Onions are abundant in sulfur, (1) which is responsible for the production of healthy skin cells and hair growth. (2) Sulfur also promotes collagen production.
Furthermore, onion juice contributes to hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles to grow healthy hair.
Article Contents
Benefits of Using an Onion Hair Mask
Onion hair mask offer several benefits for your hair as follows:
1. Helps in hair regrowth
Hair is made of a sulfur-rich protein called keratin. (3) When you apply onion juice to your hair, the sulfur level in the hair increases, and so does the keratin level. (4)
Also, by consuming onions, you can fulfill your daily dietary requirements of sulfur. (1)
2. Fights scalp infections
The antioxidants in onions may counter the effect of free radicals on the scalp and thus may prevent oxidative stress.
Moreover, onions are antimicrobial and antifungal in nature, so they may fight scalp infections and dandruff. (5) Onion juice also promotes blood circulation in the scalp, which in turn contributes to improved hair growth.
3. Controls hair loss
Onions have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as they are abundant in quercetin. Onions fight free radicals, air pollutants, and toxins that cause damage to the hair cells and lead to breakage and hair loss. (6)
4. Prevents dandruff
A study conducted on the efficiency of onions shows its antifungal activity against Malassezia and Candida, demonstrating its ability to treat fungal disorders. (7)
How to Make Onion Hair Masks for Hair Growth
Here are some onion hair masks that you can use to achieve speedy and healthy hair growth.
1. Onion juice and olive oil
Olive oil induces hair growth on the scalp, and using it with onion juice in a mask will lead to good hair results. (8)
The oleuropein in olive oil was studied and found to induce hair growth in mice, (8) whereas onion juice was found to be successful in reversing alopecia and inducing hair regrowth (9)
Method:
- In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of onion juice and 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix them well.
- Massage this mixture on your scalp in circular motions for 5–10 minutes.
- Let it sit in your hair for 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with a good-quality onion and coconut shampoo and conditioner.
- Use this mask twice a week.
2. Onion juice and aloe vera gel
Aloe vera is a skin-healing agent, and using it with onion juice as a mask leads to a clean and healthy scalp. (10)
Studies found aloe vera to be soothing to the scalp, and it can be mixed with onion juice to combat irritation due to itching.
Method:
- Blend 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel with 2 tablespoons of onion juice.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on your hair for 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair with an onion and coconut shampoo and conditioner.
- Use this mask twice a week.
3. Onion juice and coconut oil
Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids including lauric acid, which can deeply hydrate the hair. (11) Using both together will give you silky smooth tresses with good hair growth.
Method:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 2 tablespoons of onion juice.
- Apply the blend to the scalp and give it at least 30 minutes to make it work.
- Wash it off with a good-quality shampoo and conditioner.
- Use this hair mask twice a week.
4. Onion juice, vinegar, rosemary oil, and coconut oil
The application of onion juice, fruit-based vinegar, rosemary oil, (12) and coconut oil (11) as a hair mask induces hair growth and prevents scalp disorders. (13)
Method:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of fruit-based vinegar, 3 teaspoons of rosemary oil, and 2 tablespoons of onion juice.
- Apply the mixture to the scalp and let it sit for 30 minutes in your hair.
- Wash it off with an onion and coconut shampoo and conditioner.
- Use this hair mask twice a week.
5. Onion juice and castor oil
Castor oil and onion juice are known to induce hair growth. Castor oil also helps to mitigate the pungent smell and irritating effect of onion juice on the skin. (14)
Method:
- Combine 2 tablespoons of onion juice and 2 tablespoons of castor oil.
- Apply the blended mask to the scalp in circular motions.
- Wash your hair with an onion and coconut shampoo and conditioner after 1–2 hours
- Repeat the application twice a week.
6. Onion juice, fenugreek, and coconut oil
An onion juice and fenugreek powder hair mask will give you healthy and strong hair as both ingredients help in hair growth and keeping the scalp clean and healthy. (15)
Method:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of fenugreek powder with 2 tablespoons of onion juice and blend them in 3 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp.
- Massage your hair and scalp for 5–10 minutes.
- Rinse it off with an onion and coconut shampoo and conditioner.
- Use this mask once a week.
