Does Cinnamon Work for Hair Regrowth? Read and Learn
- Written by Vivek Khullar
- Nov 16, 2024
- |
- 13 min read
Countless treatments exist for hair regrowth. Some popular options include hair transplant, medications, and topical serums. Cinnamon rarely comes to the list of top hair remedies but it is still trending nowadays for hair recovery and DIY treatments. That’s why questions like these are quite common:
- Does cinnamon help reduce hair loss?
- How long can I safely leave it in my hair?
- What’s the best way to use cinnamon to promote hair growth?
- Are there any potential side effects to consider?
- If not cinnamon, what are better alternatives?
In this blog, Lordhair will address these questions, and shed light on the true potential of cinnamon for hair regrowth. By the end of this read, you’ll know whether this treatment is worth a try or not.
Are you in a rush? Here’s a quick TL;DR version of this article:
What is Cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a fragrant spice from the inner bark of cinnamomum trees. It is widely used for cooking, traditional medicine, and even for hair regrowth.
What are the health benefits of cinnamon apart from hair regrowth?
Cinnamon offers a plethora of health benefits including:
- Anti-ageing
- Reduces inflammation
- Better heart health
- Blood sugar regulation
- Antimicrobial properties
- Brain health support
- Digestive relief
What are ways to use cinnamon for hair growth?
The following are the methods to make the most of this natural ingredient for hair recovery:
- Cinnamon hair mask
- Cinnamon and honey treatment
- Cinnamon-infused oil
- Cinnamon rinse
Does cinnamon actually help reduce hair loss?
Yes, researchers say that cinnamic acid in it can stimulate hair follicle receptors associated with growth. However, careful dosage is necessary and simply consuming cinnamon isn’t enough.
Should I consider it for hair regrowth?
While cinnamon shows potential, more research is needed in terms of hair recovery.
What are cinnamon alternatives for hair regrowth?
- Medications
- Grafting
- Scalp reduction
- Light therapy
- Scalp micropigmentation
- Corticosteroid injections
- Hair systems (recommended for aggressive hair loss)
Done with the short version? Alright, let’s understand what exactly cinnamon is in detail!
What is Cinnamon?
Scientifically known by the name Cinnamomum Verum, it is a fragrant spice derived from the inner bark of trees belonging to the Cinnamomum genus. Known for its warm aroma and slightly sweet flavour, cinnamon has been used for centuries in cooking, traditional medicine, and even cosmetic routines.
Rich in antioxidants, this spice contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde. For those unaware, it is responsible for its distinctive scent and is believed to have various health benefits. While its culinary uses are well-known, cinnamon is also popular in hair care.
But how much of this is true? Time to dig deeper into the facts.
What are the Health Benefits of Cinnamon Apart from Hair Regrowth?
Remember we mentioned that cinnamon has potential benefits for human health? It’s time to discuss those impressive health advantages:
Slows down ageing: Cinnamon is packed with polyphenols which help men and women fight free radicals. It reduces oxidative stress and protects cells from damage. This contributes to overall health and ageing resistance.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Chronic inflammation can lead to several health issues. But thanks to cinnamon’s natural anti-inflammatory properties, you can reduce swelling and support a balanced immune response.
Improves heart health: Cinnamon can help improve heart health as well. It can lower levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides while stabilising blood pressure. This reduces the risk of heart disease over time.
Regulates blood sugar levels: Yes, it’s true! Apart from natural hair regrowth, cinnamon is also known for its positive impact on blood sugar. It can improve insulin sensitivity, thus turning out to be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes or anyone managing blood sugar fluctuations.
Fights bacterial and fungal infections: Remember we told you about cinnamaldehyde? An active compound with antimicrobial properties? Well, it can also help you combat bacteria and fungi. Yes, you can reduce the risk of infections by using this spice!
Supports brain health: Cinnamon’s compounds may slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases by inhibiting proteins associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Eases digestive discomfort: Want relief from digestive issues like gas, bloating, and nausea? Consider Cinnamon as your BFF! Its soothing properties can make it a gentle remedy for upset stomachs.
What are Ways to Use Cinnamon for Hair Growth?
Planning to use this nature’s blessing to restore your hair health? Let us tell you that there are not one but many ways to use Cinnamon. Here are some popular methods:
1 Cinnamon hair mask
First up, we have the cinnamon hair mask. Consider the following steps in order to use it for hair growth:
Combine cinnamon powder with a carrier oil like coconut, olive, or jojoba. Mix 2 tablespoons of cinnamon with 4 tablespoons of your chosen oil. Stir it to create a nourishing hair mask.
Apply the mixture on your scalp and hair using your fingertips. Massage it gently.
Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with a medicated shampoo.
This mask can help you stimulate blood circulation, nourishing hair follicles.
2 Cinnamon and honey treatment
For those who don’t know, honey is a natural humectant that hydrates our scalp hair. Here’s how you can use it with cinnamon:
Mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder with 2 tablespoons of honey. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil. Mix it for 15 minutes until you get a thick paste.
Apply it on your scalp and hair. Focus on the roots. Leave it for 20-30 minutes before washing it out.
This treatment will not only promote hair growth but also add shine and moisture.
3 Cinnamon infused oil
There’s also a way to use this natural hair recovery solution by creating an infused oil. Just add a few cinnamon sticks to a bottle of carrier oil and let it be for a week in a warm, dark place. Use it to massage your scalp regularly. This will improve your circulation and promote healthier hair growth.
4 Cinnamon rinse
We bet you already got the idea about this technique from the name! Boil a handful of cinnamon sticks in water. Allow it to cool and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. Apart from enhancing scalp health, this will also add a pleasant scent to your hair.
Does Cinnamon Actually Help Reduce Hair Loss?
