Hair fall and thinning are problems that almost every household in India talks about. If you are one of those who have tried shampoos, oils, and treatments without much success, here’s some interesting news. A 2023 study showed that nearly 86.9% of people with alopecia areata (patchy hair loss) saw visible hair regrowth in just 6 weeks after using onion juice for hair.
Surprising, right? For generations, onion juice has been a trusted home remedy. Packed with sulphur and antioxidants, it not only strengthens hair but also calms scalp troubles. In this blog, let’s explore how onion juice works, its benefits, and the precautions you should know.
Benefits of Onion Juice and What to Expect
You will come across countless onion benefits for hair, and below listed some of the crucial ones:
- May support regrowth in patchy bald spots when used regularly.
- It can help maintain hair strands and reduce breakage because sulphur helps keratin, the protein hair is made of.
- It might minimise scalp infections or dandruff because onion has mild antimicrobial properties.
Onion Juice for Hair: How to Effectively Use It?
When it comes to using the onion juice for hair, there are simple and safe ways you can do so right from the comfort of your home:
1. Extracting the Juice
Chop one medium-sized onion, crush or blend it, and then strain it to collect the juice. You’re also free to add a bit of water to dilute.
2. Conduct Patch Test
You should apply small drops of onion juice for hair growth behind the ear or on the inner wrist. Wait around 1 hour, and if you experience no redness, burning or itching, it’s safe to use on the scalp.
3. Application
To apply the onion juice for hairline growth, take the juice and gently apply it to the scalp, particularly in all those areas that have patches or hair fall. Leave it for around 30 minutes, but don’t leave it overnight unless you know the scalp can handle it. Wash it off with a mild and good shampoo.
4. The Frequency
You should use this juice 2 to 3 times each week. Constant usage for 4 to 6 weeks will show the effects of the onion juice.
5. Optional Blends
For irritation and smell, you can blend the onion juice for regrowth of hair with mild essential or carrier oils like lavender, aloe vera gel or coconut oil. However, you should always test out the juice on the skin.
Precautions and Risks
Although there are many benefits of onion juice for hair, there are some risks and precautions that should be well aware of:
- Staining or Colour: Onion-mixed treatments or onion juice slightly stain the hair and scalp, particularly if the hair is light. Make sure to rinse well.
- Allergic Reactions: This can happen to some individuals. When you witness burning, itchiness and swelling after applying the onion juice for hair, stop using it immediately.
- Skin Irritation: When you have a sensitive scalp or skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, onion juice might irritate. Always conduct a patch test before usage.
- Strong Smell: Many individuals might find the smell of the onion juice very unpleasant. Washing away the juice can help get rid of the smell.
What Do Indian Experts and the Government Suggest?
When it comes to onion juice for hair, India’s ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) guidelines on alopecia recommend that non-scarring hair loss cases should be examined, and medical supervision is important. Home remedies may help, but are not a replacement for medical care if the condition worsens. The Cosmetic Laws in India (Cosmetics Rules, 2020) regulate the production and claims of cosmetic/topical treatments. Any product claiming hair regrowth should have evidence, must be safe and registered.
How to Fit Onion Juice into Your Hair Care Routine?
To include onion juice in the hair care routine, you should follow these tips:
- Blend the usage of onion juice with the regular wash day. Once you shampoo, you can massage the scalp with some onion juice right before you head to bed.
- You can use leave-in conditioners or natural oils on other days to avoid over-drying the scalp.
- Consume balanced food. You should include food items that consist of vitamins, iron and protein and also drink plenty of water. Effective inner health will support outer improvement greatly.
Final Thoughts
Onion juice is a cheap and simple home remedy that can help with certain types of hair loss, particularly alopecia areata. The juice consists of antioxidants and sulphur that can help with regrowth, enhance scalp health and strengthen hair. Although you will come across many benefits of onions juice, using it safely and correctly with mild applications, a good diet, and patch tests can provide much better outcomes. If you experience irritation or allergies, be sure to consult a physician immediately. With care and patience, onion juice can certainly be a useful part of the hair-care routine instead of a sudden fix.
