ONION JUICE RECIPE & UPDATE

I started using onion juice in March 2020 and promised y’all update. So here it is!

Benefits of onion juice

Onion has been used for years in Ayurvedic recipes not only for consumption but on the scalp as well. Its scientific name is Allium cepa.

Most of the benefits are because onion contains sulfur.

• Sulfur is an important mineral that is found in keratin which is a component for hair. Thus, onion can provide nourishment for the hair to grow.
• Sulfur is also antimicrobial which can help to fight scalp infections and the itching that comes with them. A scalp infection like dandruff and dermatitis can be a major hindrance to hair growth.
• Furthermore, it stimulates blood flow to the scalp . This gives the follicle all the nutrients it needs for the hair growth cycle.

Onion juice also contain antioxidants called flavonoids. These reduce free radical damage to the hair follicles.

Onion also helps with premature graying . It contains an enzyme called catalase that neutralizes hydrogen peroxide in hair follicles. Hydrogen peroxide is responsible for changing the hair colour.

How to use onion on your hair

• As a rinse out filtrate. This is the most common way to use it. The onion can be boiled then the filtrate is applied to the hair and scalp as a treatment.
• As a rinse out paste. The onion can also be blended and applied to the hair and scalp.
• As an oil. It is available as an essential oil. This can be mixed with a carrier oil of your choice and applied to the hair and scalp regularly.

MY ONION JUICE RECIPE

I use Greenbeauty’s recipe as my guide. I’ve been sharing the recipe with my housemates so the proportions may be different for you.

• 2 white onions
• 4 or 5 garlic cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 5 drops of an essential oil (usually orange, lavender or a mix)

Directions

• Peel both the onion and garlic. Chop up the onion into smaller cubes.
• Put them in a pot with around one glass of water .
• Allow them to boil on low heat for around 20 minutes.
• Add the cayenne pepper and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
• Sieve out the onion and garlic chunks.
• Allow the mixture to cool.
• Add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice . (this is crucial because onion juice has a very potent smell.)
• Transfer the mixture in to an applicator or spray bottle and apply generously from scalp to tip.
• Wear a shower cap and leave it on for 2 hours.
• Proceed to shampoo and deep condition as usual.

Note: I do not batch prepare it. The longest I’ve kept some in the fridge was 6 days. I prefer to use it when fresh.

My experience

I’ve been washing my hair bi-weekly so I’ve used this mixture around 9 times now. My relatives have been using it too and can attest to the same benefits .

Pros

• I mentioned a while back that I had been experiencing a dry, flaky and itchy scalp. We all saw and felt the difference after ONE use! This was the main reason I tested onion juice out in the first place. I would highly recommend it for anyone with scalp issues.
• My edges appear to be filling in.

• It might be a side effect of being indoors for too long but Michelle swears that her hair is looking darker. I see it too. Fluffy was already dark to begin with so I can’t tell.

I cannot say I have noticed dramatic hair growth overall(aside from my edges). I haven’t been measuring my hair but any hair growth would be attributed to my overall routine , not just the onion juice.

Cons

• Onion juice can be very irritating to the scalp. It did not irritate mine. I only experienced a tingling sensation which was very soothing. However, if I strong recommend patch testing it before applying it all over your hair. Especially if you have a sensitive scalp. Also, don’t be afraid to dilute it even further.
• The smell. THE SMELL. Listen, don’t use onion juice if you don’t own a nice essential oil. Stock up on that first. I’d suggest that you add a few drops to your shampoo as well. I have not experienced the lasting smell of onions thanks to this.
• Some people might find it a hassle to prepare especially if you wash your hair very often. I’m not big on DIY either but it really isn’t time consuming. Plus, you can enjoy the benefits even if you do it on a monthly basis.
• Now this one isn’t onion’s fault. Cayenne pepper made my skin turn red when it dripped down my face. The first time I used the concotion. I think I used half a teaspoon. Since then , I’ve lowered the concentration. Also, I apply a bit of Vaseline on the perimeter of my scalp as a protective barrier. I now do this prior to applying the onion juice.

Would I recommend it ?

YES. It’s worth giving a shot as long as you take the necessary precautions. I’m glad I started using it and will continue to do so regularly.

I encourage you to test and tweak the recipe and frequency until you find a routine that works for you too.

I’d love to know: Have you used it before ? What was your experience like? Leave a comment below.

Thank you so much for reading !

“Always remember that your hair is your crown and your body is a temple; embrace it, love it and take care of it.”

References

1. Sharquie, K. E., & Al-Obaidi, H. K. (2002). Onion Juice (Allium cepa L.), A New Topical Treatment for Alopecia Areata. The Journal of Dermatology, 29(6), 343–346. doi:10.1111/j.1346-8138.2002.tb00277.x 
2. Semalty, M., Semalty, A., Joshi, G. P., & Rawat, M. S. M. (2010). Hair growth and rejuvenation: An overview. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 22(3), 123–132, DOI: 10.3109/09546630903578574
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4T-Pwfnt38
4. https://www.chem.uwec.edu/chem491_w01/%20Pharmacognosy%20491/flavonoid.pdf