Onion Juice Mask. Hair Regrowth & Treatment. Best Recipes

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Onion juice for hair growth is quite old folk remedies that reached its popularity among women. Losing 50 hairs every day is a natural thing but for certain reasons those numbers may go beyond normal levels. Strict diets, hormonal imbalances or even heredity may contribute much to excessive hair fall.

Many natural remedies are capable of fighting with hair problems and inducing proper hair stimulation. But the most popular remedy is still an onion. Even our grandmothers used to apply onion juice on hair, enhancing metabolic process in deep layers and increasing hair growth.

Dream of growing long and healthy hair turns into reality with following recipes and advice.

Benefits & Effects of Onion Juice for Hair

Onion – a useful vegetable thought to have been used as a food source for millennia. It also used for human rehabilitation in various herbal practices. Allium cepa L. (aka the bulb onion), is the most cultivated species of the genus Allium, which has medicinal properties. It helps the body fight infectious diseases and means to strengthen the immune system. Onion is rich in various vitamins and minerals. Folic acid and citric acid, carotene, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc – this list of nutrients is not complete. Besides, onions juice contains vitamins C, E, and B vitamins.

Hence, hair products based on onion juice, nourishes the follicles, improves blood circulation, and can prevent excessive hair loss. Thus, onion helps hair growth, reduces premature hair graying and may abate dandruff due to bactericidal effect.

In a study published in Journal of Dermatology (“Onion Juice (Allium cepa L.), A New Topical Treatment for Alopecia Areata” by Khalifa E, June 2002), has been proved effectiveness of onion extract on alopecia, better known as hair loss.

Alopecia areata is a patchy, non-scarring hair loss condition. Any hair-bearing surface may be involved, and different modalities of treatment have been used to induce hair re-growth. The study checked the effectiveness of topical crude onion juice in the treatment of patchy alopecia areata in comparison with tap water as placebo. The patients were divided into two groups. The first group (onion-juice treated) consisted of 23 patients, the second group (control) consisted of 15 patients.

The two groups were advised to apply the treatment twice daily for two months. Regrowth of terminal coarse hairs started after two weeks of treatment with crude onion juice. At four weeks, hair re-growth was seen in 17 patients (73.9%), and, at six weeks, the hair re-growth was observed in 20 patients (86.9%) and was significantly higher among males (93.7%) compared to females (71.4%).

Placebo group showed nearly no changes in hair re-growth at 8 weeks of treatment. As a result, the author of study showed that the use of crude onion juice gave significantly high result in restoring healthy hair condition and succeeded to stop patchy alopecia.

All in all onion juice application on hair and scalp, in some cases may help to eliminate several issues:

  • Weakened hair
  • Partial balding, rare hair
  • Dandruff
  • Excessively oily or dry tresses
  • Slow hair growth
  • Faded natural color
  • Damaged hair (after coloring process, perm)

Don’t expect positive results after first application. Be ready that it will take several weeks before you will see changes in hair. This is a natural remedy and isn’t loaded with harsh, lab-created chemicals. It implies that natural treatment works by delivering all organic components to deeper layers of scalp. But to get optimal results of its activity, you might repeat the procedure regularly up to eight weeks.

Onion Juice Benefits for Grey Hair

Nowadays herbal medicines suggest using onion juice in pure form or in combination with other organic ingredients as a remedy for grey hair and excessive hair loss. In 16th century well-known herbalist, John Gerard pointed out that onion juice applied upon bald patches can help regrow hair. He wrote: “The juyce of onions anointed upon a bald head in the sun bringeth the hair again very speedily”. Since those times, onion is used in hair care and has positive feedback.

Due to the content of enzyme Catalase onion has always been an effective remedy for premature grey hair prevention. Research has shown that grey hair is provoked by a build up of Hydrogen Peroxide and a decrease of natural antioxidant Catalase. When a build up of Hydrogen Peroxide appears at the hair follicles, it becomes a reason of oxidative stress and results in greying and thinning of hair.

How Does Onion Help in Hair Growth?

In the fifteenth century, the Ayurveda or the herbalists praised onion in different scriptures or in various discourses. They used to emphasize that onion extraction is very effective for restoration of thickness and color of the gray hair.

Onion perfectly cares for the hair, not only reinforcing the hair roots, but also promoting their active saturation with all the nutrients that are abundant in onions.

Medicinal properties of onion are provided with certain compounds and elements.

