Onion Juice  - The Magic Hair Potion

DIYs as popular as they are, sometimes they are just a big internet myth. Today, we are going to dig deeper into one of the biggest internet-exploding myths, onions. You read that right the same pungent, stinky, smelly bulbs commonly found in every kitchen. These tear-producing balls are considered gold in the DIY hair community and seem to have hundreds if not thousands of recipes. Let's find out if this is truly a fact or just another facade.

The science behind it:

Onions have a good nutritional value of sulphur and phenol compounds present in them which are used by our bodies to make protein/amino acids. Proteins like keratin are sulphur-rich and keratin boosts hair strength, sheen and texture. Hence, onions are alleged to promote hair growth.

Does it truly work?

A small study (Khalifa, 2002) was conducted using onion juice to check its effects on hair and its growth. 73% of the subjects who used onion juice showed positive results when compared to the 13% of the subjects who used tap water. The study also shows that men are more reciprocal to this remedy when compared to women. Even though this study was positive, we should take into account that it is a fairly dated small study and not all test subjects completing the study. More scientific backing is required to check its true efficacy.

Nevertheless, from the available resources and reviews, onion juice seems to work as a home remedy for hair growth and in some cases hair-loss as well.

Effects and expectations:

Onions are proven to have effects that inhibit fungal activities and keratinase which causes the depletion of keratin from the hair (Razafsha M. & Ghahfarokhi M., 2003). But because of their potency, onions can be caustic to the skin or scalp causing irritation and redness when used directly. They also may cause higher sensitivity when one is under medications like aspirin. It should most definitely be avoided if anyone has a known allergy.

However, onions are an extremely beneficial ingredient which can be used in the form of a clinically approved hair product and under proper guidance from a professional (after patch testing).

Nevertheless, onions juice/extract is not a cure or treatment for hair-loss like pattern baldness and alopecia. It is merely an extra measure of maintenance and care to collectively boost hair growth using a mix of other beneficial ingredients.

In conclusion, the use of onions to promote hair growth is not a myth but a fact. There seems to be no harm trying approved hair products but only after reviewing with your doctor. However, one should not rely on DIY recipes as they can have adverse effects on the scalp.