7. Onion juice, curry leaves, and coconut oil
Curry leaves along with onion and coconut oil will improve hair growth and keep the scalp clean and healthy. (16)
Method:
- Combine 2 teaspoons of dried curry leaves powder, 2 tablespoons of onion juice, and 4 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl.
- Apply the mixture to the scalp.
- Wait for 40 minutes, and rinse it off with an onion and coconut shampoo and conditioner.
- Use this blend once a week.
Does Science Back the Use of Onion Juice?
It’s important to know if these claims of using onion juice for hair regrowth are supported by science.
A study was conducted between two groups of people with patchy alopecia areata. One group applied onion juice to their scalp, while the other applied tap water.
The group using onion juice twice daily for 2 months saw regrowth of hair. At 4 weeks, 17 patients had hair regrowth; at 6 weeks, 20 had hair regrowth. The study concluded that onion juice effectively treats patchy alopecia areata. (4)
General Queries on Onion Hair Masks for Hair Growth
How often should I use a hair mask?
You need to use a hair mask twice a week to get good results for your hair.
Is a hair mask a replacement for conditioner?
Hair masks do not replace conditioner as each product has its own uses and effects. A conditioner lightly hydrates and conditions hair and makes it easily manageable.
Is a hair mask the same as a serum?
No, a hair mask is different from serum as it is used for a different purpose. A conditioner lightly conditions your hair, whereas a serum is a leave-in product that adds moisture to the hair.
Final Word
Hair growth is a process that needs your dedication and time. Fortunately, several natural ingredients can be used with onion juice to make hair masks to encourage hair rejuvenation and stimulate hair growth.
Adding onions to your regimen will allow your hair to grow healthy and strong.
References
- Effect of sulphur dose on the productivity and quality … – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283867968/.
- Fattah IOA, Madani GA, El-Din WAN. Topical onion juice mitigates the morphological alterations of the cornea in the aged male rats. Anatomy & cell biology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8493016/. Published September 30, 2021.
- Adav SS, Subbaiaih RS, Kerk SK, et al. Studies on the proteome of human hair – identification of histones and deamidated keratins. Scientific reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5785504/. Published January 25, 2018.
- HK; SKEA-O. Onion juice (allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata. The Journal of dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12126069/.
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- Marefati N, Ghorani V, Shakeri F, et al. A review of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of allium cepa and its main constituents. Pharmaceutical biology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7919894/. Published December 2021.
- Shams-Ghahfarokhi M; Shokoohamiri MR; Amirrajab N; Moghadasi B; Ghajari A; Zeini F; Sadeghi G; Razzaghi-Abyaneh M; In vitro antifungal activities of allium cepa, allium sativum and ketoconazole against some pathogenic yeasts and dermatophytes. Fitoterapia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16690223/.
- Tong T, Kim N, Park T. Topical application of Oleuropein induces anagen hair growth in telogen mouse skin. PloS one. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462586/. Published June 10, 2015.
- Hosking A-M, Juhasz M, Atanaskova Mesinkovska N. Complementary and alternative treatments for alopecia: A comprehensive review. Skin appendage disorders. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6388561/. Published February 2019.
- Tarameshloo M, Norouzian M, Zarein-Dolab S, Dadpay M, Gazor R. A comparative study of the effects of topical application of aloe vera, thyroid hormone and silver sulfadiazine on skin wounds in wistar rats. Laboratory animal research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3315193/. Published March 2012.
- RB; RASM. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Journal of cosmetic science. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/.
- Murata K; Noguchi K; Kondo M; Onishi M; Watanabe N; Okamura K; Matsuda H; Promotion of hair growth by rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract. Phytotherapy research : PTR. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22517595/.
- Zaid AN, Jaradat NA, Eid AM, Al Zabadi H, Alkaiyat A, Darwish SA. Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine. BMC complementary and alternative medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/. Published July 5, 2017.
- Ezekwe N, King M, Hollinger JC. The use of natural ingredients in the treatment of alopecias with an emphasis on central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia: A systematic review. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7595365/. Published August 2020.
- Umar S, Carter MJ. A multimodal hair-loss treatment strategy using a new topical phytoactive formulation: A report of five cases. Case reports in dermatological medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7878086/. Published February 4, 2021.
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