Is Onion Juice Suitable for Low-Porosity Hair?

Low porosity of the hair runs in families. (1) It is not a hair problem or a difficult hair to manage.

Low-porosity hair needs only a little help to maintain its integrity, health, elasticity, and strength. It requires personalized care with gentle handling.

Why do people have a hard time moisturizing low-porosity hair? (1) What’s missing from their routine? Perhaps onion juice!

Onion juice is rich in nutrients, such as antioxidants (flavonoids that protect the body from free radical damage), has antibacterial properties (keeps the scalp healthy and infection-free and stimulates hair growth), and contains dietary sulfur (boosts healthy hair cell production). (2)

Thus, onion juice can treat low-porosity hair effectively. Keep reading to learn more about the use and benefits of onion juice on the hair. 

What Is Low-Porosity Hair?

Hair porosity indicates the number of tiny pores and openings within each strand compared to damaged hair fibers. Low porosity hair repels water from the surface due to its hydrophobic nature and its ends are more porous. 

If you experience brittleness or dryness in your low-porosity hair, it isn’t always due to a lack of oil or conditioner – in other words, a lack of hydration and flexibility. (1)

What Is the Science Behind Onion Juice’s Perks for Low-Porosity Hair?

The use of onion juice on the hair offers many advantages.

1. Improves hair growth and reduces dandruff

According to research, onion is rich in sulfur, which boosts hair growth. It also contains zinc, which allows the scalp to secrete the required oil to prevent dandruff that may lead to hair loss. (2)

Regular onion juice massage on bald areas enhances hair growth and minimizes hair fall. (3) It also boosts blood circulation, promoting hair growth. (2)

2. Reduces scalp inflammation and hair graying

Onion juice contains antioxidants that prevent and reverse premature hair graying. Its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties treat issues such as scalp acne, yeast infection, and dandruff.

Using onion juice regularly combats these infections (2), and applying ground onion to the hair turns its color black. (3)

3. Treats alopecia areata and gives structure to the hair

According to research, onion juice is abundant in sulfur and can treat alopecia effectively.

In a study, patients experienced complete hair regrowth with onion juice treatment. The only adverse effect was an unpleasant odor. (4) 

Moreover, onion bulbs are rich in vitamin C, which maintains and builds collagen effectively, giving hair structure. (3)

4. Protects the hair from environmental hazards

The antioxidant properties of onion juice protect the hair from free radicals and environmental damage. (5)

Onion Juice Application to Low-Porosity Hair

You can use onion juice for low-porosity hair in the following ways.

1. To get a fine consistency, blend a medium-sized onion.
2. Gently massage this on your scalp for at least 10 minutes using your fingertips.
3. Envelope your head with a shower cap, and let it rest for an hour or at least 30 minutes.
4. Wash it off with cool water and shampoo your hair. 

How to Determine If Your Hair Has Low Porosity?

Signs of low-porosity hair

The following signs indicate low-porosity hair:

• Split ends
• Coarse or rough hair to the touch
• Product buildup
• Lack of hair elasticity
• Takes a long time to dry
• Hair dullness without volume and shine

Tests to find out low-porosity hair

You can find out whether your hair has low porosity in three ways.

1. The float test

Collect a few strands of hair in a glass or water-filled bowl. Let it immerse in water for 2-4 minutes. If you notice your hair floating on top, your hair is of low porosity.

2. The slip ‘n’ slide test

Hold a strand of your hair between your fingers and gently slide it towards the scalp. If your fingers glide effortlessly through your hair, it has low porosity.

3. The shower test

While washing your hair, notice how long it takes to get soaking wet in water. Low-porosity hair takes longer to get wet and dry as well. 

Additional Points to Consider for Low-Porosity Hair

Low-porosity hair requires extra care. Additionally, since hair products do not get absorbed (due to the proximity of cuticles) and only sit on the hair surface, it might tempt you to use many hair products. Follow these tips to effectively manage low-porosity hair:

• Steam your hair: It opens up the hair cuticles, allowing moisture absorption. 
• Apply hair masks: Apply a generous amount of hair mask on wet hair to ensure proper penetration of the product. 
• Deep condition: Deep conditioning is beneficial for low-porosity hair. Additionally, steaming your hair with a hooded steamer after deep conditioning allows better conditioner absorption. Leave the conditioner on your hair for at least 15 minutes and then rinse it off.  
• Cover your hair: Use a satin pillowcase or headscarf to wrap your hair. Cotton pillowcases stop hair moisture from getting absorbed.
• Wash your hair once weekly: Wash your low-porosity hair using warm water. 

How to Maintain a Preferred Hair Porosity of ”Low to Normal”?

You can keep your hair’s porosity in your preferred “low to normal” in the following ways: 

• Avoid heat styling tools and tight ponytail holders. 
• Avoid chemical treatments, permanent hair coloring or bleaching, and prolonged sunlight exposure.
• Avoid vigorous hair rubbing with towels.
• Avoid tight hairstyles and the use of sharp-edged metal barrettes.
• Avoid vigorous combing or brushing with force. 
• Detangle with care, don’t wash your hair daily, and always use mild or diluted shampoos. (6)

What Are the Different Varieties of Indian Onion Available? 

There are four types of Indian onion: white, red, green, and violet. They all have free radical-scavenging and antioxidant activities. (7)

Final Word

Onion juice is suitable for low-porosity hair, as it boosts blood circulation, stimulates hair growth, and stops hair loss. Onion juice also acts as a natural conditioner that revives hair luster and softness. 

You can condition your low-porosity hair naturally by using onion juice.