You too started having hair fall? Don’t worry. Onion juice will stop them immediately!” Yeah, we would’ve heard this advice just any number of times. Use onion juice for hair growth, and everything will be fine. Many even brags about onion hair mask benefits as if they will cure all hair problems.
It’s not with one or two, but we all get such health advice, tips, and remedies. And in most cases, unwanted! One such commonly heard idea is the use of onion juice.
But does it even work, or are we buying into another internet hype? Because some claim it worked while others strongly oppose it.
Well, then, without any further delay, let’s delve into this and see what exactly is true.
What Does Science Actually Say About Onion Juice and Hair?
According to the Journal of Dermatology’s 2002 study, the most supportive evidence available so far, participants were asked to apply onion juice for hair growth. However, even though the results showed some regrowth as compared to tap water, the study was small. And that too condition-specific, which is actually far from conclusive.
So, if we are to talk from a biochemical standpoint, there’s no denying that onions are quite rich in sulphur, supporting keratin production. This is one of the main proteins that form hair strands in us. In addition, they also have antioxidants and can help boost catalase, a crucial enzyme helping break down the build up of hydrogen peroxide on the scalp.
Still, most of these mechanisms are mainly theoretical. Or they are based on indirect evidence, requiring large-scale and, most importantly, high-quality clinical trials. Only based on them will we be able to confirm that onion juice for hair fall really works.
How Onion Juice May Help Hair Growth The Proposed Mechanism
Many claim that their onion juice is effective, particularly the red onion for hair in India, as they may be nutritionally rich and work effectively on the scalp. However, as said before, most of these claims on research are still theoretical, lacking strong evidence or clinical trials.
Let’s go through each of the potential benefits and see how they may help with hair growth.
- A single onion can provide a significant amount of sulphur. Not only this, but it is also a key compound that helps in the production of the keratin in our hair.
- Unlike others, onion juice has natural antimicrobial properties that may make the scalp cleaner, providing better hair.
- Regular use of onion juice may help stimulate the scalp, making overall better blood flow.
Some believe that onion juice may be a suitable solution to lowering the effects of DHT, which is linked to hair loss. But again, there has been limited evidence that can confirm this claim.
How to Make and Apply Onion Juice for Hair Step by Step
Preparing and applying onion juice for hair growth, especially if you are to do it on your own, can look complicated, but it’s not. Here’s how to use onion juice on hair in the right way.
- Pick one or two medium sized onions. It’s not recommended to use more than that, especially when someone is trying for the first time.
- Peel and cut into smaller sizes so that they could be put in the blender without any difficulty. Then, blend them into a paste and strain using a sieve, helping separate the liquid easily.
- Now, start applying the juice on your scalp, ensuring they are spreading evenly.
- To make this process easier, using a cotton ball is suggested. Or even one’s own fingertip can work. Just dip your fingers, touch the scalp and massage lightly for a few minutes.
- However, make sure you don’t keep it on for approx. twenty to thirty minutes. This should be enough.
- You can now wash your hair using a shampoo.
Besides, note that lavender or jasmine oil have also reportedly helped in managing the odour. Also, you can use a conditioner or get a fragrant hair mask. However, don’t apply the onion juice more than twice or thrice a week, as overuse can be harmful and cause irritation to the scalp.
How to Manage the Smell Practical Solutions That Work
Hard to believe, but yes, the onion smell is way too strong. So, for some, it is going to be really challenging to stand the smell. Especially, if you don’t have it in your diet, the odour can make you uncomfortable within a few minutes. But, it is not impossible to manage, if you follow a few practical steps.
One such effective method is using neutralising rinses after doing shampoo. Apple cider vinegar or using diluted solution of lemon juice may help reduce the odour, while also preserving the potential benefits.
But, do also note that timing plays a crucial role. Apply onion juice in the evening, or even better, on days when you actually don’t have to go out. Not to say, this will easily make the smell fade with a few washes, and you won’t have to face any public discomfort either.
Who Is Most Likely to Benefit from Onion Juice?
Don’t think of it as a universal remedy, as already said before. And so, also don’t expect it to work on every individual. The following table should help you understand who may benefit from it and who may not.
