How to Use Onion for Hair Growth and Benefits
100 mlOnion Oil
Ever wondered if that humble onion sitting in your kitchen could be the secret to gorgeous hair? Let's be real—onion for hair growth isn't exactly the most glamorous beauty trend, but this pungent bulb packs some serious punch when it comes to hair health. From ancient Ayurvedic practices to modern research labs, onions have been quietly proving their worth as a natural hair growth solution. So, is onion good for hair? The answer might surprise you. We're diving deep into the science, benefits, and practical ways to harness onion's power for stronger, healthier locks.
Before you scrunch your nose at the thought of using onion on hair, let's talk about what makes this kitchen staple a genuine haircare hero. The secret lies in onion's rich sulfur content—the same compound that makes you tear up when chopping them.
Sulfur is crucial for producing keratin, the protein that forms the foundation of your hair strands. When you apply onion juice to your scalp, you're essentially feeding your hair follicles with the building blocks they need to create stronger, healthier hair. Research published in the Journal of Dermatology found that onion juice application significantly improved hair regrowth in people experiencing alopecia areata.
Onions aren't just about sulfur—they're packed with nutrients that your scalp craves:
Vitamin C: Boosts collagen production for stronger hair follicles
Quercetin: A powerful antioxidant that fights scalp inflammation
Folic acid: Promotes healthy cell division in hair follicles
Potassium: Improves blood circulation to the scalp
Now that we've covered the science, let's talk about what onion hair benefits you can actually expect. Spoiler alert: the results might just make you fall in love with this stinky solution.
The sulfur compounds in onions improve blood circulation to your scalp, waking up dormant hair follicles. Think of it as a wake-up call for lazy follicles that have been slacking off. Better circulation means more nutrients reaching your hair roots, which translates to faster, healthier hair growth.
If you're dealing with excessive hair fall, onion hair regrowth properties might be your new best friend. The antioxidants in onions help combat free radical damage that weakens hair strands. Regular onion hair treatment can significantly reduce hair breakage and promote the growth of new, stronger strands.
Onions have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that help keep your scalp healthy. If dandruff or scalp infections are causing onion hair loss concerns, the antimicrobial compounds in onions can help restore balance to your scalp's ecosystem.
200mlOnion Hair Oil
Here's something cool—onions contain an enzyme called catalase, which can help break down hydrogen peroxide that builds up in hair follicles and causes greying. While it won't reverse existing grey hair, regular use might slow down the greying process.
Ready to give onions a try? Here's how to prepare and use different onion hair treatments for maximum benefits. Trust us, once you get past the smell, you'll be amazed at the results.
The simplest way to harness onion's power is through fresh onion juice. Peel and chop 2-3 medium onions, then blend them with a little water. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh or cheesecloth to extract pure onion juice. This concentrated liquid is perfect for direct scalp application.
An onion hair mask can be gentler than pure juice, especially for sensitive scalps:
Basic Onion Mask: Mix 2 tablespoons onion juice with 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Protein-Rich Mask: Combine onion juice with egg yolk and a few drops of rosemary oil
Moisturising Mask: Blend onion juice with yoghurt and aloe vera gel for dry, damaged hair
Creating onion hair oil is perfect for those who want long-term benefits without the strong smell. Heat coconut or olive oil with chopped onions on low heat for 30 minutes, then strain. This infused oil can be used weekly for deep conditioning treatments.
Not all onion treatments are created equal. Depending on your hair type and concerns, different methods might work better for you.
This is the most potent method for using onion on hair. Apply fresh onion juice directly to your scalp, massage gently, and leave for 30-45 minutes before washing. This method is best for those with oily scalps and severe hair loss concerns.
100 mlOnion Hair Oil
If DIY isn't your thing, many brands now offer ready-made onion hair serum products. These often combine onion extract with other beneficial ingredients like biotin, niacinamide, and essential oils. The advantage? No preparation time and usually a more pleasant scent.
Whether homemade or store-bought, onion-infused oils offer a gentler approach to onion hair care. They're perfect for overnight treatments and work well for those with dry or chemically treated hair.
Try mixing onions with other hair-friendly ingredients like ginger, garlic, or curry leaves. These combinations can enhance the effectiveness while adding their own unique benefits to your hair care routine.
Let's address the elephant in the room—onions can be intense. Here's what you need to know before diving into onion hair treatment.
Yes, your hair will smell like onions initially. The good news? The smell fades after washing, especially if you use a good shampoo and conditioner. Some people find that adding essential oils like lavender or rosemary to their onion treatments helps mask the odour.
Always do a patch test before applying onion juice to your entire scalp. Apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours to check for any allergic reactions. If you experience burning, excessive redness, or irritation, discontinue use immediately.
Start with once-weekly applications and gradually increase frequency if your scalp tolerates it well. Never leave onion juice on your scalp for more than an hour, as this can cause irritation. For sensitive scalps, dilute onion juice with water or aloe vera gel.
100 mlOnion Hair Oil
The beauty world is full of trends, but onion's hair benefits have actual scientific backing. A 2002 study published in the Journal of Dermatology showed that 86.9% of participants who applied onion juice twice daily experienced significant hair regrowth after six weeks, compared to just 13% in the control group.
Another study from 2014 found that topical onion juice application was effective in treating patchy alopecia areata, with noticeable regrowth starting as early as two weeks of treatment. While more research is needed for other types of hair loss, these studies provide promising evidence for onion's hair growth potential.
Smytten, India's largest product discovery platform, offers trial packs from over 1,500 trusted brands, including various onion-based haircare products. With trial minis available for just ₹249 and 100% cashback redeemable for future purchases, you can explore different onion hair treatments without committing to full-size products. Whether you're curious about onion hair serums, oils, or shampoos, Smytten's platform makes it easy to discover what works best for your hair type.
Yes, you can apply onion juice directly to your scalp, but it's better to extract the juice first rather than rubbing raw onion pieces. Always do a patch test before full application and avoid leaving it on for more than 45 minutes to prevent irritation.
For beginners, start with 15-20 minutes and gradually increase to 30-45 minutes as your scalp gets used to it. Never exceed one hour, as prolonged exposure can cause scalp irritation or burns.
Possible side effects include scalp irritation, burning sensation, or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The strong smell is temporary but can be off-putting. Always dilute onion juice if you have a sensitive scalp.
Most people start noticing reduced hair fall within 2-3 weeks of regular use. New hair growth typically becomes visible after 6-8 weeks of consistent application. Remember, hair growth is a gradual process that requires patience.
So, is onion good for hair? The evidence strongly suggests yes. From its sulfur-rich composition to proven research results, onions offer a natural, affordable solution for various hair concerns. Whether you're dealing with hair loss, thinning, or just want stronger, shinier locks, incorporating onion treatments into your routine might be worth a try.
The key is consistency and patience. Like any natural treatment, onion hair care isn't an overnight miracle, but with regular use, many people see significant improvements in their hair health. Start with simple onion juice applications, experiment with different masks and oils, and find what works best for your hair type.
Remember, everyone's hair is different, so what works wonderfully for your friend might need tweaking for you. The beauty of natural treatments like onion is that they're generally safe to experiment with, giving you the freedom to customise your approach. With platforms like Smytten offering trial-sized haircare products, you can also explore commercial onion-based treatments alongside your DIY experiments, ensuring you never have to settle for less than perfect hair health.
