Dr. Pallavi Sule, Mumbai based Dermatologist, and Aesthetic Physicia, helps us understand the benefits and the easy yet quick uses of this easily available home remedy.
Onion juice though not been extensively researched has become quite popular as anti-hair fall and hair regrowth agent. It has been used as a home remedy for years now for controlling hair fall. Science has proved that ‘Sulfur’ the beauty mineral is the chief element in onion juice, which helps boost the hair growth, onion juice also provides micronutrients like vitamin C, folate, vitamin B6, and potassium.
Dr. Pallavi Sule says, “Onion juice may boost circulation as it also contains anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Applying onion juice to the hair and scalp could increase blood supply to hair follicles, which in turn improves hair growth. Onion juice is also found useful in delaying the premature greying of hair (no studies to confirm this). This is attributed to the enzyme Catalase production at the hair follicles.”
Ingesting vs applying: As we are specifically looking for hair regrowth, topical or local application can give the desired result than ingestion.
Effective: There are a lot of combinations available in the market of onion juice. These are creams, hair oils, shampoos, and so on. The efficacy of the formulations can be determined only by clinical trials. Hence pick your product carefully.
It is best to use fresh onion juice. But yes, it can be prepared in small batches and refrigerated. Avoid preparing huge quantities. How to prepare onion juice- chop onion and grind it in a mixer. Sieve through a muslin cloth. Store in a clean dry container and refrigerate.
TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND
• Those who are having known allergy to onions, do not try onion juice on scalp.
• Onion juice can be irritable to the scalp, better to mix along with soothing agents like aloe vera/coconut oil/ honey.
• Increased sensitivity of the scalp to onion juice may happen after a few applications. Please contact your dermatologist if symptoms surface often.
• There can be interactions between onion juice and medications such as Aspirin.
• The smell of onion juice is quite pungent. So one can mix a few drops of essential oils to mask the smell and add value more goodness to the onion juice. For ex: tea tree oil or lavender oil.
KITCHEN REMEDIES
• Onion hair mask: Extract onion juice, 2 tsp is mixed with 1 tsp of honey. This mask can be applied 15-20 mins before head bath. It promotes hair growth. Add luster and shine to the hair shafts. Reduces inflammation on the scalp, reduces dandruff or any scalp infection.
• Onion juice mixed with castor oil- mix equal quantities of each and apply on scalp 1 hr before bath. This is an excellent combination as both ingredients help in hair regrowth plus has similar anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
Disclaimer: This article is authored by Dr. Pallavi Sule, Mumbai based Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not represent those of GlobalSpa.
