If you’re exploring natural hair care solutions, you might be wondering, “Does cinnamon help hair growth?” This popular spice is not only known for its aromatic qualities but also for its potential benefits for hair health.
Cinnamon is often touted for its ability to enhance hair growth and decrease hair loss. While some preliminary evidence supports these claims, further research is necessary to confirm its effectiveness. Additionally, cinnamon is believed to be a potential remedy for dandruff.
Despite some claims that cinnamon can alter hair color by dying or lightening it, there is no scientific evidence to substantiate these effects.
If you’re interested in understanding how cinnamon might benefit your hair, we’ll explore what the current research says about its effects and discuss any possible side effects.
Does Cinnamon Help Hair Growth?
Research suggests that cinnamon could be a promising natural remedy for hair growth. A notable 2018 study on male rats found that cinnamon oil could enhance hair length as effectively as 2 percent topical minoxidil (Rogaine), a well-known hair growth treatment. The magic behind cinnamon’s impact on hair lies in cinnamaldehyde, its principal compound.
Cinnamaldehyde boosts circulation and blood flow directly to the hair follicles, fostering not only growth but also potentially curbing hair loss in older individuals. While these results are promising, further studies involving humans are necessary to fully validate cinnamon’s effectiveness for hair growth.
Benefits of Cinnamon on Hair
Cinnamon is increasingly recognized for its potential benefits for hair health. Here are some key benefits that cinnamon can bring to your hair:
Minimize Hair Shedding and Prevent Baldness
Cinnamon is instrumental in reducing hair loss and potentially preventing baldness. The polyphenols in cinnamon are powerful antioxidants, providing a protective barrier against oxidative stress.
Additionally, its antimicrobial properties help stave off scalp infections that might otherwise lead to hair thinning.
Provide Antifungal Benefits
Known for its antifungal prowess, cinnamon is an excellent addition to your hair care regimen, especially if you’re battling conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or chronic dandruff.
It helps maintain a healthy scalp environment, preventing the buildup of fungus and other pathogens.
Shield Hair from Damage and Prolong the Anagen Phase
The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties of cinnamon make it a triple threat against scalp and hair damage.
It safeguards the scalp and hair strands from free radical damage and inflammation, thus maintaining the health of the hair during its growth phase and preventing premature hair fall.
Effectively Combat Lice
Mixing cinnamon oil with shampoo can be an effective remedy against lice.
For families with children, incorporating this treatment into their routine can help prevent the spread of lice in school settings.
Enrich with Vital Nutrients
Cinnamon is also a rich source of nutrients crucial for hair health, including vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, vitamin A, and protein.
These nutrients contribute to stronger, healthier hair.
Promote Increased Hair Length, Density, and Growth
Applying cinnamon essential oil topically can significantly impact hair length and density. Cinnamaldehyde, a key component in cinnamon essential oil, dilates blood vessels and enhances blood flow to the scalp, promoting vigorous hair growth.
Methods for Applying Cinnamon to Hair
Incorporating cinnamon into your hair care routine can be done through various methods, each designed to harness its potential benefits. Here are some effective ways to apply cinnamon to your hair:
Mask Made from Honey, Olive Oil and Cinnamon
This nourishing mask harnesses the benefits of cinnamon, honey, and olive oil to combat hair loss effectively. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 4 teaspoons of olive oil
Instructions: Warm the olive oil slightly—make sure it’s not too hot to handle. Mix in the cinnamon powder and honey until you form a smooth paste. Apply this mixture to your hair, focusing on the roots and scalp. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. This mask can be used weekly to strengthen hair and reduce shedding.
