How To Use Onion Juice For Hair Loss: 13 Effective Ways

Disheartened to see the amount of hair loosing every day? You aren’t alone. In United States, almost 35 million men and 21 million females are experiencing severe hair loss.

Hair loss can be caused by many factors that include lifestyle changes, improper hair care, junk food, pollution, scalp infections, dry hair and many others.

Most of the commercial hair care products that often promise to solve all the hair problems but in most of the cases, they don’t live up to the claim. And chemicals effect on the scalp is quite debatable….

If you are looking out for a reliable solution then it has to be “Onionâ€. Wondering how a simple ingredient like onion would be helpful for treating hair loss problem?

As per Journal of Dermatology, a study was conducted to analyze the onion juice efficiency on alopecia areata (auto-immune condition which leads hair loss in patches). After six weeks of using onion juice, the observation concluded that 84% of people have seen new hair growth in bald patches and significant reduction of hair loss. (1, 2)

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What Makes Onion Effective in Treating Hair Loss?

Onions contain two main ingredients – (Sulphur, Quercetin) which improve the strength of hair and boost hair growth.

Sulphur: Our hair is made of a protein called keratin which is high in Sulphur that is responsible for elasticity and strength of hair shaft. But when Sulphur reduces, the hair becomes brittle and dry. Sulphur present in onion fills up the deficiency, boosts the oxygen as well as blood circulation in the scalp thus leaving healthy and strong hair. (3)

Quercetin: Onions are a powerhouse of plant nutrient – quercetin (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant). It helps to combat free radicals that are responsible for hair damage. It also acts as a barrier against pollution and other toxins leading hair breakage. (4)

Other Beneficial Ingredients: Apart from the above two, onion also contains biotin (also known as vitamin for hair and skin), folic acid, phosphorous, vitamin C, manganese and flavonoids – which nourish the hair, help to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. (5)

Antimicrobial: Onions also contain antibacterial and antifungal properties which deal with scalp infections like dandruff. (6)

How to Use Onion for Treating Hair Loss?

Onion and its juice can be used in different ways for treating hair loss. For your convenience, we have mentioned different onion therapies or treatments below. You choose any one among them and try it regularly to combat the hair loss problem.

Caution: If you are trying onion juice application for the first time then we recommend doing a patch test before starting regular treatments. Because, it helps to identify whether you are allergic to the onion or not. Avoid onion treatments for hair loss, if you have cuts, open sores, broken skin or bruises on the scalp.

1. Onion Juice Massage

Massaging the scalp with fresh onion juice is effective enough to prevent hair loss and promote hair regrowth. Below process explains in details regarding “how to make onion juice for hair lossâ€.

• Peel a medium-sized onion and chop it into slices.
• Put the onion slices in a blender and blend to make a smooth puree.
• Take the onion puree in a cheese cloth and squeeze out the onion juice.
• Massage the onion juice into your scalp, concentrating more on bald patches.
• Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash off with water and a mild shampoo.
• Repeat this remedy 3 to 4 times every week.

Note: Alternatively, you can directly apply onion paste on the scalp and leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes. Wash off the application using mild shampoo.

2. Onion Juice Hair Rinse

If you don’t have time for hair packs or treatments, then you can try this after wash solution regularly to avail the benefits of onion juice.

• Add 1 tablespoon of freshly extracted onion juice into 1 liter of warm water.
• After shampooing your hair and rising it off, finally rinse again with the onion juice – water solution once.
• Repeat the process as often as possible.

Caution: Onion juice leave a faint smell in the hair until the next hair rinse.

3. Onion Juice and Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is loaded with vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, folic acid and antioxidants that nourish the hair follicles and fight off scalp infections. (7)

Lemon juice also boosts circulation to the scalp and removes dirt, dandruff and product deposits from the scalp. The below is effective for treating male hair loss.

• Cut a lemon into two halves and squeeze out its juice.
• Add a tablespoon of fresh onion juice to it and mix it with a spoon.
• Soak a cotton ball into this mixture and apply it all over your scalp, especially on the areas where the hair has thinned.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash off with water and a mild shampoo.
• Reapply this remedy 2 to 3 times every week.

Note – Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the remedy because vitamin C levels in lemon juice reduces with time.

See more: Aloe Vera For Hair Loss

4. Onion Juice and Honey

The natural emollient property of honey moisturizes the scalp and hair. It prevents the hair strands from breakage. Antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey fight off scalp infections which is one of the main causes of hair loss. (8)

• Take 1/4th cup of onion juice and add a tablespoon of honey to it.
• Mix it thoroughly with a spoon.
• Apply this mixture all over your scalp, especially on the bald patches.
• Wait for 30 minutes and then wash your scalp with water and a mild shampoo.
• Repeat this process 3 to 4 times every week.

5. Onion and Garlic Juice

The heating properties of garlic stimulate blood circulation to the scalp and prevent hair loss. Garlic also removes toxins and harmful product deposits from the roots and prevents hair thinning. This combination is effective for female hair loss.

