How To Use Cinnamon For Hair Growth?

Cinnamon is a condiment reputed for its flavor, but did you know it can help treat specific hair conditions too? Studies show that cinnamon can control hair loss and potentially reduce balding issues.

This article will break down cinnamon’s several benefits for hair care, like hair loss prevention, hair growth, and improving hair quality. Scroll down to know more!

Cinnamon Benefits For Hair

Cinnamon has been in use for hundreds of years as a remedy for inflammation and sinus infections. Studies show that its rich nutrient composition could also improve hair health. Here is a brief review of its hair benefits.

1. Prevents Balding And Hair Loss: Studies show that cinnamon can control hair loss and help prevent balding.
2. Antimicrobial And Antioxidant Properties: Cinnamon’s polyphenols act as natural antioxidants. Their antimicrobial properties can help prevent scalp infections.
3. Improves Hair Density, Length, And Growth: The topical application of cinnamon essential oil improved hair diameter and length in rats. The cinnamon essential oil contains cinnamaldehyde that boosts blood flow to the scalp and dilates blood vessels. This can stimulate hair growth [2].
4. Increases Anagen Phase And Prevents Hair Damage: Cinnamon has procyanidins that possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. These can help protect the hair and scalp from free irritation, radical damage, and inflammation and prevent dandruff. Procyanidins were proven to induce the active growth (anagen) phase of hair in rats. They also showed remarkable hair growth in men with alopecia [3]. 
5. Treats/Reduces Head Lice: Studies suggest that cinnamon oil mixed with shampoo can help minimize head lice.
6. Contains Protein, Vitamins, And Minerals: Cinnamon also contains minerals and vitamin C that enhance hair health. It has thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin A, niacin, and protein, enhancing hair health.
7. Antifungal Properties: In research studies, cinnamon oil demonstrated antifungal properties against Malassezia furfur, causing chronic dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
8. Averts Alopecia In Chemotherapy Patients: Another research proved that cinnamon bark extracts might help prevent alopecia in chemotherapy patients with breast cancer.

How To Prepare Cinnamon Oil For Hair

Oil is extracted from cinnamon trees’ barks and infused with a base oil to make cinnamon oil. It not only minimizes hair issues but also helps treat skin inflammation and stress. Here is how you can prepare cinnamon oil from the convenience of your kitchen.

1. With heat

Ingredients

• Cinnamon powder: 250 g
• Olive oil: 1 L

Note: The ratio of olive oil to a cinnamon powder must be 4:1.

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan.
2. Incorporate the ground cinnamon powder once the oil is heated adequately. Mix the blend with the heat still on.
3. Leave the blend to simmer for about three to five minutes.
4. Switch the heat off once the fragrance of cinnamon is strong. Leave the mixture to cool to room temperature.
5. Strain the blend with a good strainer and store the oil in an airtight jar.

It is recommended not to reheat the olive oil more than what is needed. You can also make cinnamon oil without using heat.

2. Cinnamon And Clove Mask

Cinnamon and clove can enhance hair color shine and sharpness. Cloves have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Anecdotal proof indicates that cloves can enhance hair and scalp health. Cloves can also enhance blood circulation and potentially stimulate hair growth. However, more studies are needed in this regard.

Ingredients

• Clove powder: 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon powder: 1 teaspoon
• Burdock oil: 2 tablespoons
• Cayenne pepper drops: 10
• Honey: 2 tablespoons

Procedure

1. Mix all the ingredients in a cup.
2. Apply the blend at the roots, to the hair, without rubbing it in.
3. Keep it on for half an hour.
4. Wash the blend off with shampoo and warm water.

How Often

When needed or once every week  

[Also Read: Surprising Benefits of Cinnamon Oil]

3. Nettle, Cinnamon, And Coffee Mask

Stinging nettle has been used in cosmetology and medicine for hair growth. Nettle contains an array of rich nutrients that induce hair follicle cell regeneration and stimulate blood flow in the capillaries. That’s the reason why stinging nettle products are used in telogen effluvium treatment and prevention.

Coffee has caffeine, which prevents hair loss caused by the premature termination of the anagen hair phase. Caffeine inhibits specific enzymes (PDE) and stimulates follicle cell proliferation.

Ingredients

• Cinnamon oil: 1/2 teaspoon (2-3 drops)
• Coconut/Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
• Coffee powder: 1 tablespoon
• Nettle herbal infusion

Directions

1. Blend all the ingredients (excluding the herbal fusion) in a cup.
2. Apply the blend to the hair and leave it on for about 20 minutes.
3. Wash the hair with organic shampoo and warm water.
4. Rinse the hair with the nettle herbal concoction.

How Often

When needed or once every week  

4. Cinnamon And Rosemary Mask

Rosemary can help stimulate hair regrowth and growth. Animal research showed that rosemary leaves could induce hair growth. Studies also show that rosemary can be used to reduce dandruff.

Note: It is not safe to take rosemary if you are taking lithium, are (or trying to get) pregnant, or if you show negative reactions to rosemary.

Ingredients

• Rosemary essential oil: 10-12 drops
• Ground cinnamon: 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil: ½ cup

Directions

1. Heat (warm) the olive oil in the microwave or a pan. Do not overheat it.
2. Add the cinnamon and blend well.
3. Incorporate the rosemary oil and mix it in.
4. Apply the mixture to the hair ends and roots without rubbing it in.
5. Wash the mixture with shampoo and warm water. 

Frequency

When needed or Once every week 

Cinnamon has its benefits for hair health. However, it can cause adverse effects in a few individuals. Take a look at the following section.

Side Effects Of Cinnamon

Using cinnamon oil or powder topically is regarded as safe. But it may cause irritation, allergic reactions, or redness in a few individuals. It is recommended to do a patch test before applying cinnamon for the first time.

Cinnamon consumption is safe in the proper dosage. Over-consumption can lead to low blood sugar levels, liver damage, issues during surgery, and allergies.

Bottom Line

Now you are aware that this wintery spice does more than simply add flavor to the food. There is much anecdotal proof indicating that the above hair masks can help enhance overall hair health. You can start using cinnamon now. Should you have any significant concerns, consult your physician.