Hair loss has several different stages, and each stage requires a different type of treatment. Before considering hair transplants or any other type of surgical treatment, those experiencing early-stage hair loss should consider using homemade remedies that can achieve satisfactory results. These treatments include natural oils and scalp massages.
Besides rosemary oil, aloe vera and other types of oils, there is another natural ingredient that can significantly boost your hair growth that you can find in your kitchen. This ingredient is onion juice. It turns out that onions aren’t only good for preparing delicious meals but for treating hair loss too. The regenerative properties of onion juice nourish the scalp and hair follicles to help hair appear fuller and stronger.
Trichologists and hair experts state that this juice can reduce hair loss that occurs due to specific factors which we’ll explain below. The juice is applied as a topical treatment on your scalp, and it brings results after just a few treatments.
Can Onion Juice Stop Or Reduce Hair Loss?
Tiffany Young, a certified trichologist and the CEO and founder of ThinHairThick , states that “onion is also a natural antiseptic. Hair loss that is caused by inflammatory disease, poor blood flow, and poor diet could see a benefit.” This is supported by a medical trial in which crude onion was used to successfully treat alopecia areata.
According to the research conducted and published recently in the Journal of Dermatology, the participants who used onion juice in their haircare routine began noticing changes in hair growth in two weeks. This percentage increased to 73.9% after four weeks and to 89.6% after six weeks.
Being an autoimmune disease, alopecia areata can be treated with onion juice because onions contain sulphur which makes the juice anti-inflammatory. However, not all types of baldness result from autoimmune diseases, so not all benefit from the onion juice treatment.
For instance, female and male pattern baldness occurs due to hormonal changes and genetic sensitivity to sex hormones. Dr Alan Bauman, an ABHRS-certified hair restoration surgeon, states that there is “no evidence that onion juice will help to reduce this sensitivity”. He suggests trying onion juice only if you’re dealing with an autoimmune disease like alopecia areata. Even if it doesn’t bring results, onion juice has no harmful side effects.
What’s The Science Behind This Ingredient?
We stated above that onions help reduce hair loss because they are rich in sulphur. The question that arises is how does sulphur actually boost our hair growth? Young explains that “hair is made from a protein called keratin, and the main building blocks of protein are amino acids.” Since sulphur contains high levels of amino acids, applying onion as a topical treatment to your scalp promotes cells regeneration and boosts hair growth.
Dr Cheryl Rosen, the director of dermatology at BowTied Life, adds that onion juice is beneficial to the overall scalp health and not only for the regeneration of hair follicles. The high concentration of sulphur cleans the scalp and leads to more luscious locks.
Hair loss can also be caused by the presence of free radicals, and onion juice contains antioxidants that neutralise the free radicals found in polluted air and dirty environments. Dr Bauman states that, additionally, onions contain anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, which means that their juice protects against scalp infections and external pollutants. However, Dr Rosen says that the treatment cannot yet be used as a replacement for prescribed hair loss treatments since it’s not medically certified.
How to Include Onion Juice In Your Haircare Routine
Dr Rosen states that few hair products contain onion juice and that the best way to apply it is by preparing it at home. Since the study published in the Journal of Dermatology was based on the application of crude onion juice, the experts suggest a similar DIY approach. They emphasise the importance of using fresh onions since they have a higher sulphur content than store products. “Store products tend to include preservatives which would minimise the onion juice’s potency,” Young adds.
Dr Paul states that if you want to use the same type of onions used in the study, you’ll need Australian brown onions. “The onions were chopped into small pieces and juiced using a blender,” she adds. Then, it’s recommended that you apply the juice twice a day.
Young suggests another 7-step method of preparing the onion juice at home:
- Set water to boil for a few minutes
- Chop a medium-sized onion and put it into the water
- Keep a medium heat and allow it to simmer for ten minutes
- Strain the onion water and leave it standing for five minutes
- Mix the juice with a tablespoon of cayenne pepper (improves absorption)
- Add another tablespoon of honey to thicken the solution and add more antibacterial strength
- Pour it into an applicator bottle and apply it
After finishing the application, put on a shower cap for at least two hours so that the juice is thoroughly absorbed. Then, simply clean your scalp with fresh water. If you’re concerned about the onion’s odour, Young suggests you “neutralise the odour by using an apple cider vinegar rinse with water.”
Final Thoughts
Hair loss is nothing to be embarrassed about anymore. Stress, tight hairstyling, environmental factors and genetics could all be responsible for stopping your natural hair growth. Remedies like onion juice are easy to prepare and use and can treat mild hair loss conditions effectively.
If you’re noticing that your hair is falling continuously and in worrying amounts, it might be best to speak with a hair expert. Vinci Hair Clinic is offering a free consultation to all our new clients, and you can set up an appointment by getting in touch with us. Book it today!
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