Onions are usually seen as a staple in the kitchen, but they can have other uses than simply adding flavor to our dishes.

It may seem surprising, but onion juice is also a home remedy for hair loss .

Hair loss is very common andmay include alopecia, complete baldness or gradual thinning.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology,approximately 80 million men and womenin the United States have some degree of hair loss.

The most common cause ofhair thinning is an inherited condition called androgenetic alopecia. It can also happen as a side effect of certain medications or due to hormonal changes.

One home remedy that many people may not have heard of is onion juice.

Fast facts on onion juice for hair loss:

• Onions contain certain minerals that can be good for your hair.
• People who are allergic to onions should not use onion juice on their hair.
• If the smell is too strong to bear, adding a little lemon juice or rose water helps.
• While it’s a popular home remedy, more research is needed to determine if onion juice works for hair loss.

Is it working?

The use of onion juice for hair regrowth has not been thoroughly researched.

One small study published in the Journal of Dermatology found that applying onion juice to the scalpcan help with hair regrowth in some people.

The study involved participants who had alopecia areata, which is a scar-free, uneven form of hair loss.

The researchers found that hair growth started after 2 weeks of using onion juice, which was applied to the scalp twice a day.

Nearly 74 percent of participants experienced hair regrowth after 4 weeks, and approximately 87 percent experienced hair regrowth after 6 weeks. Both men and women participated in the study, and hair regrowth was greater in men.

Although the study showed positive results, it was small and only included 38 participants.

How can that help

The nutrients in onion juice applied to the haircan nourish the hair follicles, which can add volume, shine and strength to the hair.

Extra nutrition can also minimize cracks and thinning.

Aside from conditioning, using onion juice can also promote new hair growth in some people.

The reasons why onion juice can help improve hair health may include:

Sulfur in the diet

One theory about how onion juice can help hair grow back is that onions contain dietary sulfur.

Sulfur is one of the most common minerals in the body. It is needed for the proper production of enzymes and proteins.

Sulfur is also found in keratin, which is one of the components of hair.

The sulfur in onion juice can provide your hair with the food it needs to grow. It can also extend the hair growth phase.

Antimicrobial properties

Onions have antibacterial properties, which can help fight scalp infections.

In some cases, a scalp infection can contribute to hair loss. A healthy scalp is more likely to have strong hair follicles.

Antioxidants

Onions contain antioxidants such as flavonoids. Antioxidants are believed to protect the body against free radicals.

Free radicals contribute to the aging process. For example, they can destroy hair follicles and lead to hair thinning and loss.

Eliminating or reducing free radicals can reduce damage to the hair follicles.

How to use an onion for hair growth?

For those looking to try using onion juice toimprove hair health or aid regrowth, the process is simple.

To make onion juice, people should follow these steps:

1. Peel about four onions and cut them into small pieces.
2. Squeeze the onion juice by juicing it or using a juicer.
3. Another option is to put the onion pieces in a blender and blend them into a paste. Put the paste in gauze and squeeze out all the juice.
4. Apply the juice to the scalp.

A few drops of the essential oil can also help reduce the strong smell of the juice. Peppermint, lavender, and rosemary essential oils can be a good way to reduce the smell.

There are currently no commercial products like shampoos that contain onion juice.

However, commercially prepared onion juice and liquid onion extract are available for those who don’t want to make their own.

Side effects

Although onions are not eaten, skin contact can cause symptoms in allergic people.

Onion juicecan also irritate the skinin people who are not allergic, causing redness and itching.

To make sure the onion juice doesn’t cause significant irritation, it may be useful to do a patch test before applying the liquid to your entire scalp.

To do this, a person may apply a small amount of onion juice to the inner elbow or back of the ear and wait a few minutes. In case of irritation, it’s best not to apply the juice to the scalp.

It’s also important not to let the onion juice get into your eyes. Onion juice that drips into your eyes can lead to burning and redness.

If onion juice gets into your eyes, it’s important to rinse it off with cool water.

While it’s not a harmful side effect, onion juice can smell very strongly.

The fragrance may discourage some people from continuing the onion juice treatment, as it must be used daily to have the best chance of being effective.

Summary

Some people may be successful in using onion juice to regrow or condition their hair, and others may not.

Also, using onion juice will not lead to rapid hair growth. It is imperative to apply onion juice twice a day over the course of several weeks to see if positive results can be achieved.

Research is limited, so it’s unclear whether hair growth will continue or whether the hair will return to its original state if we stop using onion juice.

The bottom line is that using onion juice as a hair treatment is probably not a miracle cure for hair loss. However, it does appear to be safe for most people if they are not allergic to onions.

The side effects also seem minimal. Rinsing your hair with onion juice is also quite easy and not too expensive.

There are various online onion hair treatments on sale.

Even if using onion juice doesn’t improve hair growth, it likely won’t damage existing hair.

Therefore, for some people with hair loss, using onion juice can be a natural remedy that is worth trying.