Botanical Brilliance · Botanicals · cinnamon · Foam ·Jul 30, 2025

Cinnamon for Hair: The Spice for the Ages

Genus: Cinnamomum
Species: zeylanicum (verum)
Common Names: Ceylon cinnamon, true cinnamon

Introduction

Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CZ), more widely known as Ceylon cinnamon or true cinnamon, is a time-honored spice celebrated not only for its exquisite aroma and gentle flavor, but increasingly for its role in wellness—including scalp health and hair vitality. Sourced from the inner bark of a tree native to Sri Lanka and southern India, Ceylon is considered the gold standard in cinnamon, prized for its low coumarin content and broad range of therapeutic compounds.

While cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum) dominates the spice market, Ceylon cinnamon holds a special place in natural medicine and beauty traditions. Today, the potential of cinnamon for hair growth, follicle health, and scalp support is backed by emerging science, anecdotal tradition, and a renewed focus on natural remedies for common conditions like hair loss and scalp infections.

Historic Use of Cinnamon for Wellness and Hair

From Egyptian embalming rituals to Ayurvedic elixirs, cinnamon’s rich history reflects its diverse medicinal benefits. In ancient India, Ceylon cinnamon was used topically to boost circulation—an action that modern science now connects to enhanced hair follicle nourishment and support of the hair growth cycle.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, “rou gui” is thought to invigorate yang energy and stimulate blood flow—two properties relevant to hair health, where improved circulation supports follicular activity. Likewise, Greek and Roman physicians revered cinnamon for its tonifying and cleansing properties, which today are echoed in scalp-soothing, antibacterial hair care products.

Modern-Day Use

Benefits of Cinnamon for Hair and Scalp Health

Ceylon cinnamon's antimicrobial properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and ability to improve circulation make it an ideal ingredient for modern hair care routines. Applied topically in formulations or DIY applications, cinnamon oil or extract can help:

Reduce scalp inflammation and microbial overgrowth
Help prevent hair thinning caused by poor scalp health
Stimulate blood vessels to nourish hair roots
Support insulin-mediated energy supply to follicular cells
Protect against free radical damage with its natural antioxidants

Because cinnamon may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, a patch test is recommended before any topical application of cinnamon to the scalp.

Anti-Diabetic Effects and Hair Metabolism

The hair follicle is a mini-organ that relies on glucose uptake for proper function. Cinnamon’s ability to enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose transport, demonstrated in studies like Allen et al. (2013), may indirectly support health of your hair by fueling metabolically active follicular cells. Cinnamon’s influence on insulin pathways, documented in human research and animal studies (including male white Wistar rats), may help maintain thick hair by preventing nutrient deficiencies at the follicular level.

Antibacterial Effects

Ceylon cinnamon’s antifungal and antibacterial actions are powerful allies in fighting scalp infections and chronic dandruff. Cinnamaldehyde, the main compound in Ceylon cinnamon, disrupts bacterial membranes and suppresses microbial growth. Cinnamon has been tested against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli with promising results, and its effectiveness makes it ideal for use in home remedy scalp treatments, such as cinnamon hair masks mixed with olive oil, coconut oil, or a spoonful of honey.

Antioxidant Protection for Follicles

Ceylon cinnamon is a rich source of natural antioxidants like polyphenols and procyanidins, which protect against oxidative stress—a major cause of hair loss and follicle aging. These compounds help preserve the diameter size of hair follicles, reducing shedding and promoting fuller hair.

Pain Reduction and Scalp Sensitivity

For individuals with sensitive or inflamed scalps, cinnamon's ability to reduce prostaglandins like PGE2 and COX-2 enzymes may help relieve scalp tenderness. Cinnamon’s soothing properties make it a very good ally when incorporated into a hair mask with lukewarm water and drops of cinnamon oil, providing relief and nourishment in a single treatment.

Cosmetic and Nutraceutical Uses: Cinnamon in Modern Hair Products

Ceylon cinnamon is now found in clean beauty lines and luxury hair oil formulas. It’s used in natural remedies for dandruff, dry scalp, and as a final rinse to cleanse and refresh. When blended with other botanicals, it helps elevate both the sensory experience and clinical efficacy of high-performance hair care products.

Phytonutrient Profile Relevant to Hair Health

Phytochemical	Function	Content %
Cinnamaldehyde	Antimicrobial, improves blood flow	60–80%
Eugenol	Anti-inflammatory, soothing	10–15%
Linalool	Calming, mild sedative	5–10%
Coumarin	Trace (<0.04%) in Ceylon cinnamon; safer than cassia	Trace

These compounds create an ideal foundation for formulations that support scalp circulation and reduce environmental stressors, often found in modern alternative treatments for hair loss.

