Cinnamon, spicy, sweet, and woody, is a delight not only for our taste buds but also for our hair!
Cinnamon powder and its essential oil have made their way into our beauty products. Used in hair care products or masks, it promotes hair growth, slows hair loss, cleanses the scalp, and even has lightening properties.
Without further ado, let’s discover all these benefits and how to incorporate cinnamon into your hair routine!
Table of Contents
What are the benefits of cinnamon for hair?
Cinnamon is a healthy ally for our hair. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, toning, and stimulating, your hair will be radiantly beautiful!
1. Cinnamon promotes hair growth
Thanks to its toning properties, cinnamon essential oil stimulates blood circulation in the scalp. As a result, it provides hair follicles with the nutrients they need. The result? Your hair is nourished, strengthened, and grows faster.
Used in hair care, cinnamon improves hair growth and adds shine.
2. Cinnamon prevents hair loss
We’ve just seen that cinnamon has stimulating properties. And it’s this scalp micro-circulation that helps prevent hair loss.
Nutrient-rich hair follicles are stronger and more resistant. Your hair will be denser and fuller of vitality.
3. Cinnamon helps combat oily hair
Cinnamon essential oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes irritated scalps and regulates excess sebum.
You can use it as a treatment with vegetable oil for around 30 minutes before shampooing.
Cinnamon helps relieve irritation and itching. What’s more, it can help you get rid of dandruff.
4. Cinnamon lightens hair
Ceylon cinnamon is also used in cosmetics for its hair-lightening properties. It contains natural peroxidase, which lightens hair.
Of course, don’t expect to go from brunette to blonde! Instead, you’ll get a lighter shade, all naturally.
To lighten hair, you need to use ground cinnamon, not essential oil. But we’ll give you a recipe a little further on!
Cinnamon and hair: any drawbacks?
As you know, essential oils should always be used with caution. In particular, they should not be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women, or by children under the age of 12.
Cinnamon essential oil is no exception. Cinnamon is dermocaustic, meaning it can burn the skin, and it is allergenic.
In other words, precautions must be taken when using it on skin and hair. So before taking the plunge, perform a test in the crook of your elbow and wait 24 hours to make sure you’re not having an allergic reaction.
Likewise, don’t use cinnamon essential oil on its own. You need to mix it with vegetable oil, or with your shampoo.
In all cases, you should seek professional advice before using any essential oils, to ensure there are no contraindications.
How can I use cinnamon on my hair?
We’ve put together a selection of homemade treatments and masks using cinnamon powder, whatever your hair type!
Strengthening hair mask with cinnamon, honey and egg
Honey is known for its moisturizing and nourishing benefits, while egg yolk repairs hair. Combined with cinnamon, your hair will be more supple, radiant, and full of vitality.
For this mask, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon powder ;
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 125 ml vegetable oil of your choice (castor, avocado, coconut, jojoba…) heated in a bain-marie;
- 1 egg.
First, mix the egg with the honey and cinnamon powder. Then add the vegetable oil and blend until smooth and homogeneous.
Once the hair mask is ready, follow these steps:
- Apply to damp, towel-dried hair;
- Cover with cellophane or a warm towel;
- Leave on for 3 hours or overnight;
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water before shampooing as usual.
You can use this mask once a week.
Cinnamon treatment to boost hair growth
To make this cinnamon-based treatment, which stimulates scalp circulation and thus promotes hair growth, you need 2-3 cinnamon sticks and water!
Simply add the cinnamon sticks to 1 liter of water and bring to a boil. Leave to infuse for an hour.
Finally, transfer to a spray bottle before applying the cinnamon water to your scalp. Massage in gently and leave for half an hour before rinsing.
This treatment is easy to apply whenever you have a little free time!
Cinnamon lightening hair mask
To gradually lighten your hair naturally, you can use this mask every two weeks. You’ll see the lightening effect after 2 or 3 masks.
You’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons honey ;
- 4 tablespoons cinnamon powder;
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk or chamomile water (for their lightening properties).
Next, prepare the mask:
- Pour the honey into a bowl and add the cinnamon;
- Blend until smooth;
- Gradually pour in the coconut milk or chamomile water to obtain a creamy texture.
Once the brightening mask is ready, follow these steps:
- Apply the mask to all dry hair;
- Wrap your hair in a towel or charlotte;
- Leave on overnight;
- Rinse hair thoroughly before shampooing as usual.
In addition to a lightening effect, your hair will be shiny, supple and fortified!
Moisturizing hair mask with cinnamon and olive oil
This cinnamon mask is ideal for dry, curly hair. Very simple to make, all you need is the following ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil ;
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon powder.
Heat the olive oil in a bain-marie until lukewarm. Add the cinnamon and stir slowly to combine the two ingredients.
Then follow these steps:
- Apply the mask to damp hair, concentrating on the ends;
- Leave it on for 20 minutes; if your hair is very dry, you can leave it on overnight;
- Rinse and shampoo as usual.
The result? Nourished, moisturized hair and bouncy curls!
You might like to read also: Dry Hair: Best 11 Care Tips
Related Q&A
- How does cinnamon benefit hair?
Cinnamon stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth and strengthening hair follicles. - Can cinnamon be used to lighten hair?
Cinnamon has natural bleaching properties, but it’s not recommended for lightening hair as it can be drying. - How do you make a cinnamon hair mask?
Mix ground cinnamon with honey and olive oil, apply to the hair, leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse. - Can cinnamon help with hair loss?
Cinnamon improves scalp health and strengthens hair roots, which can reduce hair loss. - Is cinnamon safe for all hair types?
Cinnamon is safe for most hair types but may irritate sensitive individuals. - How often should you use cinnamon on your hair?
Use cinnamon hair masks once a week to avoid drying out your hair and scalp. - Can cinnamon be used to treat dandruff?
Yes, cinnamon has antifungal properties that can help treat dandruff and other scalp conditions. - Are there any risks associated with using cinnamon on hair?
Cinnamon can be irritating to the skin, so do a patch test before using it on your scalp. - Can cinnamon be used to darken hair?
Cinnamon can enhance the natural color of your hair but won’t significantly darken it. - Can cinnamon be used in hair care products?
Yes, cinnamon extract is often used in hair care products for its beneficial properties.