Onion Juice For Hair: Can It Stimulate Hair Growth? 2024

Onion juice is a popular natural remedy for promoting hair growth, especially in India and other eastern countries. It is high in sulfur, a crucial building block of hair. It also improves blood circulation to the scalp, delivering key nutrients to nourish hair follicles.

It even has antibacterial properties that can help heal scalp infections, a cause of hair loss. However, onion juice has side effects, and alternative treatments, like essential oils, are also worth considering.

This article will cover the benefits of onion juice for scalp health and hair growth. We will discuss DIY onion juice remedies to treat hair loss and provide alternative natural options for achieving thick, healthy hair.

Benefits Of Onion Juice For Hair

Reduces Redness And Itching

Studies suggest that onion extract reduces redness and itching when applied to the skin, particularly in the case of scars.^[1] 

This research highlights onion’s potential to promote scalp health, especially improving an itchy scalp.

Improves Hair Health

People don’t usually think that their hair needs nutrients, but it does. Onions are rich in sulfur, a key element in healthy hair.^[2] 

Studies suggest that taking a dietary supplement containing sulfur compounds can improve skin health,^[3] hence supporting scalp health. Adding onion juice to hair masks may also support hair follicle health, promoting hair growth and overall health. 

Thickens And Strengthens Hair

Onion juice might support strong and thick hair by providing extra sulfur, one of the main building blocks of hair. By nourishing the hair follicles, it might encourage hair growth and increase volume, shine, and hair strength. Stronger hair resists breakage, leading to reduced hair loss.

How To Use Onion Juice For Hair Growth

To use onion juice on hair, follow these steps:

1. Create onion juice by blending or grating onions and straining the juice.
2. Apply the raw onion juice directly to the scalp and hair roots and massage gently.
3. Leave the onion juice hair mask on the scalp for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum benefit.
4. Rinse thoroughly and wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
5. Repeat the process at least twice daily for two months for optimal results.

How To Make Onion Juice For Hair Growth

First, shred or grate the raw onion. The best method for shredding is using a food processor, but a blender or grater will also work. You can also finely chop it on a cutting board.

Then, lay the shredded onion on a surface where you can catch the juice. The easiest layout is a cutting board inside of a cookie sheet, where the juice will run off the board and get caught in the cookie sheet. 

Lightly press on the onions, squeezing out the juice. You can use your hands, or you can try putting another cookie sheet on top and leaning your weight on it.

Once the juice has been squeezed out, pour it from the cookie sheet, or whatever you used into the container you’d like to keep it in, like a Mason jar. Some people like to combine egg and onion juice or add a little lemon juice for extra hair nutrition. If you do that, add the extra ingredients just before putting the mask on, not beforehand.

Onion Juice For Hair Side Effects

Onion juice is generally safe for most people. Still, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:

Allergic Reaction

Some people may be allergic to onions.^[4] Allergic reactions can manifest as redness, itching, swelling, or a rash on the scalp or skin. 

To check for allergies, do a patch test before applying onion juice to the entire scalp. Apply a small amount of diluted onion juice to a small skin area and monitor for any adverse reactions. If any signs of allergy occur, such as itching or redness, don’t use the onion mask, and talk to a doctor about potential onion allergy.

Eye Irritation

Onions contain sulfur compounds that can cause eye irritation^[5] when the juice comes into contact with the eyes. Even cutting onions releases these compounds into the air, and many more will be released by juicing. Onions can lead to stinging, burning, and watering of the eyes. 

To prevent eye irritation, be cautious when applying onion juice to your scalp and avoid getting it near your eyes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse your eyes with cool water immediately. 

Store your onion juice for a while before you use it. Open it a few minutes before applying to allow some of these irritating compounds to dissipate before applying.

Pungent Odor

Onion has a strong and lingering odor, and unfortunately, so does onion juice, especially in your hair. The distinct smell of onions may not go away even after you wash your hair. In fact, it sometimes takes several days. This is a particularly large problem if you’re sensitive to strong odors.

If you’re using onion juice for hair regrowth, take two or three days off the treatment before big events like dates or interviews. Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or rosemary to the onion juice mixture. Or, follow up with a scented conditioner after rinsing the juice from your hair.

Alternative Options For Onion Juice Treatment

Being More Gentle

How often you shampoo your hair is really dependent on the condition of your scalp. Everyone is different, but if you use gentle shampoo, then washing your hair frequently^[6] can be beneficial. Using specifically designed shampoos for hair loss can also help maintain healthier hair.

Eat A Protein-Rich Diet

Certain amino acids – especially cystine and lysine^[7] – promote keratin and collagen synthesis, essential for hair growth. These amino acids, along with other hair-growth compounds such as B vitamins, are found in protein-rich foods^[8] such as grains, seeds, and legumes.

Examples of such foods include the following:

• Eggs.
• Oats.
• Chickpeas.
• Cod.
• Turkey.
• Soybeans.

Light Stimulation

Some companies offer devices, such as helmets or hats with built-in lasers, that stimulate hair growth through light therapy. These devices enhance hair follicle activity and promote thicker, healthier hair. Using a device for hair growth is expensive and scientifically unverified, but much less smelly than onion juice. 

Essential Oil Hair Mask

Hair masks made with essential oils like tea tree oil can nourish the hair and scalp. These hair masks are often formed into a paste with coconut oil, which is good for hair.^[9]

Dietary Supplements

Certain supplements containing beneficial nutrients for hair growth, such as biotin or collagen, may also be worth considering. However, although taking natural supplements for hair loss is very popular, most aren’t proven to work.^[10] More importantly, ensure you eat a nutrient-rich, balanced diet to support healthy hair.

The Bottom Line

Onion juice has long been used as a natural remedy for hair thinning or loss due to its sulfur content and nourishing properties. When applied topically, it can improve scalp conditions, reduce redness and itching, and promote hair growth. However, there is no direct evidence, and it’s important to remember that individual results may vary.

Be aware of the potential side effects of onion juice and explore other natural options for achieving thicker, healthier-looking hair. We recommend consulting a hair professional before trying any new hair care regimen.

If you take medications, consult your doctor before incorporating any new supplements.

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