If you’re a fan of DIY hair growth remedies, you have to hear this one. While it may sound odd, onion juice is the latest craze when it comes to hair growth hacks. Onions are rich in antioxidants and beneficial nutrients that strengthen your hair, boost blood circulation, and nourish hair follicles. They have antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties, and unless you’re allergic, onion juice has little to no side effects, so you may as well give it a try. Here’s how to use onion juice for hair growth.
Onion Juice and Hair Growth: 6 Things to Know
1. Onions Improve Blood Circulation
Onion juice contains sulfur compounds that may help improve blood circulation to the scalp. Good blood circulation is essential for delivering nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, which can promote hair growth.
2. Onions Are High in Sulfur
As we mentioned above, onions are high in dietary sulfur, a nutritional element our bodies need. Sulfur is found within amino acids, which are components of protein. Proteins, especially keratin, which is known to be sulfur-rich, are needed for hair growth.
Sulfur supports strong, thick hair, which can prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. It also helps promote collagen production, which helps the production of healthy skin cells and hair growth.
3. They Provide Other Nutrients
Onions are rich in other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and B vitamins. These nutrients are important for hair health, nourishing the hair follicles and promoting hair growth. The extra nutrition may also minimize breakage and thinning.
4. Onions Are Antioxidant-Rich
Onions contains antioxidants, including flavonoids. Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals, which are thought to contribute to aging. For hair, free radicals may destroy the hair follicles and lead to thinning and hair loss. Decreasing free radicals with antioxidants may reduce damage to the hair follicles.
5. They Help Fight Scalp Infections
Onions have antimicrobial properties that may help combat certain scalp infections, such as dandruff or fungal infections. A healthy scalp environment is crucial for optimal hair growth. Plus, in some cases, a scalp infection can lead to hair loss. A healthy scalp is more likely to have strong hair follicles.
6. You Can Use White or Red Onions
White and red onions are both beneficial for hair growth, but each type resolves different hair issues and has different levels of vitamins and nutrients. Red onions have more antioxidants and flavanols than white onions, but they both contain high amounts of sulfur, which is one of the most important nutrients when it comes to hair growth.
How to Make Your Own Onion Juice for Hair Growth
- Prep your onions: Select fresh onions, preferably red onions, as they are believed to have higher sulfur content (sulfur is what makes you tear when you cut into onions). Peel the onions and chop them into small pieces.
- Extract the juice: There are a couple of methods you can use to extract the juice from the onions:
- Food processor: Place the chopped onions in a food processor and blend until you get a smooth paste. Strain the paste using a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to separate the juice from the pulp.
- Grater: You can also grate the onions using a grater. Once grated, gather the grated onions in a cheesecloth or a clean cloth and squeeze out the juice over a container.
- Dilute the juice (optional): If you find the onion juice to be too strong or irritating for your scalp, you can dilute it with a carrier oil or water. A 1:1 ratio of onion juice to carrier oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil) can help reduce the strong smell and potential irritation.
- Store the juice: Transfer the onion juice to a clean, airtight container or a small bottle. It’s best to store it in the refrigerator and use it within a few days to maintain its freshness and potency.
How to Use Onion Juice For Hair Growth: 5 Tips and Hacks
1. Do a Patch Test
If you have an allergy to onions, don’t use onion juice on your hair. For some people without an onion allergy, onion juice can still cause irritation to the skin, resulting in redness and itching. It’s important to perform a patch test before applying onion juice to your entire scalp to check for any allergic reactions or irritation. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use immediately.
2. Massage It Into the Scalp
Using a cotton ball or your fingertips, apply the diluted onion juice mixture to your scalp. Gently massage it into the scalp and leave it on for about 30 minutes. Massaging your scalp is also super beneficial for your hair. It helps improve blood circulation, strengthens the roots of the hair, and nourishes the hair shafts. This promotes new hair growth and strengthens your existing hair.
3. Rinse and Shampoo
After the designated time, rinse your hair thoroughly and shampoo to remove any onion smell or residue. Use a mild shampoo and massage it into your hair, making sure to sufficiently wash out the onion juice. Finish with a conditioner for smoother strands.
4. Try Rubbing
If you have areas with little to no hair, you can also rub half a fresh onion onto your scalp. Rub the onion on bald patches for up to a minute, then gently massage your scalp with your hands for another minute. If you can, leave the residue on your scalp overnight and rinse with cool water in the morning.
5. Consistency is Key
Onion juice won’t magically result in long locks overnight, you have to be consistent with it to see results. Apply it to the scalp regularly a few times a week and look for improvements in growth and thickness.
If you’ve been looking for a new hair growth hack, onion juice may be for you! Try this recipe and these tips to see if they work for you!
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