Cinnamon is a well-known spice for its aroma, but did you know it can also help treat certain hair problems? Research shows that cinnamon can control hair loss and even reduce the risk of baldness. In this article, we will discuss the numerous benefits of cinnamon for hair care, such as promoting hair growth, preventing hair loss, and improving its quality.
Cinnamon has been used since ancient times as a remedy for sinus infections and inflammation. Studies indicate that its nutrient-rich composition could also promote hair health. Here’s a quick overview of its benefits for hair.
1. Prevents hair loss and baldness: Research shows that cinnamon can control hair loss and help prevent baldness.
2. Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties: The polyphenols in cinnamon act as natural antioxidants. Their antimicrobial properties can help prevent scalp infections.
3. Improves hair growth and density: Cinnamon essential oil contains cinnamaldehyde, which dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow to the scalp. This stimulates hair growth.
4. Prevents hair damage: Cinnamon contains procyanidins that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties. These can help protect the scalp and hair from damage caused by free radicals, irritants, and inflammation, and can prevent hair loss. They have also shown significant hair growth in men with alopecia.
5. Contains vitamins, proteins, and minerals: Cinnamon contains vitamin C and minerals that improve hair health. It has riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, vitamin A, and proteins that contribute to hair health.
6. Antifungal properties: In one study, cinnamon oil showed antifungal properties against the Malassezia furfur fungus, which can cause seborrheic dermatitis or chronic hair loss.
7. Prevents alopecia in chemotherapy patients: Another study showed that extracts from cinnamon bark could help prevent alopecia in chemotherapy patients.
How to Make Cinnamon Oil for Hair
The oil is extracted from cinnamon bark and infused with a carrier oil to result in cinnamon oil. Not only does it reduce hair problems, but it also helps treat stress and skin inflammation. Here’s how you can make cinnamon oil:
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:
1. Heat the olive oil in a pan.
2. Add the ground cinnamon powder once the oil is sufficiently heated. With the flame still on, stir.
3. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 3-5 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat once the cinnamon smell is strong. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
5. Strain the mixture with a fine filter and store the oil in an airtight container.
It is recommended not to heat the olive oil more than necessary. You can also make cinnamon oil without using heat.
Without Heat
Ingredients:
Cinnamon sticks: one pack
Olive oil: 1 L
A piece of cheesecloth
A jar
Procedure:
1. Place all the cinnamon sticks in the jar.
2. Pour the olive oil over them. Fill it well so that all the cinnamon sticks are covered in oil.
3. Seal the jar tightly.
4. Place the jar by a window, in sunlight.
5. Keep it there for about three weeks. Shake the jar at least once a day to ensure the oil mixes with the cinnamon sticks and extracts their essence.
6. After three weeks, strain the oil from the jar through a piece of cheesecloth and store the mixture in an airtight container.
Below are some recipes for hair masks with cinnamon.
How to Use Cinnamon for Hair
Note: Perform a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure no allergic reactions such as itching, redness, or irritation occur.
Hair Mask with Honey, Olive Oil, and Cinnamon
Cinnamon, combined with honey and olive oil, can reduce hair loss. Olive oil contains triglycerides, tocopherol, carotenoids, and monounsaturated fatty acids that hydrate 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. It soothes inflammation, psoriasis, and scalp dermatitis and can help prevent hair loss. Additionally, it helps balance the pH levels of the scalp.
Ingredients:
Cinnamon powder: 1 tablespoon
Honey: 1 tablespoon
Olive oil: 4 tablespoons
Procedure:
1. Heat the olive oil.
2. Add the cinnamon powder and honey and mix well.
3. Apply the mixture thoroughly to the hair and leave it on for about 15 minutes.
4. Rinse with water.
Frequency
Once a week or as needed.
Hair Mask with Turmeric and Cinnamon
Turmeric oil is a well-known antiseptic often used for healing wounds and boils. A study showed that turmeric and coconut oil could reduce hair loss. Turmeric can also help treat gray hair. However, more research is needed in this regard.
Ingredients:
Turmeric powder: 1 tablespoon
Cinnamon powder: 1 tablespoon
Olive oil or coconut oil: 2-3 tablespoons
Procedure:
1. Heat the coconut or olive oil.
2. Mix with the cinnamon and turmeric powders.
3. Apply the mixture thoroughly to the hair and scalp and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse the mixture with warm water and shampoo to ensure the turmeric is removed.
Frequency
Once a week or as needed.
Hair Mask with Egg and Cinnamon
Eggs are an excellent source of lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and water. These nutrients are essential for hair health and growth. Eggs also contain vitamins A and B12, riboflavin, choline, zinc, iron, and calcium. While the egg white and yolk have equal nutritional properties, the yolk contains concentrated amounts of lipids, minerals, and vitamins. It has been found that egg yolk induces hair growth in dermal papilla cells. Egg white contains water, proteins, and peptides that nourish and hydrate the hair.
