces hair problems but also helps treat stress and skin inflammation. Here is how you can make cinnamon oil from the comfort of your home.
1. With Heat
Ingredients
Cinnamon powder: 250 g Olive oil: 1 L
Note: The ratio of olive oil to cinnamon powder should be 4:1. Procedure It is advisable not to reheat the olive oil more than what is required. You also can make cinnamon oil without using heat.
2. Without Heat
Ingredients
Cinnamon sticks: A bundle Olive oil: 1 L A cheesecloth Mason jar
Procedure Certified Trichology Practitioner Tiffany Young explains, “The most compelling research that has surfaced recognizes that cinnamon applied topically can affect the blood vessels lying below the scalp. Topically applied cinnamon has the ability to promote increased blood flow and, in turn, could help hair growth rates due to the nutrient-rich blood flow that scalp follicles need.” Listed below are some recipes for cinnamon hair masks.
How To Use Cinnamon For Hair
Note: Perform a patch test with cinnamon powder to ensure no allergic reactions like itching, redness, or irritation occur.
1. Honey, Olive Oil, And Cinnamon Hair Mask
Cinnamon, paired with honey and olive oil, can reduce hair fall (4), (9) Olive oil contains triglycerides, tocopheroli XAlso called vitamin E. A naturally occurring compound that helps nerves and muscles work properly, amongst other health functions. , carotenoids, and monounsaturated fatty acids that hydrate the hair. It also is rich in squalene that has antioxidant properties that prevent hair damage caused by UV rays. Research shows that olive oil can help strengthen the hair fibers and prevent breakage (10) Honey is a well-known emollient. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (11). It soothes inflammation, psoriasisi XA chronic and autoimmune skin condition that causes itchy, scaly, thick, and dry patches on the skin. , and scalp dermatitis and can help prevent dandruff. It also helps balance scalp pH levels. Ingredients
Cinnamon powder: 1 teaspoon Honey: 1 tablespoon Olive oil: 4 teaspoons
Procedure How Often Once every week or as needed
2. Turmeric And Cinnamon Hair Mask
Turmeric oil is a well-known antiseptic often used to heal wounds and boils. A study showed that turmeric and coconut oil could reduce dandruff (12). Turmeric may also help treat hair graying. However, more research is warranted in this regard. Ingredients
Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder: 1 teaspoon Olive or coconut oil: 2-3 tablespoons
Procedure How Often Once every week or as needed
3. Egg And Cinnamon Hair Mask
Eggs are a great source of lipids, carbohydrates, protein, and water (13). These nutrients are essential for good hair health and growth. Eggs also contain vitamins A and B12, riboflavin, choline, zinc, iron, and calcium. While the yolk and egg have equal parts of nutrients, the egg yolk contains concentrated amounts of lipids, minerals, and vitamins. Egg yolk was found to induce hair growth in dermal papilla cells (14). Egg white contains water, 150 proteins, and peptides that can strengthen and moisturize hair (13).