As per a study published in Indian Journal of Dermatology, it is concluded that application of garlic lead to hair growth on the bald patches. (9) Selenium, sulfur, vitamins and minerals present in garlic naturally condition the hair, fortify the hair shaft structure, and replenish lost hair.

• Take 5 to 8 garlic cloves and crush them to form a paste.
• Add the garlic paste to 2 tablespoons of onion juice and mix with a spoon.
• Soak a cotton ball in this mixture and rub it all over your scalp, especially on the bald patches.
• Wait for 30 minutes and then wash off with water and a mild shampoo.
• Repeat this remedy twice a week.

See more: Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair Loss

6. Onion Juice and Olive Oil Massage

Olive oil penetrates into the scalp readily and moisturizes the hair strands that prevent breakage. It also fights off dandruff which is one of the main causes of hair loss. This combination is effective for treating mild to medium alopecia.

A recent study conducted by Tong, Kim and Park conclude that olive oil contains a component called oleuropein increases proliferation of cells during hair follicle formation. (10) This helps to increase the hair growth and prevent hair loss.

• Take 2 tablespoons of fresh onion juice in a bowl.
• Add a tablespoon of olive oil to it and mix it with a spoon.
• Massage this mixture into your scalp and leave it on for 2 hours.
• Rinse with water followed by a mild shampoo.
• Follow the process 2 to 3 times a week.

7. Onion Juice and Coconut Milk

Magnesium present in coconut milk helps the hair follicles to strengthen the hair strands and prevent breakage. Healthy fats present in coconut milk moisturize the hair while its antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties prevent hair loss caused by scalp infections.

A study published in 2012, coconut oil was measured to observe its benefits on hair and it has promising results in deep penetration into hair shaft. (11) This helps to prevent damage, strengthen, nourish and moisturize the hair.

• Take 1/2 cup of coconut milk and add 2 tablespoons of fresh onion juice to it.
• Mix it thoroughly with the help of a spoon.
• Apply this mixture all over your scalp.
• Wear a shower cap and leave it on for an hour.
• Wash off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.
• Follow this method 3 to 4 times a week.

8. Onion Juice and Curry Leaves

Nutrients such as vitamin B6, beta-carotene and proteins present in curry leaves strengthen the hair shafts and stop hair thinning. It also boosts the restoration process of the scalp and helps to open up the clogged hair follicles and promote hair regrowth.

This process works effectively in both male and female pattern hair loss. Have a look at the preparation.

• Take a handful of fresh curry leaves and blend them to make a paste.
• Add 2 tablespoons of fresh onion juice to it and mix it with a spoon.
• Apply this paste all over your scalp and wear a shower cap.
• Leave it on for an hour and then wash off with water and a mild shampoo.
• Repeat this process 2 to 3 times a week.

9. Onion Juice and Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is loaded with nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, potassium and calcium, all of which are essential for nourishing the hair follicles and strengthening the hair. Almond oil also moisturizes the scalp and fights off dandruff, which is one of the main causes of hair loss.

• Take 2 tablespoons of onion juice in a bowl.
• Add a tablespoon of sweet almond oil to it and mix it with a spoon.
• Soak a cotton ball into this mixture and apply it all over the scalp.
• Leave it on for an hour and then wash off with water and a mild shampoo.
• Repeat this process 2 to 3 times a week.

Note: Instead of almond oil you can either use coconut oil or vitamin E oil.

10. Onion Juice and Castor Oil

Ricinoleic acid present in castor oil balances the pH level of the scalp which in turn replenishes the natural oils in the scalp and rejuvenate the damaged hair follicles. (12)

Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of castor oil prevent hair loss caused by scalp infections, dandruff and folliculitus. (13) This process is effective for genetic or hereditary hair loss.

• Take 2 tablespoons of fresh onion juice in a bowl.
• Add a tablespoon of castor oil to it and mix with a spoon.
• Apply this mixture evenly all over your scalp and leave it on for an hour.
• Wash off with a mild shampoo.
• Follow this remedy twice every week.

Note – Castor oil is highly viscous so you might have to shampoo your scalp several times to wash it off completely.

11. Onion Juice and Yogurt

The anti-fungal properties of yogurt fight off fungal scalp infections that cause hair loss. Yogurt contains vitamin B5 which strengthens the hair follicles and prevents hair loss.

The flora present in the yogurt helps to encourages good bacterial growth on the scalp and prevent any fungus from causing infections. (14)

• Take 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt in a bowl and whisk it with a fork.
• Add a tablespoon of fresh onion juice to it and mix it with a spoon.
• Apply this mixture generously all over the scalp and put on a shower cap.
• Leave it on for an hour and then wash off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.
• Repeat this remedy 3 to 4 times a week.