Hair-Specific Scientific Insight

Emerging studies suggest that insulin-sensitive glucose transporters exist within follicular cells. Cinnamon’s role in enhancing glucose uptake into these cells may translate into stronger, more metabolically supported hairs. This improved energy availability may help those experiencing hair thinning due to hormonal or metabolic imbalance.

Cinnamon in Sempre Hair Growth Foam

Sempre Hair Growth Foam Star Ingredients

Sempre™ Hair Growth Foam includes Ceylon cinnamon leaf extract as part of its synergistic botanical complex, supporting scalp vitality and helping balance microbial flora to reduce inflammation and flaking—especially helpful for individuals with dry hair or inflammation-prone skin.

Ceylon Cinnamon vs. Common Cinnamon

Most cinnamon sold in the United States is not Ceylon cinnamon, but rather cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), a more pungent, darker, and less expensive variety primarily sourced from China and Indonesia. While both belong to the Cinnamomum genus, they differ significantly in flavor, composition, and safety profile.

Cassia cinnamon contains a much higher concentration of coumarin—up to 1% by weight—compared to Ceylon cinnamon's trace amounts (approximately 0.004%). Coumarin, a naturally occurring compound, has been linked to liver toxicity in high doses, which is why long-term or therapeutic use of cassia is cautioned against.

From a hair and skin care perspective, Ceylon cinnamon’s lower coumarin content and higher concentration of delicate phytonutrients like eugenol and linalool make it the preferred choice in topical formulations. Its gentler aroma and chemical profile also reduce the risk of irritation on sensitive scalps. For these reasons, premium formulations like Sempre™ Hair Growth Foam use Ceylon cinnamon to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

Safety Profile

Unlike cassia, Ceylon cinnamon contains negligible levels of coumarin—around 0.004% compared to 1% in cassia—making it safer for topical and internal use. Those with cinnamon sensitivities should still exercise caution, and medical consultation is advised before using cinnamon in therapeutic doses.

Conclusion: Cinnamon for Hair as Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

Ceylon cinnamon isn’t just a flavorful spice—it’s a functional botanical with broad applications in metabolic wellness, immune modulation, and hair rejuvenation. With antioxidant, antimicrobial, and circulation-boosting properties, it supports strong, healthy follicles and may even help balance glucose metabolism within the follicle’s energy-demanding microenvironment.

Whether consumed in tea or used in topical formulas like Sempre™, cinnamon for hair is a powerful ally that beautifully bridges ancient times with modern hair science.

Cinnamon-Spiced Old Fashioned

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
1/2 oz honey syrup
2 dashes bitters
1/4 tsp ground Ceylon cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
Orange peel

Instructions
Muddle cinnamon, mix ingredients, stir with ice, and garnish. A warming, aromatic tribute to one of nature’s most versatile botanicals.

Where to Access Cinnamon for Hair

Explore the Sempre™ Hair Growth Collection, featuring Ceylon cinnamon and other scientifically backed botanicals at Origenere.com.

References

Allen, R. W., et al. (2013). Cinnamon use in type 2 diabetes: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Family Medicine, 11(5), 452–459.
Bensky, D., & Gamble, A. (1993). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Eastland Press.
Blahová, J., & Svobodová, Z. (2012). Assessment of Coumarin Levels in Ground Cinnamon. The Scientific World Journal, 2012, 263851. https://doi.org/10.1100/2012/263851
Dalby, A. (2000). Dangerous Tastes: The Story of Spices. University of California Press.
Gangasagar, S., et al. (2025). Cinnamon-Enhanced Topical Roll-On: A Sustainable Solution for Dysmenorrhoea and Chronic Inflammation. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol 3, Issue 5, 2687–2697. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15437946
Gopal, J., et al. (2023). Health benefits and historical medicinal uses of Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Phytotherapy Research, 37(2), 502–515. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7612
Jayaprakasha, G. K., et al. (2006). Chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 54(5), 1672–1679.
Kwon, H. K., et al. (2010). Cinnamon extract suppresses tumor cell growth and reduces vascularization by inhibiting VEGF receptor 2 kinase activity. BMC Cancer, 10, 392.
Ooi, L. S. M., et al. (2006). Antimicrobial activities of cinnamon oil and cinnamaldehyde from the Chinese medicinal herb Cinnamomum cassia. American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 34(3), 511–522.
Peterson, D. W., et al. (2009). Cinnamon extract inhibits tau aggregation associated with Alzheimer’s disease in vitro. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 17(3), 585–597.
Rahman, M. S., et al. (2021). Role of insulin in health and disease: An update. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(12), 6403.
Ranasinghe, P., et al. (2013). Medicinal properties of ‘true’ cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): A systematic review. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 13, 275. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-13-275
Sharifi-Rad, J., et al. (2021). Cinnamomum species: Bridging phytochemistry knowledge, pharmacological properties and toxicological safety. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 600139. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.600139