a. Egg Yolk
Ingredients
Cinnamon powder: 1 tablespoon Egg yolk: 1 Olive oil: 1 teaspoon Yogurt: 2 tablespoons Honey: 1 teaspoon Shower cap
Procedure How Often Once every 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 How Often Once every week or when needed
4. Coconut And Cinnamon Hair Mask
Coconut oil is a well-known hair care product. Research shows that coconut oil can penetrate hair fibers to nourish them from within and reduce protein loss (15). It also protects the hair from free radical damage caused by UV rays. Coconut oil also contains proteins that nourish and repair damaged hair (16). The oil also protects against damage due to hygral 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 How Often Once every week or as needed
5. Cinnamon And Clove Mask
Cinnamon and clove may improve hair color sharpness and shine (17). Cloves have antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties (18). 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 How Often Once every week or when needed
6. Cinnamon, Nettle, And Coffee Mask
Stinging nettle has been used in medicine and cosmetology for hair growth. Nettle contains a wide variety of rich nutrients that stimulate blood flow in the capillaries and induce hair follicle cell regeneration (19). This is why stinging nettle products are used in telogen effluvium prevention and treatment. Coffee contains caffeine, which prevents hair loss caused by the premature termination of the anagen hair phase. Caffeine inhibits certain enzymes (PDE) and stimulates follicle cell proliferation (20). Ingredients
Cinnamon oil: 2-3 drops (1/2 teaspoon) Coffee powder: 1 tablespoon Coconut/Olive oil: 3 tablespoons Nettle herbal infusion
Procedure How Often Once every week or when needed
7. Almond Oil, Banana, And Cinnamon Mask
Almond oil is contains vitamin E that prevents hair loss and may strengthen the hair (21). Bananas contain silicon compounds that strengthen the outer cuticle layer of the hair and reduce interfiber friction (22), (23). They also contain vitamins and minerals known to reduce hair loss. Ingredients
Banana: 1 Almond oil: 2 tablespoons Cinnamon powder: 1 teaspoon Honey: 3 tablespoons (optional)
Procedure How Often Once every week or when needed
8. Rice Water, Banana, And Cinnamon Mask
Bananas are beneficial for the hair as they have antimicrobial properties. They also condition the hair and repair damaged hair endings. Rice water is known to reduce hair surface friction and improve hair elasticity (24). It also contains inositol that gradually penetrates the hair and strengthens it from within (25). Note: Using rice water alone may cause flaking on the scalp. Ingredients
Cinnamon powder: 1 tablespoon Rice water: ½ cup Banana: 1
Procedure How Often Once every week or when needed
9. Yogurt, Avocado, And Cinnamon Mask
Yogurt contains probiotic bacteria that can increase the hair density. The bacteria also increase the number of hair molecules in the anagen phase, thereby boosting hair growth (26). Yogurt is often added to hair masks to fight dandruff (27). Avocado is well-known 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 How Often Once every week or when needed
10. Cinnamon, Calendula, And Onion Juice Mask
Research shows that onion juice can stimulate hair regrowth in alopecia treatment (28). Onions are known to help stimulate hair growth, reduce hair loss, and eliminate head lice (29). 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 (31). Ingredients
Cinnamon powder: 1 tablespoon Honey: 1 teaspoon Calendula infusion: 1 tablespoon Egg yolk: 1 Onion juice: 1 tablespoon Shower cap
Procedure How Often Once every week or when needed
11. Rosemary And Cinnamon Mask
Rosemary may help stimulate hair growth and regrowth (32). An animal study showed that rosemary leaves could induce hair growth (33). Research also shows that rosemary can be used to reduce dandruff (34). Note: It is unsafe to take rosemary if you are consuming lithium, are (or trying to get) pregnant, or if you show adverse reactions to rosemary (35). Ingredients
Ground cinnamon: 2 tablespoons Rosemary essential oil: 10-12 drops Olive oil: ½ cup
Procedure How Often Once every week or when needed Cinnamon has its benefits for hair health. However, it may cause adverse effects in some people. Take a look at the following section.
Side Effects Of Cinnamon
Using cinnamon powder or oil topically is considered safe. But it may cause allergic reactions, irritation, or redness in some people. It is advisable to perform a patch test before applying cinnamon for the first time. Cinnamon consumption is safe in the right dosage. Over-consumption may lead to liver damage, low blood sugar levels, allergies, and issues during surgery. Can I add cinnamon to my hair oil? Yes. You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder (or 2-3 drops of cinnamon oil) to two tablespoons of your hair oil and apply it to your hair. Remember to perform a patch test with cinnamon powder before you use it. Does cinnamon make hair red? No. There is no scientific evidence that cinnamon can dye or alter your hair color. However, many people claim that a hair mask made of cinnamon and honey can give a red tone to brunette hair. Does cinnamon and coconut oil help hair growth? Yes. Cinnamon and coconut oil blend can provide nutrition and boost hair health. It can repair hair damage, reduce hair loss, and may aid hair growth. Can I use cinnamon as dry shampoo? Yes. You can make a DIY dry shampoo using cinnamon. Mix a 1:1:1 ratio of cinnamon powder, cornstarch, and cocoa powder, and add 1-2 drops of any essential oils to it. Use a makeup brush to apply this to your hair, starting from the roots.
