Someday, everybody may face hair issues like hair loss, dandruff, graying of hair, and hair thinning. There are many solutions for treating such issues, like oils, shampoos, and gels, but these are not always the best solutions. Sometimes using simple home remedies like applying onion to the hair can be fruitful. Now, the question is can we apply onion directly to the hair? In this article, we’ll briefly discuss the same and a host of other questions relating to this home remedy.

Table of contents:

• Should you put onion directly on the hair?
• Benefits of applying onion juice to the hair.
• Can I leave onion juice on my hair without washing it off?
• Can an onion damage hair?
• Does rubbing raw onion help hair growth?
• What are the side effects of onion?

Should you put onion directly on the hair?

There is little information regarding applying onion directly to the hair. However, there are many instances where people have applied onion juice to their hair. You can extract the juice from an onion using a blender at your home and gently apply it to your hair. Onion juice has many antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in keeping the hair healthy. Here is a list of a few benefits when applying onion juice to the hair.

Benefits of applying onion juice to the hair

Boosts hair growth

According to research, applying onion juice to the hair provides the hair follicles with sufficient nutrition that promotes hair growth.

Prevents graying of hair

Hydrogen peroxide causes gray hair. Onion juice contains an antioxidant called catalase that reduces the level of hydrogen peroxide, thereby preventing the graying of hair.

Removes dandruff

There are many causes of dandruff. When you have dandruff, your scalps get dry, and you feel itchy. By applying onion juice, you can get rid of dandruff. The juice contains antifungal and antibacterial properties that help in quelling dandruff.

Prevents hair loss

Onion juice contains sulfur which helps in preventing hair loss. That said, how does hair loss happen? If the hair follicles get damaged, hair loss happens. The sulfur produces collagen that boosts the production of more hair follicles which helps in preventing hair loss.

Soothes itchy scalp

The anti-inflammatory properties of onion juice help in curing dry and itchy scalp. It also increases blood circulation in the scalp, thereby boosting hair growth.

Can I leave onion juice on my hair without washing it off?

Applying onion juice on your hair and then not washing it off is a big no. If you do that, its strong properties may cause scalp irritation. In addition, it may leave a pungent smell that would be unable to bear.

When applying the juice to your scalp, you should also massage the scalp with your fingers. You should leave the juice on your scalp for an hour, after which you should wash it with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo. You can try WOW Skin Science mild shampoo or WOW Skin Science Onion combo to wash your hair.

Can an onion damage hair?

You can prevent side effects from happening to you if you follow a consistent hair care regimen. Applying the recommended amount of juice for a recommended amount of time and for a limited time helps in preventing damage to your hair.

On the other hand, if you use an excessive amount of onion juice or leave the juice for a prolonged time, the scalp becomes dry and causes irritation. When there is irritation, it leads to scratching on the scalp. Continuously scratching the scalp leads to the weakening of the hair roots and, as a result, damages the hair and causes hair fall.

Does rubbing raw onion help hair growth?

There have been a few instances where a half-raw red onion was applied on bald patches, which helped in hair growth. Onion juice from raw onion is a widely used home remedy for hair growth. The juice, when applied, has a sulfur content that helps in blood circulation in the scalp. This, in turn, gives more nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. As a result, the hair follicles will produce strong and healthier hair in less time.

What are the side effects of onion?

For any hair care remedy, there are side effects. Even onion has its share of side effects. If you don’t follow the proper hair care regimen, as mentioned earlier, then these are the side effects that you may face.

It can trigger hair loss

If you apply more than what is recommended or if you don't rinse the hair properly, the onion juice can cause hair loss. The excess use of onion juice can cause dandruff and dry skin, which can lead to hair fall.

It can cause dermatitis

Onion can develop topical scalp eczema if you have sensitive skin, which can trigger skin inflammation (dermatitis).

It leads to dry scalp

Excess use of onion juice can remove all the moisture from the scalp and leaves the scalp dry. A dry scalp leads to itching and flaking.

It can cause allergic reactions

If you are allergic to onion, then don’t use this remedy. It can cause skin rashes and hives on the scalp.

It can cause an unpleasant smell

After applying the onion juice, if it is not properly washed, it can cause an unpleasant pungent smell, which is unbearable.

Onion is one of the best home remedies to treat hair issues like hair loss, dandruff, graying of hair, and many other hair issues. There is little information on applying raw onion directly to the hair. Alternatively, applying onion juice suits both the scalp and the hair for treating hair issues.