Onions definitely top the list of my favourite ingredients to cook with. You can fry them or caramelise them for a sweet touch or pickle them to add some crunch to your food. Another reason why I am so intrigued by them is the fact that they’re believed to boost hair growth. According to a 2014 study by the Journal of Dermatology, applying onion juice to the scalp can encourage hair to regrow in some people. Researchers found that hair growth started about two weeks after onion juice was applied to the scalp twice every single day. A whopping 74 per cent of the subjects reported some hair regrowth after four weeks and 87 per cent noticed an increase after six weeks.
If you’re on the lookout for a DIY natural remedy that you can easily try out at home, you may want to give this one a go. But, approach it with a tab bit of caution as onions have a pungent smell that may take some getting used to. Below, find all the benefits of using this wonder ingredient, how to prepare it, and the other precautions to take.
Benefits of onion juice for hair
• Rich in nutrients
Onion is rich in sulfur, one of the most common nutrients needed by the body to produce protein and enzymes. It gives the hair follicles extra nourishment so that they can grow stronger, thicker strands.
• Natural dandruff fighter
Studies have shown that onion juice can help zap the fungi that cause dandruff. It boosts blood circulation, thereby helping hair growth.
• Rich in antioxidants
Onion is rich in antioxidants that prevent free radical damage and keep premature signs of ageing like greying at bay.
Medical properties of onion juice
• Rich in vitamin C that keeps the immune system healthy.
• Packed with antioxidants that fight inflammation and lower heart disease.
• Contains cancer-fighting properties.
• Consuming onions may help control blood sugar in people who have diabetes or maybe pre-diabetic.
• Onions are naturally antibacterial in nature and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that may cause infection in different parts of the body.
How to make onion juice for hair growth
The easiest way to make onion juice is to pick the freshest red onion you can find. Arm yourself with a grater or chop it up in four pieces and pop it in the blender. Using a fine cloth or a sieve, press out all the juice. Apply this immediately on your scalp.
How to apply onion juice
You can apply onion juice using a cotton ball or simply spritz it on your scalp. Alternatively, if you don’t mind the process getting a little messy, you can apply it using a spoon directly to your roots.
DIY hair packs using onion juice
For a flaky scalp…Mix some honey
To a quarter cup of onion juice, mix a teaspoon or two of honey. Apply it on your scalp using a cotton pad. Let it sit for an hour and then wash off with shampoo. Honey is great at retaining moisture and over time, it can heal flaking and dryness.
For dandruff-prone hair…Mix some yoghurt
To half a cup of yoghurt, add a few teaspoons of onion juice. Mix and apply well to the scalp. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then wash off. This remedy works well if you’re dealing with mild dandruff as yoghurt is rich in lactic acid that deep cleans the scalp and gets rid of build-up.
For dry hair…Mix some olive oil
Mix in three to four tablespoons of olive oil with onion and juice and apply on your scalp and lengths. Let it sit for an hour and then wash off. Olive oil is rich in healthy fats that nourish the scalp and keep it moisturised.
For hair growth…Mix in an egg
Whisk an egg and to this, add onion juice. Apply the paste-like mixture to your scalp and lengths and wash off after 30 minutes. Eggs are great for the hair and the protein in them will instantly nourish your mane.
Precautions to take while applying onion juice on hair
• Onion is pungent so make sure the juice doesn’t come in contact with your eyes.
• Use fresh onions. The fresher, the better.
• Use these remedies are pre-shampoo treatments two or three times a week.
• If you have sensitive skin, don’t leave the treatments on for more than 30 minutes. Gradually build up a tolerance to it and you’ll be fine.
• If you are allergic to onions, don’t use these treatments.
• Always patch test any products, DIY or store-bought, to make sure you’re not allergic to any ingredient in them.
Conclusion
If you’re keen on trying an all-natural remedy to hairfall, you may want to give this one a go. But if the smell of the onions is what is putting you off, you can always add a few drops of lavender or any other essential oil of your choice. The results are worth the smell, trust me!
FAQs
Can I apply onion juice to my scalp without diluting it?
Yes, you can.
How do I prevent my hair from smelling like onions?
Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the juice or simply rinse your hair with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water once you’ve shampooed it.
Can I make the onion juice in bulk and use it later?
For best results, it is recommended you make and use the juice immediately as there are no additives being used to preserve the antioxidants and nutrients.