12. Onion Juice and Ginger Hair Mask

Ginger contains natural antiseptic properties which kill the fungus causing dandruff or any other scalp infections. (15) Ginger is a great source of minerals, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins which make the hair stronger, heathier, manageable and shinier. (16)

• Peel the skin of 1 onion and 2 inches ginger.
• Wash them properly and blend them to make a paste.
• Add a tablespoon of coconut oil into the blended mixture and stir well.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp and leave it on for 20 – 30 minutes.
• Rinse off the application using a mild shampoo.
• Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a week.

See more: Eggs For Hair Loss

13. Onion Juice Shampoo

If you are very busy person then this is one of the simplest ways to avail the benefits of onion.

• Add a teaspoon of onion juice into the shampoo required for a hair wash.
• Using this mixture massage the hair and scalp thoroughly.
• Leave it on for 2 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
• Repeat the process whenever you shampoo your hair.

Note: Alternatively, you can purchase a shampoo that contains onion extracts.

How to Use Onion Oil for Hair Loss?

Just like onion juice, onion oil is also effective in reducing hair loss. Onion oil should never be used without diluting properly. Read below to know how to use it…

• Add 3 drops of onion oil into 1/4 cup of carrier oil (castor oil, coconut oil or olive oil).
• Mix well and apply the mixture on the scalp.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse your hair with shampoo.
• Repeat the process 2 times in a week.

Recommended Onion Essential Oil Products:

• Dr. Adorable Inc Onion Seed Oil
• Healing Solutions Therapeutic Grade Onion Oil

Tips and Precautions

• If you are bothered by the strong and pungent smell of onion juice then you can add a few drops of essential oils such as lavender oil, peppermint oil or rosemary oil to it.
• Other than topical application, you can also add onions to your daily diet – in salads, curries and gravies.
• It is best to rinse the hair with cold water after applying these packs. Cold water helps to seal the cuticles of the hair strands.
• Some people might be allergic to onions and topical application of onion juice can cause reactions such as rashes, redness, hives, etc. therefore, it is recommended to perform a small patch test before using onion juice as a hair treatment.
• For best results, try to follow these remedies as often as you can and be patient about the results. Being natural remedies, these might take several weeks to see results.
• Choose a mild or herbal shampoo and conditioner as per your hair type and avoid the use of chemical-based hair products.
• Treat your scalp with hot oil therapy 2 to 3 times a week.
• Avoid using blow driers, curlers, straightening iron and other heating devices.
• Practice yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, etc to manage stress and get at least 8 hours of restful sleep every night.
• Follow a healthy and balanced diet that includes protein, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which kind of onions are good for hair loss?

There are different types of onions available in the market that include white onion, red onion, shallots, sweet onion and yellow onion. These onions vary in color, texture and slightly in flavor but they can be substituted with one another. You can choose anyone as per the availability because all of them are good for treating hair loss.

2. How Much Time Does Onion Juice Take to Treat Hair Loss?

As per the research mentioned above, onion juice took about 4 – 6 weeks for regrowth of hair and reduce hair fall. But this can vary depending on your scalp condition, food habits, lifestyle, and hair texture. So, we recommend trying the method regularly without interruption for maximum benefits.

3. Does Onion juice Increase Hair Loss? If it is causing, should I stop using it?

Onion juice application doesn’t cause more hair loss. If you are experiencing more hair loss with onion treatment then it might be either due too much concentrate of onion juice or too much massaging. Reduce the concentration of onion juice and try the process again. While applying or massage, make sure you to do it very gently. Follow the process for at least 2 – 3 weeks before judging its effects. If it still causing hair loss then discontinue the treatments.

4. How to Avoid Onion Smell?

You can add coconut oil, lemon juice or any other ingredient to reduce the onion smell. Or else try a different ingredient for hair loss.

5. Can I refrigerate onion juice and use it later?

We strongly recommend trying freshly extracted onion juice for treating hair loss because some nutrients may get evaporated or damaged after few hours.

6. What if Onion juice application is causing irritation or burning sensation?

People with sensitive skin can experience irritation or burning sensation with onion juice application. If you are one of them then dilute onion juice with water or extract juice for boiled onions. This way the discomforts caused by onion juice can be avoided.

7. Can I use ready made or store-brought onion juice?

Yes, you can purchase onion juice from any grocery store and use it. However the effectiveness and potency can be very low when compared to fresh extract. So, experts always recommend using a fresh ones every time.

8. How often to use onion juice for hair growth?

You can use onion treatments for hair growth 2 to 4 times in a week. If your hair is too dry and brittle, then it is better to restrict the treatment 2 times in a week.

9. How long to use onion juice for hair regrowth?

You have to follow the treatment at least 3 – 4 months to observe the improvement in hair growth. After you achieve the results, you have to follow the treatment once in a while to maintain the process.

10. Can we use onion juice daily on hair?

Nope. It is better to avoid onion juice application daily because it can lead to excessively dry scalp and frizzy hair. Repeat the treatment only 2 – 4 times in a week.

Was the information provided in this article helpful? Do you any other home remedies that work great in treating hair loss? Share your experience, queries and concerns in the comment section below.