Mask Based on Turmeric and Cinnamon
Turmeric, known for its antiseptic properties, pairs well with cinnamon to create a potent hair treatment mask.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive or coconut oil
Instructions: Gently heat the olive or coconut oil just enough to warm it. Blend in the turmeric and cinnamon powders. Apply this mixture carefully to both your hair and scalp, ensuring even coverage. Leave the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water and shampoo. This process helps remove all residues of turmeric, which can stain. This treatment can be repeated weekly or as needed to improve scalp health and hair vitality.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions When Using Cinnamon on Hair
Although cinnamon can be a beneficial ingredient for hair care, it must be used with caution as it can have side effects, especially when applied topically. Here are some considerations and side effects to be aware of:
- Skin Irritation: Cinnamon, especially in its oil form, can cause contact dermatitis, which may manifest as redness, rashes, or a burning sensation on the skin.
- Chemical Burns: Prolonged contact or excessive use of cinnamon oil can lead to chemical burns, which are more severe forms of skin irritation.
- Allergic Reactions: It’s possible to be allergic to cinnamon. Symptoms can include severe itching, redness, and swelling.
Precautions:
- Patch Test: Always conduct a patch test before incorporating cinnamon into your hair care routine. Apply a small amount to the inside of your elbow and monitor the area for any adverse reactions over 24 to 48 hours.
- Dilution: Due to its potency, cinnamon oil should be diluted with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil) to minimize the risk of irritation.
- Be Cautious with Cinnamon Oil: Even if you regularly consume cinnamon with no adverse effects, cinnamon oil can behave differently on the skin. Some individuals may experience reactions only when it is applied topically.
Conclusion
When applied to the scalp, cinnamon may boost circulation, which could foster hair growth and lessen hair loss. It also possesses antifungal properties, potentially aiding in the treatment of dandruff caused by the fungus Malassezia.
If you are considering using cinnamon for hair care, especially in concentrated cinnamon oil form, use caution as it has the potential to cause a sensitive or allergic reaction. Always start with a patch test to check for any signs of irritation. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use immediately.
You might be wondering, “Does cinnamon help hair growth?” While some evidence suggests benefits, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in promoting hair health.
Don’t forget to explore more informative and helpful blogs from Sure Life Health, where we continue to uncover the best in natural health care.
Professor Gaye Cunnane, PhD, MB, FRCPI
As the Director of Health and Wellbeing at RCPI, Professor Gaye Cunnane is at the helm of initiatives aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of RCPI Trainers and Trainees. Her role extends beyond administration; she is also a respected clinical professor of rheumatology and a consultant rheumatologist at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and St James’s Hospital. Prof. Cunnane’s medical journey began at TCD, where she graduated from medical school, and her path has been marked by both clinical and academic excellence.
After completing her basic clinical training in medicine, she embarked on PhD studies at University College Dublin and St Vincent’s University Hospital. Her research during this period was focused on prognostic markers in early inflammatory arthritis, a project that saw her collaborating with esteemed universities across Europe, including in Switzerland, The Netherlands, the UK, and Sweden.
Prof. Cunnane’s career took her to the University of California, San Francisco, where she spent three years delving into research on new treatments for lupus. Her academic prowess led her to the University of Leeds in 2001 as a senior lecturer, before returning to Ireland in 2003 to assume her current roles. She has also served as the National Specialty Director for Rheumatology training in Ireland, Programme Director for Basic Specialist Training with RCPI, and as a past President of the Irish Society for Rheumatology.
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
“Rheumatic disease differentiation using immunoglobulin G sugar printing by high-density electrophoresis”: Published in The Journal of Rheumatology, this study reflects her in-depth investigation into rheumatic diseases.
“Benefits of exercise in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial”: This research work, highlighting the positive impact of exercise on rheumatoid arthritis, underscores Prof. Cunnane’s dedication to practical, patient-centered research.
Additionally, Prof. Cunnane has made notable contributions to the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, discussing early referral, diagnosis, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. She has also been involved in a study on the NCBI platform investigating exercise benefits in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Professor Gaye Cunnane’s career is a testament to her commitment to improving patient outcomes in rheumatology through rigorous research, clinical excellence, and dedicated teaching. Her work continues to influence the field of rheumatology, both in Ireland and internationally.
