Argan Oil Vs. Onion Oil: Their Effects on Hair and Skin

Did you know that some kitchen ingredients can effectively solve several skin or hair-related issues? Yes, that’s right!

Two such wonderful ingredients for your hair and skin are argan oil and onion oil. 

Argan oil is inexpensive with a luxurious feel, smell, and look. Its pleasantly light texture, nutty aroma, and golden hue do wonders for your skin and hair. It is also an essential ingredient in several cosmetic products. (1)

Onion oil has a strong flavor, pungent smell, and numerous nutritional perks for the skin and hair. It was found suitable for treating patchy baldness. (2)

Continue reading to learn about the effects of argan oil and onion oil on hair and skin. 

Differences Between Argan Oil and Onion Oil

Argan oil and onion oil are both beneficial for the skin and hair, but they have different properties and effects.

Chemical composition

Argan oil comprises saturated (20%), monosaturated (80%), and fatty acids. It also contains squalene, sterols, triterpene alcohols, polyphenols, palmitic, tocopherols, linolenic, linoleic, and stearic acid. (1)

Onion oil comprises alliin, allyl, allicin, protein (albumin), di-allyl sulfide, and propyl disulfide. It also contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, traces of chromium, and zinc.

Properties

Argan oil has antioxidant, (3) physiochemical, (4) and anti-microbial properties. (5)

Onion oil has antibrowning, antioxidant, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties against molds and yeast. (6)

Source

Argan oil is derived from the argan tree’s seeds and fruits. (7)(8) Additionally, it is a well-known virgin oil. (9) 

Onion oil is derived from onion seeds. The seeds are rich in linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid and contain a high amount of crude protein and oil. (10)  

Color

According to two studies, (11)(12) argan oil has a unique hazelnut taste and golden color. Another study (13) shared that argan oil has a copper-like, yellow-to-brown color. 

Onion oil has a medium-brown color. Known onion varieties come in three colors: yellow, white, and red. Therefore, the color of onion oil depends on its extraction source. 

Effects of Argan Oil and Onion Oil on Hair and How to Use Them

Effects of Argan Oil on Hair

The effects of argan oil on the hair are:

• It regulates sebum production due to its high oleic acid content. 
• It has a good water-holding capacity. 
• Its topical application increases biological, net, and gross elasticity. 
• It prevents dryness and hair loss. (1)

How to use:

1. Warm some argan oil in a bowl.
2. Use it to massage your scalp and strands for a few minutes.
3. Warm a towel by soaking it in hot water and squeezing out the extra water.
4. Wrap this towel around your head for at least 40-45 minutes.
5. Use a gentle shampoo to rinse it off. 

Effects of Onion Oil on Hair

The effects of onion oil on the hair are:

• The zinc in onion oil enhances hair health by stimulating the secretion of much-needed scalp oil and eliminating dandruff. 
• The iron in onion oil oxygenates red blood cells, which is crucial for healthy hair growth and maintenance.
• The sulfur in onion oil stimulates hair growth by regenerating the hair follicles. (Sulfur is found in significant concentrations in the skin, hair, and nails.)
• Onion oil treats alopecia areata (6) and maintains split ends. 

How to use:

1. Mix about 300 ml of coconut oil or sesame oil with onion juice and paste in a pan. 
2. Bring it to a boil, lower the heat, and let it simmer until the oil separates. 
3. Sieve the oil through a clean and fine piece of cloth into a container. 
4. Massage a few drops of oil to your scalp with your fingertips for at least 5 minutes. 
5. Let it sit on your head for at least 30 minutes.
6. Rinse your hair with a mild and gentle shampoo.

Effects of Argan Oil and Onion Oil on the Skin and How to Use Them

Effects of Argan Oil on Skin

The effects of argan oil on the skin are:

• The topical application or daily consumption of argan oil has antiaging effects and improves skin elasticity in postmenopausal women. (14)(15)
• The consumption of argan oil increases the skin’s gross, net, and biological elasticity. (14)
• Argan oil is also used in the cosmetic industry to maintain fair skin and treat the pimples and pustule scars of chicken pox. 
• Argan oil moisturizes the skin, reducing dryness and diminishing wrinkle appearance.
• Argan oil treats eczema, skin inflammation, psoriasis, joint pain, and scabies. It heals wounds and burns and cures brittle fingernails. (16)  
• Consuming dietary argan oil prevents specific ailments (diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol levels, and more) with high postmenopausal incidence in women, treating diminished skin elasticity during menopause. (14)

How to use:

• Mix 1 tsp of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of turmeric, and 1 tsp of argan oil to make a paste. Apply it to your face and neck, leave it for at least 15 minutes, and wash it off. This remedy can help you achieve glowing skin.
• You can also mix 1 tbsp of multani mitti, 2 tsp of argan oil, and 5-10 drops of tea tree oil. Apply it to your face and neck, leave it on for at least 15 minutes, and wash it off. This remedy is suitable for acne-prone, oily skin.
• You can also add 10-15 drops of argan oil to your favorite face mask. 

Effects of Onion Oil on Skin 

The effects of onion oil on the skin are:

• Onion extract reduces allergic symptoms as it has anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic properties. (17)
• Onion oil’s antioxidant property protects against oxidative damage from nicotine when compared to vitamin E. (18)
• Onion extract gel safely enhances scar appearance.
• Onion oil has a potential skin-whitening activity. (19)

How to use:

• You can make a face mask using 1 tbsp of onion oil, 2 tbsp of gram flour, and 1-2 tbsp of coconut milk. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash it off.
• You can also add 5-10 drops of onion oil to your favorite face mask. 
• You can massage your skin with onion oil for a radiant and youthful look. 
• You can also use a blend of onion oil and olive oil in equal quantity on your face for at least 15 minutes. Rinse it off with water.

Can a Mixture of Argan Oil and Onion Oil Be Used for Hair and Skin?

Yes, you can mix argan oil as a carrier oil with onion oil for hair and skin treatment, as both have beneficial effects. 

Final Words

Both argan oil and onion oil have numerous positive benefits for the hair and skin and can be used to treat some skin and hair conditions. These oils are inexpensive and eco-friendly and can easily be prepared at home.

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