Onion is a staple in every kitchen around the world. But did you know this simple ingredient makes for an excellent haircare remedy too? Rich in various nutrients, onions strengthen your hair follicles and nourish the scalp from deep within. As a result, your hair becomes thicker, stronger, and healthier. You’re also less likely to experience other hair problems like dandruff and greying.

But does it help with dry hair too? Read on to find out.

Table of contents:

• Is onion good for dry hair?
• How long does it take for onions to work on hair?
• Can an onion damage hair?
• How long should I leave onion juice in my hair?
• How do you wash your hair after using onion juice?

Is onion good for dry hair?

The fast-paced life we lead today leaves us very little time to care for our hair. On top of that, add environmental pollution, stress, unhealthy eating habits, and hair problems are bound to increase many folds. If you’re looking for something that can help with your dry hair, onion is an ingredient that’ll do wonders for you. The juice extracted from an onion contains various micronutrients that help nourish brittle and dry hair. And when it comes in formulations like the one in this Wow Skin Science Rapid Repair Bundle, you can easily incorporate it into your haircare routine too.

When you use any onion-based product, it works as a natural conditioner for your hair. Even an Onion-based shampoo never strips your hair of natural moisture, making it a boon for dry hair. Here is how it works on your scalp and hair to combat dryness -

• Onions contain a high concentration of sulfur which is known to nourish hair follicles.
• The high sulfur content also means that hair thinning and breakage are reduced.
• The antibacterial properties of onions help in keeping the scalp healthy.

How long does it take for onions to work on hair?

Onions are jam-packed with nutrients like Potassium, Vitamin B6, B9, and Vitamin C, all of which work together to lend lusciousness to your hair. When you apply it as an oil (Wow Skin Science Onion Black Seed Hair Oil With Almond, Castor, Jojoba, Olive & Coconut Oils), it serves as a potent remedy for treating your dry hair. But how long does it take to work its wonders on your hair? Most people claim to see the benefits of onions within 4 to 6 weeks.

According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Dermatology, onion juice is a proven remedy to aid hair regrowth. Most participants (74%) saw results within four weeks of applying onion juice to their hair. The study further stated that it was the sulfur content in onions that helped in boosting collagen production. As a result, the hair became healthier and luscious after a few applications.

This means that if you apply onion to your hair consistently for 4-6 weeks, you’ll undoubtedly be able to see a difference in your dry hair condition.

Can an onion damage hair?

Besides helping with scalp infections, onion lends shine and luster to your hair. The benefits of onion are well known, but when used incorrectly, onion juice can also damage the hair.

For the most part, onion juice is beneficial for your hair health, but here are some instances where it can cause damage –

• Onion contains a high sulfur content, which can irritate the scalp if left for a long time. If hair is not washed properly after application, it can again cause scalp irritation.
• When the high sulfur content irritates the scalp, it is bound to lead to hair scratching. This can damage the hair follicles, resulting in inflamed roots.
• Onion juice leaves an unpleasant odor in your hair, even after a hair wash. This is because of the collagen present in the onion. If you do try to wash off this smell with a harsh shampoo, it can lead to more damage.
  
  

To avoid these issues, it’s better to use onion in the form of shampoo, conditioner, mask, or oil, as raw onion juice usually accompanies these side effects.

How long should I leave onion juice in my hair?

To reap the benefits of onion juice, you can leave it in your hair for 30 minutes or 1 hour. Any more than that could be damaging to your hair. This is because raw onion juice is very potent, containing a high concentration of sulfur. This is why it is always recommended to dilute onion juice with an equal amount of water (or other oils) before hair application.

If you plan to apply raw onion juice to your hair, here are some basic tips to follow-

• Make sure that it is fresh. If you use a 2 or 3-day-old onion juice, getting the pungent smell out of your hair would be difficult.
• Massage the onion juice in your hair for 4-8 minutes to encourage blood flow to the scalp. Doing this will help you with hair growth too.
• Repeat the onion juice treatment 1-2 times per week for better results.
• Wash hair with a mild SLS-free shampoo.
  
  

How do you wash your hair after using onion juice?

Onion juice can clog your hair follicles if not washed properly afterward. To get rid of the pungent smell of onion juice and the build-up of impurities on the scalp, here is how you should wash it out –

• Use a clarifying shampoo: Make sure you wash your hair properly with a shampoo like Wow Skin Science Activated Charcoal & Keratin Shampoo. This is an excellent shampoo for removing impurities and dirt from the scalp. It also helps in getting rid of the pungent smell.
  
• ACV rinse: After shampooing your hair, follow it up with an apple cider vinegar rinse, which can further help clean the scalp. The great thing about using ACV rinse is that it also works as a natural hair conditioner.
• If you’re not quite sure about using apple cider vinegar in its raw form, you can use an Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo.

Onion juice can be an effective remedy for your dry hair condition. But remember that it can be quite potent in its raw form and should always be used within recommended limits. If you’re not sure about using it in its raw form, various onion-based haircare formulations make the job easier. Check them out today on the Wow Skin Science website.