Onion juice as a haircare remedy is all the rage right now. Even the famous pop star icon Cardi B, recently shared on Instagram that she has been using the natural remedy to bring her hair back to life. From getting rid of dandruff to preventing premature graying and thinning, onion juice is one of the best ingredients to repair damaged and dull hair. Today, you will even find shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and oils infused with the goodness of red onions.

It’s clear that onion juice is a potent remedy for hair, but what is the best way to use it? In the following sections, we’ll discuss everything there is to know about onion juice and its benefits. Let’s get started.

Table of contents:

• Why is onion juice good for your hair?
• Can I apply onion juice directly to my hair?
• Should I wash my hair before applying onion juice?
• Can I apply onion juice to oiled hair?
• How long should you leave onion juice on your hair?

Why is onion juice good for your hair?

Onion is a vegetable that comes with a bevy of health benefits. It is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants and offers antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits. When applied to the hair as a juice, it provides a remedy for fungal infections that usually cause dandruff.

Some studies have even found that consistent use could help promote hair regrowth. This study was done with patients suffering from alopecia areata, a hair loss condition. The study consisted of 38 participants (both men and women) who would apply onion juice or tap water to their hair daily for two months. Of the 23 people that used onion juice, almost 87% experienced hair re-growth at the end of 6 weeks. The reason behind onion juice’s powerful hair benefits - sulfur. Onion juice contains a high concentration of sulfur, which works in treating inflammatory conditions when applied to the scalp.

Onion juice is a potent remedy for -

• Treating dandruff and scalp conditions
• Preventing hair loss and hair thinning
• Encouraging hair regrowth
• Preventing premature hair graying

With that, let’s look at how you can start using it to gain all these benefits.

Can I apply onion juice directly to my hair?

No, onion juice should not be applied to the hair directly without dilution. When applied directly, the high amount of sulfur in raw onion juice can irritate the scalp. This is why it is always advised to dilute it with water or oil before hair application. So, here is how you should apply it to your hair –

• Step 1: Peel and chop some onions into small pieces
• Step 2: Extract the juice from these onions by blending or squeezing them. Dilute the mixture by adding some water. Lemon juice can also be added to offset the smell of onions.
• Step 3: Use a cotton pad to apply the onion juice mixture to your scalp and hair.
• Step 4: Massage the juice on your scalp and let it sit for an hour. Rinse with a mild shampoo.
  
  

If you want to give onion juice a try, it’s best to extract the juice of onions. Experts advise against boiling or cooking them, as it might remove some of the medicinal properties of this potent ingredient. And if the thought of applying raw onion juice doesn’t sit right with you, you can use onion-based hair care treatments like shampoo, condition, or oil, like the ones found in Wow Skin Science Onion Hair Care range.

Should I wash my hair before applying onion juice?

Using onion juice treatment for hair is an excellent way to bring dull, lifeless, and thinning hair back to life. But to gain maximum benefits from this haircare remedy, it is important that you wash your hair both before and after.

When your scalp is completely clean, it will be able to soak up the essential micronutrients from the onion juice mixture better. Since you will focus on applying onion juice on your scalp, you don’t need to wash the hair strands. But it’s important to ensure that your scalp is not oily or dirty.

After that, you can let the onion juice sit on your scalp and follicles for 30 minutes (or 1-hour max). Follow this with shampooing and hair conditioning, as per usual. Washing your hair thoroughly afterward helps get rid of any impurities and build-up and removes the pungent odor of onion juice.

Can I apply onion juice to oiled hair?

As we’ve already stated, applying onion juice on oily hair is probably not the best idea. But if you want to add oil to your hair care routine, you can mix onion juice with any carrier oil like coconut oil, almond oil, etc., to reap more benefits. Or you can use Wow Skin Science Onion Black Seed Hair Oil which already comes with the goodness of almond, jojoba, castor, coconut, and olive oils. 

Onions come with amazing properties like Quercetin and sulfur, while coconut oil provides extra nourishment to your hair. Applying a mixture of these ingredients to your hair can be very beneficial, especially if you deal with a dry hair condition.

Combining hair oil and onion juice will nourish your scalp and hair follicles, encouraging them to regrow hair and make it naturally glossy.

How long should you leave onion juice on your hair?

According to experts, onion juice should ideally be kept in hair for 45 to 60 minutes. Leaving it overnight in your hair is a strict no-no. This is because the onion juice moisture can weaken your hair roots, making your hair prone to hair fall. Besides, sulfur in onion juice is a potent ingredient, which can lead to redness and irritation if left in the hair for a long time. As for the frequency of application, you can use the onion juice remedy for hair 2-3 times a week. With consistent application, you’ll be able to see results in a month or so.

Onion is a wonderful ingredient that can solve many of your hair woes. But it is also important to use this powerhouse ingredient correctly if you want to see results. Remember - consistent application within recommended limits - and you’ll see your hair health improve drastically in no time.