Benefits of onion juice for hair

While onions are typically recognised for their pungent fragrance, it may be time for them to also be recognised for their assistance in hair maintenance.

Researchers have discovered that onions' anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities may promote hair growth or improve the appearance of healthy hair.

Is onion juice good for hair? Wish to learn more? For more information on how onions can improve hair, continue reading.

Benefits of onion juice

1. To promote the growth of hair

The ability of the onion to promote hair development was examined in a 2018 study written up in the Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics.

Obtaining 100 grams (approximately 3.5 ounces) of fresh onion bulbs, picking them up, chopping them into tiny bits, processing the onion in a food processor to make even smaller pieces, and then filtering the onion extract by pouring the onion over a muslin cloth.
Then, they included the onion extract (about 1 to 3 millilitres) in a natural shampoo that also contained cleansers and oils of coconut, castor, and eucalyptus.

Supplied hair follicles with more nutrition and greater nourishment.
Dry hair and scalp were hydrated to encourage hair development.

You can make your shampoo with onion extract by following the same procedure. You may utilise the same method the researchers used to create an onion extract to add to your shampoo at home even if you're not yet ready to start creating shampoos.

2. To stop hair from greying

The idea that eating onions can stop your hair from greying has never been supported by peer-reviewed research. Many home treatments, however, claim that onion extract can lessen grey hairs.

These home cures are based on the theory that onions contain the antioxidant catalase, which aids in lowering hydrogen peroxide in the hair roots. This is said to prevent greying of the hair.

3. To hydrate and revive brittle, dry hair

Many of the components found in onions have the potential to improve dry hair & damaged hair. Flavonoids like kaempferol and quercetin are two examples. These aid in promoting blood flow to the scalp because they contain anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilatory (blood vessel widening) qualities.

Although there aren't many commercial hair care treatments that contain onions, you can still discover a handful. You may quickly and easily give your hair the advantages of onions by using these ready-made solutions.

4. To relieve an itchy, dry scalp

The anti-inflammatory qualities of onions may aid to relieve the itchy scalp. To soothe your scalp, you can also mix onion extract with other organic products.

You can try the following combinations:

1/2 tbsp. raw honey and 2 tablespoons of onion juice
Olive oil and three tablespoons of onion juice
5 tbsp. coconut oil, 3 tbsp. lime juice, and 3 tbsp. onion juice
One of these mixtures can be applied to your scalp, and after 20 to 30 minutes, you can remove it with a light shampoo.

5. To eliminate dandruff

Some natural health professionals recommend onion juice as an illness cure since it possesses antibacterial and antifungal characteristics.

The fungus Malassezia furfur is the cause of dandruff in many people, hence the antifungal qualities of onions could be helpful in the fight against dandruff.

Though it's not a first-line treatment for moderate to severe dandruff because there aren't many studies on onions as a dandruff fighter. However, you might attempt putting onion juice on your scalp if you occasionally experience flakes.

Additionally, you can experiment with various dandruff-fighting combos. Examples comprise:

Make a paste from 2 tablespoons of ground fenugreek seeds, 2 tablespoons of water, and 2 tablespoons of onion juice, apply it to your scalp for 30 minutes, then rinse it off.
Applying 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 3 tablespoons of onion juice to your scalp and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off
You can use a light shampoo and apple cider vinegar rinse if your hair smells awful after using an onion juice preparation.

How to make onion juice for hair?

Here is a mixture that you can use three to four times each week if you want to try this home remedy:

Mix 2 teaspoons of lemon juice with 3 teaspoons of onion juice.
30 minutes of application to the scalp and hair.
Rinse and use a gentle shampoo to get rid of any onion odours.
As an alternative, you might soak a cotton pad in regular onion juice and apply it to your scalp while massaging. After 15 minutes, rinse with a gentle shampoo.

How to apply onion juice in hair?

The custom-made onion juice, be it with lemon, coconut oil, olive oil or anything else, needs to be applied to a clear scalp. Take a new cotton pad, dip it in the DIY paste and apply it to the scalp smoothly. Now massage your scalp for 5-10 minutes softly and let your hair dry for a while. After an hour, wash your hair with cold water or wash it with a mild shampoo and let it dry. If your scalp becomes dry apply conditioner or a very small amount of oil to it. You can also use a derma roller for massaging your scalp, as it helps in better absorption of the onion juice into the scalp.

Does onion really help in hair growth?

Yes, onions help in hair growth, but the results may vary from person to person. There are many ways in which onion helps in hair growth. It prevents hair loss too. Onions are rich in sulfur which is a component of protein and is an essential part of the hair growth process. These proteins are rich in keratin essentially making hair stronger. Onions when applied to the hair promote collagen production which in turn helps the hair to become healthy. Apart from these, consuming onions also helps as they promote blood circulation.

Minoxidil vs onion juice for hair growth

Minoxidil is the first thing a doctor suggests when we suffer from hair fall. Minoxidil strengthens hair follicles and promotes hair growth. However it is chemically based, and once started we need to continue applying it throughout life it also has a few side effects. Onion on the other hand is naturally and easily available, it has no potential side effects. On the other hand, Minoxidil costs much more when compared to onions. But Minoxidil has potential uses that onion can’t give. The usual hair growth is seen between 60-90 days when applied regularly. The best product that is available in the market for hair growth is Minoxidil topical 5% solution by Mars by GHC. It works directly on the scalp and increases the number of nutrients and oxygen on the scalp.

Negative effects of using onion on the skin

If you already have an allergy to eating onions, you shouldn't use onions on your skin. You might be able to prevent further allergic reactions by steering clear.

Additionally, onion juice will probably irritate delicate skin. It's important to not leave it on for too long. If you do have sensitive skin or a sensitive scalp, keeping it on overnight is not advised. If onion extract upsets you, cease taking it, as you should with any product or treatment.

Take Away

There are numerous methods to use onions to enhance your hair. These consist of dandruff reduction and perhaps hair growth promotion. Try any of the homemade onion hair care recipes in this article when you're feeling creative or adventurous to see whether you can benefit from the onion's hair-enhancing properties.

FAQs

How long should you leave onion juice in your hair?

You can leave onion juice on your hair for around 1-2 hours with a good massage for 10-20 minutes. If you have a sensitive scalp then it is recommended to have onion juice for around 15-30 minutes. And if using it irritates your scalp then it is better that you stop using it.

Can we mix onion juice with coconut oil?

Yes, we can mix onion juice with coconut oil, but the coconut oil should be twice the quantity of onion juice. Having this combination can help your hair grow healthier and shinier.

Can we use shampoo after applying onion juice?

Yes, onion juice when applied to hair leaves a lot of smell on the hair. It doesn’t go away with a normal water shower, instead, you can apply a mild shampoo, this doesn’t away your hair much and the smell also fades away.

References

Onion juice on hair: Benefits & how to use. By Healthline, Aug 5, 2020.

Onion water hack secret. By Everyday Health, Sep 9, 2022.

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