Short answer - YES but with a twist! Recent studies have started to uncover the potential of cinnamon as more than just a flavorful spice. Researchers at Yokohama National University found that a compound in cinnamon (known as cinnamic acid) shows promising results for hair growth. According to the study, it can stimulate the OXTR receptor in the hair follicles (which is also targeted by oxytocin - a compound linked to hair regeneration).
Although oxytocin itself is too large to penetrate the skin effectively, cinnamic acid can mimic its effects, promoting hair growth by increasing OXTR expression. While this finding is exciting, Lordhair’s sources suggest that there are some limitations. Simply consuming cinnamon may not lead to visible hair regrowth.
For example, in the study we’ve shared before, dermatologists applied different doses of cinnamic acid to human scalp tissue, noting that a concentration of up to 500 ug/mL successfully triggered the OXTR response along with other genes associated with hair growth. However, they also cautioned that high concentrations could damage cells. Suggestion? There’s a need for careful dosage.
Do check out the sources as well:
Are testosterone and hair loss connected?
Exosomes therapy for hair growth
Dermarolling for hair loss recovery
Glueless lace human hair wigs for women
Should I Consider Cinnamon For Hair Loss?
While this natural ingredient holds the potential for restoring hair growth to normal levels, more research is needed to understand how it can be used in the right manner. Until it is done, we suggest incorporating cinnamon into your hair care system in moderation.
While cinnamon offers a natural way to stimulate the scalp, one should keep expectations realistic. It may not work for everyone. This brings us to the next question i.e. what else can bring me one step closer to harnessing a head full of hair?
Don’t worry, we’ve prepared a list of treatments and lifestyle changes that can help you with that.
What Are Cinnamon Alternatives for Hair Regrowth?
Here are some scientifically supported treatments that can effectively target hair regrowth in men and women:
Medications
Certain medications can be used to treat hair loss. Each of them works differently. For instance, some show results by blocking hormones that contribute to hair thinning while others stimulate blood flow in the scalp. Typically, these medications require consistent use to maintain results and work best for early-stage hair fall.
Although they are easy to apply and cost-effective, they can cause side effects in some people like skin irritation, changes in hair texture, and in some cases, dizziness or hormonal imbalances.
Grafting
For those unaware, grafting is a type of hair transplant procedure that involves transplanting small sections of skin hair follicles from dense areas to balding areas. Yes, dermatologists distribute active follicles to provide patients with a natural-looking solution for hair loss.
However, it is a painful procedure. Those who undergo grafting may notice scarring, swelling, or temporary numbness in treated areas.
Scalp reduction
Next up on our list is scalp reduction. As the name suggests, surgeons will remove bald areas of the scalp and stretch areas with hair over them. This helps men and women reduce the size of bald patches, improving the appearance of the hair density.
Suitable for those with extensive hair loss, scalp reduction provides faster hair results. However, it can create discomfort and scarring. Not to mention, healing after undergoing this cinnamon alternative might take a while. There’s also a similar treatment called forehead reduction surgery that’s also popular for hair recovery.
Light therapy
This is a popular treatment for those interested in restoring hair growth after experiencing damage. Also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT), dermatologists will use medical-grade red light (of specific wavelengths), directing it on your head for a short period of time to stimulate hair follicles. This, in turn, will promote blood flow to the scalp, slowing thinning and encouraging hair growth.
A treatment with pain-free application and suitability for most hair types? Well, that will definitely catch the attention of anyone facing hair loss or thinning! But light therapy can occasionally cause mild scalp irritation. It also doesn’t deliver results for everyone and for all types of hair loss.
Scalp micropigmentation
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) involves the usage of tiny pigments to replicate hair follicles, providing an illusion of a fuller head. Imagine adding density to thinning areas without actual hair growth - astonishing concept, right? But again, this hair tattoo is not a permanent hair recovery solution.
Also, there are chances of having an allergic reaction to the cosmetic pigments. Some men and women might notice infection due to unsterilized needles. Even worse? You may get an unnatural or undesirable appearance after the SMP treatment.
Injections of corticosteroids
Over the years, the use of corticosteroid injections has increased. Dermatologists say it can help treat specific types of hair fall like alopecia areata by reducing inflammation around hair follicles. Wondering how corticosteroids work? It suppresses immune reactions that may be causing hair fall or thinning at the scalp.
Suitable for autoimmune-related hair loss, this cinnamon alternative is an amazing option for targeted treatment. However, it may also cause skin thinning, pigment changes, and temporary pain at injection sites. So, make sure to consult your dermatologist before using it for regrowth.
Hair systems
Here’s the treatment that millions of men with advanced hair loss and damage are counting on. Hair systems offer instant hair loss recovery, and that too without any medical or surgical intervention. Also called wigs, men’s hairpieces, and toppers, these are designed to deliver hyper-realistic results as they give you the appearance of hair coming out of the scalp.
Lordhair designs non-surgical hair replacement using premium materials that blend with your existing hair and scalp neatly. Durable and breathable, we create hair wigs for men by attaching a skin-friendly base carrying 100% human hair. Our units can be attached using adhesive, tape, glue, or clips.
Check out how amazing Jake looks after wearing one of our men’s hair replacements:
Cinnamon for Hair Regrowth: Final Words
Now that we’ve answered everything about using cinnamon for hair recovery, we bet you understand that this option doesn’t work for all. Though it shows potential, it’s not a guaranteed solution to hair fall that has reached an advanced stage. If your hair loss is advanced, we recommend using other treatments for timely results.
We recommend speaking with a dermatologist if you aren’t sure what is causing your hair loss. Go for hair systems if you are interested in fast and risk-free hair solutions. Whatever path you choose, remember to prioritise what’s best for your hair and lifestyle!
Contact us in case of queries. We will be more than happy to answer them for you.