Five benefits of cinnamon for hair nobody ever told you!

Cinnamon has long been a staple in our foods, a vibrantly rich herb known for its unique spicy, sweet and wooden flavor. But did you know that you can use cinnamon for hair care too? Cinnamon and cinnamon oil are known to tackle various hair concerns, that include hair-fall and scalp cleansing. In addition, cinnamon oil has multiple benefits for hair, including better hair health and growth. 

If you are looking at healthier tresses, start using cinnamon oil for hair today! This post will list some of the benefits of cinnamon for hair care and some easy DIY cinnamon hair masks you can make at home. 

Five benefits of cinnamon for hair

A 2013 study indicated that cinnamon is loaded with antifungal properties that can work against Malassezia, a fungus that causes dandruff.  

Here are some benefits of using cinnamon for hair. 

Prevents hair loss

Cinnamon contains polyphenols that act as natural antioxidants. This helps to control or curb hair loss. Since cinnamon oil has antimicrobial properties, it can keep scalp infections like dandruff at bay. 

Helps fight lice

This benefit of cinnamon for hair works wonders, especially if you or if your kids are battling lice problems. Plus, if you have kids, use this to avoid spreading lice. Add two or three drops of pure cinnamon essential oil to your shampoo and wash your hair with this concoction at least thrice a week for best results. 

Gets rid of split ends

While cinnamon benefits hair growth, cinnamon oil can also be used to get rid of damaged hair and split ends. When used regularly, cinnamon oil for hair can soothe a dry scalp and repair damaged hair to prevent split ends. Cinnamon oil is non-comedogenic and light in texture, so the scalp quickly absorbs it.  

Prevents hair damage

Consistent exposure to environmental stressors and harmful UV rays can damage our hair. Cinnamon is known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties that can protect the hair and scalp from radical damage, irritation, and inflammation. 

Improves hair growth and density

 Cinnamon essential oil mixed with regular oil can help boost hair growth. The essential oils of cinnamon contain cinnamaldehyde which helps to stimulate the blood flow to the scalp when massaged. This helps to improve hair growth and increases the density or volume of your hair. This is just one of the many benefits of cinnamon for hair growth. 

Easy DIY hair care recipes with cinnamon and cinnamon oil

You can make your cinnamon hair oil at home. You can either make it using heat or by infusing it with sunlight. 

Making cinnamon oil on heat:

1. Take a cup of coconut oil in a pan.
2. Use the double boil method to melt it till it is warm. 
3. Take off the flame and add about ten drops of cinnamon essential oil. 
4. When it cools, store it in a dry glass jar. 

Infusing cinnamon oil in sunlight:

1. Take a clean glass bottle and pack it with cinnamon sticks. 
2. Pour the oil of your choice – coconut, almond, or olive till the oil completely covers the sticks. 
3. Close the lid and place it in direct sunlight. 
4. Infuse it in direct sunlight for at least three weeks. 
5. Strain the oil and use. 

To use cinnamon oil for hair:

1. Warm the oil before you apply. 
2. Section your hair and start with the roots and move to the tips. 
3. Massage the oil to the scalp for at least 5 minutes. This helps the oil to reach the roots and boosts blood circulation. 
4. Leave it on for 15 minutes. 
5. Now wrap your hair in a hot towel to lock in the moisture. 
6. Wash your hair with warm water and a sulfate-free shampoo. Follow up with a conditioner. 

Coffee and cinnamon for hair growth mask

Coffee contains caffeine that helps to prevent hair loss. Caffeine inhibits certain enzymes and stimulates follicle cell proliferation. When you add cinnamon oil to this mask, it helps to promote hair growth by stimulating the scalp. 

Ingredients

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

To make the mask

Mix all the ingredients in a clean and dry bowl. Apply the mask from the roots to the ends and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash your hair with warm water and a sulfate-free shampoo. Follow up with a conditioner. 

Honey, olive oil, and cinnamon mask for healthy hair

The potent combination of honey, olive oil, and cinnamon reduces hair fall. Olive oil is known to hydrate the hair and is also rich in squalene with antioxidant properties. Olive oil helps prevent any hair damage caused by environmental stressors. Honey in this mask has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to soothe the scalp. Cinnamon helps to cleanse the scalp and prevent dandruff. Using this mask every week can help to balance the scalp pH levels. Wash your hair with warm water and a sulfate-free shampoo. Follow up with a conditioner. 

Ingredients

• Cinnamon powder: 1 teaspoon
• Honey: 1 tablespoon
• Olive oil: 4 teaspoons

To make the mask

Use the double boiler method to warm the olive oil. Once it is warm, remove from heat and add the honey and cinnamon powder. Whisk till it is slightly frothy. Apply the mask from the roots to the ends and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash your hair with warm water and a sulfate-free shampoo. Follow up with a conditioner. 

Some points to note:

There are potential side effects of cinnamon. Doing a patch test before you use cinnamon oil regime is best. To do a patch test, take a drop of cinnamon oil and rub it on the insides of your elbow. Wait up to 48 hours to see if you have any reactions. 

Common side effects of cinnamon oil include:

• rashes 
• inflammation
• skin irritation 
• burning sensation
• chemical burn (due to prolonged contact or excessive use)

Also, never use cinnamon oil undiluted since it is highly concentrated. It is recommended that you mix a carrier oil with cinnamon essential oil. However, if you have an excessively oily scalp, you can skip the carrier oil and use a base of yogurt or honey instead.

Must read: Home remedies using cinnamon