Egg Yolk
Ingredients:
Cinnamon powder: 1 tablespoon
Egg yolk: 1
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Yogurt: 2 tablespoons
Honey: 1 tablespoon
Shower cap
Procedure:
1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the scalp and hair.
3. Put a shower cap over the hair and leave it on for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse with warm water and shampoo (preferably organic).
Frequency
Once a week or as needed.
Egg White
Ingredients:
Cinnamon powder: 1 tablespoon
Egg white: 1
Honey: 1 tablespoon
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Essential sage oil: 2-3 drops
Shower cap
Procedure:
1. Mix the ingredients to make a paste.
2. Apply the mixture to the scalp and hair.
3. Put on a shower cap and leave it on for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse with warm water and shampoo (preferably organic).
Frequency
Once a week or as needed.
Hair Mask with Coconut Oil and Cinnamon
Coconut oil is a well-known product for hair care. Research shows that coconut oil can penetrate the hair fibers to nourish them from within and reduce protein loss. It also protects the hair from damage caused by free radicals due to UV rays. Coconut oil contains proteins that nourish and repair damaged hair. Additionally, it protects against damage caused by fatigue, can reduce hair loss, and prevent lice.
Ingredients:
Coconut oil: 4 tablespoons
Cinnamon essential oil: 3-5 drops (or 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon)
Procedure:
1. Heat the coconut oil in a pan.
2. Add the cinnamon oil and mix well.
3. Apply to the scalp and hair, especially on the roots and tips.
4. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes.
5. Rinse the hair with warm water and shampoo.
Frequency
Once a week or as needed.
Mask with Cinnamon and Cloves
Cinnamon and cloves can enhance the clarity and shine of hair color. Cloves have antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cloves can improve the health of the scalp and hair. Cloves can also improve blood circulation and stimulate hair growth.
Ingredients:
Cinnamon powder: 1 tablespoon
Clove powder: 1 tablespoon
Honey: 2 tablespoons
Burdock oil: 2 tablespoons
Cayenne pepper: 10 drops
Procedure:
1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to the hair, focusing on the roots, without rubbing.
3. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse the mixture with warm water and shampoo.
Frequency
Once a week or as needed.
Cinnamon, Nettle, and Coffee
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 the regeneration of hair follicle cells. This is why nettle products are used in the prevention and treatment of telogen effluvium. Coffee contains caffeine, which prevents hair loss caused by premature cessation of the anagen phase. Caffeine inhibits certain enzymes (PDE) and stimulates the proliferation of follicle cells.
Ingredients:
Cinnamon oil: 2-3 drops (1/2 teaspoon)
Coffee powder: 1 tablespoon
Coconut/olive oil: 3 tablespoons
Nettle herbal infusion
Procedure:
1. Mix all the ingredients (except the herbal tea) in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to the hair and leave it on for about 15 minutes.
3. Rinse the hair with warm water and organic shampoo.
4. Rinse the hair with the nettle herbal infusion.
Frequency
Once a week or as needed.
Mask with Almond Oil, Banana, and Cinnamon
Almond oil contains vitamin E, which prevents hair loss and can strengthen hair. Bananas contain silica compounds that strengthen the outer layer of hair. They also contain vitamins and minerals known to reduce hair loss.
Ingredients:
Banana: 1
Almond oil: 2 tablespoons
Cinnamon powder: 1 tablespoon
Honey: 3 tablespoons (optional)
Procedure:
1. Break the banana into small pieces and blend it to make a paste.
2. Add cinnamon and almond oil to this paste and mix well (you can also add honey).
3. Apply the mixture to the hair and leave it on for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse with warm water and shampoo.
Frequency
Once a week or as needed.
Rice Water, Banana, and Cinnamon
Bananas are beneficial for hair as they have antimicrobial properties. They also condition the hair and repair damaged hair ends. It is known that rice water reduces friction on the hair surface and improves its elasticity. It also contains inositol, which gradually penetrates the hair and nourishes it from within.
Note: Using rice water alone can cause scalp flaking.
Ingredients:
Cinnamon powder: 1 tablespoon
Rice water: enough
Banana: 1
Procedure:
1. Break the banana into small pieces and blend them to obtain a paste.
2. Mix the cinnamon into the banana paste.
3. Add rice water. The consistency should be smooth and slightly thick.
4. Apply the mixture to the hair without rubbing it on the scalp.
5. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes.
6. Rinse with warm water and shampoo.
Frequency
Once a week or as needed.
Mask with Yogurt, Avocado, and Cinnamon
Yogurt contains probiotic bacteria that can increase hair density. Additionally, the bacteria increase the number of protein molecules in the anagen phase, thus stimulating hair growth. Yogurt is often added to hair masks to combat hair loss. 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: 1/2
Eggs: 2
Procedure:
1. Mash half an avocado until it forms a smooth paste.
2. Add the eggs and mix well.
3. Add the yogurt and cinnamon powder.
4. Apply this mixture to the hair and leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes.
5. Rinse the mixture with shampoo and warm water.
Frequency
Once a week or as needed.
