Have you ever heard the saying that the key to healthy hair might just be in your kitchen? Well, one such kitchen remedy is onion, it can be used as onion juice or onion oil.
In this article, we’re going to look at the benefits of onion oil for hair and the different ways that you can use it to achieve hair growth.
The use of onion on hair recently gained popularity after a research by Sharquie KE and Obaidi HK showed that indeed onion juice can be used to stimulate hair growth.
During this research, onion juice was applied to the scalp twice a day. After 2 weeks, there was evident growth and this led to the conclusion that indeed onions can stimulate hair growth.
If you prefer not to go through the hustle of preparing onion juice, then onion oil is a good option too. Alternatively, you can infuse onion juice into your favorite oils and still get the full benefits.
Benefits of onion oil for hair
Using onion oil on your hair has the following benefits:
1. Nourishes the hair follicles
Onion oil contains essential nutrients such as sulfur, folate, vitamin B6, and potassium, all of which help nourish your hair follicles.
Nourished hair follicles are healthy follicles that also encourage healthy hair growth.
2. Has antioxidant properties
Onion oil contains many antioxidants, which boost and enhance the functioning of particular enzymes that prevent hair loss.
Its antioxidant properties also protect your hair from damage from radicals which helps delay premature graying.
3. Improves blood circulation
When you apply onion oil to your hair and then massage your scalp, it helps to increase blood circulation within the hair follicles. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your follicles and removes toxins more efficiently.
Furthermore, onion oil acts as a conditioner, lubricating hair strands, adding shine to them, and also making them soft and smooth.
4. Reduces hair thinning and breakage
Onion oil contains sulfur, which does wonders to your hair when it comes to hair loss and thinning.
Sulfur is found in Keratin, which is an essential protein when it comes to the growth of your hair.
Sulfur forms part of the structures that are vital when it comes to strengthening your hair strands. When onion oil is applied to your hair, sulfur forms bonds creating structures that strengthen your hair.
5. Sooth the scalp
Your scalp can become infected once fungi and bacteria enter the scalp. They cause a myriad of problems which include dandruff, itching, and even lice infestation.
Research has shown that onion oil has been found to inhibit the action of fungi on the scalp; hence preventing scalp infections [1]
Onions also contain substances, which inhibit bacterial growth. [2]
How to use onion oil for hair
1. As a pre-poo
One great way to use onion oil for hair is by adding it to your regular pre-poo treatment. Mix onion oil with the oil you regularly use as your pre-poo oil, to act as a carrier oil.
Apply this mixture to your hair evenly and massage it to your scalp in circular motions. This helps to stimulate blood flow.
You can leave it in the oil overnight or choose to let it sit under a shower cap for 30 minutes then proceed with washing your hair.
2. In a hot oil treatment
Other than using onion oil as a pre-poo treatment, you can also use it as a hot oil treatment.
As with the pre-poo treatment, mix the onion oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil. Heat up the oil to a lukewarm temperature.
Apply it to your hair and scalp, to reap all the benefits. It’s best to leave in the oil overnight and wash your hair the next day.
3. Add it to your shampoo or conditioner
Another interesting way to use onion oil is by adding it to your shampoo or conditioner. When blended with a carrier oil, adding onion oil to your shampoo and conditioner will help you reap all its benefits.
How to deal with the smell of onion oil
It’s no secret that onion oil has a potent smell. And no one wants this potent smell in their hair.
To remedy this, as you prepare the oil to use on your hair, add some essential oil such as lavender oil into the mixture.
The strong scents of the essential oil will help mask the strong odor of the oil. Moreover, you get to reap the benefits of essential oils.
Conclusion
Despite having a potent smell, onion oil has numerous benefits for your hair.
Onion contains nutrients such as potassium, vitamin B6 and folate. All these work together to ensure that your hair follicles are nourished, blood circulation to your scalp is improved and you are free from scalp infections.