  • Organic acids (lemon and apple acid) help repair damaged cells.
  • Potassium hydrates scalp.
  • Ascorbic acid – makes the blood run faster, thereby increasing the amount of oxygen delivered by the blood to the hair follicles – so it improves cellular respiration, activated once stilled or disturbed metabolism. Rise collagen production, responsible for the elasticity of hair structure.
  • Biotin treats damaged hair; improves the condition of dull and brittle hair, preventing split ends.
  • Niacin strengthens hair follicles.
  • Trace elements act as building material for the structure of the hair and scalp cells (calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, sulfur). Deficiency of these nutrients leads to serious problems with health.
  • Essential oils – possess anti-microbial, antiseptic and germicidal effect.
  • Phytoncide – biologically active elements with germicidal properties. Helps prevent seborrhea and dandruff.
  • Glycoside – organic compounds which enhance blood circulation and provide hair follicles with oxygen.
  • Quercetin (vitamin P) – possesses anti-inflammatory effect, strong antioxidant.

Is Sulfur Good for Hair?
Onions are rich in sulfur known as “beauty mineral”. Dermatological studies show that sulfur is important for hair as referred to one of the building substance of it. Our hair consists of keratin – durable protein high in sulfur. To provide hair with shape, health and elasticity, keratin is essential. Moreover, scientific reports proving sulfur effectiveness for hair growth. As we know, life cycle of hair is divided into 3 stages: growing, resting and shedding. Sulfur helps to prolong the phase of growing, thus, saving the hair length. In the last, sulfur therapy is good for eliminating symptoms of psoriasis, dandruff and eczema.
As we see, onion cares for the hair. Not only reinforcing the follicles but also promoting hair active saturation with nutrients that are abundant in onions.

But the action mechanism of crude onion juice in the treatment of alopecia areata is difficult to explain. Scientific reports show that onion extract can inhibit skin allergic reactions, suggesting that onion juice may induce an immunological reaction (as a mild form of dermatitis) which leads to hair re-growth stimulation through antigenic competition.

So, complex working on the damaged follicles, onion juice for hair growth can be an ideal tool for regular use.

Contraindications in Using Onion Mask for Hair

Any person who decides to use onion mask might have a question whether this natural remedy will cause a serious side effect. It is important to take into account particular situations under which onion masks should be applied with caution:

  • Individual intolerance: onion can induce allergic contact dermatitis in some individuals. If your case – avoid using onion mask.
  • Irritation or inflammation of scalp: onions belong to the genus Allium. They are rich in sulfur and phenolic compounds known to be skin irritants. In more serious cases onion may cause an irritant contact dermatitis.
  • Increased sensitivity: application of onion mask on the tender skin may cause flaking, itching or strong burning sensation.

Before applying any mask, first you need to test it on a small area of skin arm. Since possible for this combination of products or a single part to provoke strong allergic reaction. If you feel a burning sensation and excessive scratching, keep away from using onion juice on scalp.

How to Use Onion Juice for Hair Regrowth?

The absence of absolute contraindications allows using onion masks for any hair without exception.

Common question is: how often to use onion juice for hair loss? Onion mixture is suitable for everyday use. Forty procedures (course of applying onion mask within 2-3 months) give stable results in a short time. For prevention, onion applications every week are possible.

After the stipulated period, you might get thicker and longer hair. If no such result achieved, then you probably will have healthy scalp due to anti-oxidant benefits of onion juice. Remember, onion hair treatment is no wasting time!

Our grandmothers worked out particular recommendations to use onion masks in a proper way:

  • Apply onion mask on scalp preventing it from getting on hair. But still recipes imply usage of onion on the whole hair length.
  • There is no need to wash hair before applying onion. The reason is a natural oily film on the scalp which reduces all possible aggressive exposure of mask components.
  • Cover head with shower cap and towel after application to make onion masks more effective. Enhanced warmth provides better penetration of nutrients into scalp.
  • Leaving mask on the head for 30-60 minutes is enough. In case of skin irritation and itching better wash away the blend.
  • Rinse hair with lukewarm or cool water. If necessary use organic shampoo.

Duration of mask application depends upon its ingredients and particular hair type.

How to Make Onion Juice Right. The Basics

Preparing onion juice is a piece of cake. Enough amounts of onion, fine grater, sieve cloth, some physical work and you have fresh liquid for your beauty procedures.

First, peel one or two onion bulbs. Wash them properly, dry with paper towel. Take some precaution: all process with onion will affect your eyes and make your tears come up.

If you use a grater, don’t cut the onion into pieces. Keep bulbs dry; otherwise, pieces will slip out from hands and grating will turn into a nightmare.

Grate onion using the fine side of the grater. Place a bowl under the grater and collect the onion pulp and juice.

How to Make Onion Juice for hair Mask

When you have enough grated mixture, it’s time to separate the juice from the pulp through the strainer.

Take several layers of cheese cloths and put onion pulp in the center.

How to Make Onion Juice for hair Mask

Grab the ends of cheese cloths and squeeze the pulp to drain out the juice. Make sure there are no onion chunks in liquid, only pure juice, otherwise, it will leave a strong smell in your hair.

How to Make Onion Juice for hair Mask

You can prepare onion juice and keep it in the fridge. Maximum shelf life is 2-3 days, after that you need to prepare another fresh portion.

Blender or juicer also do work great.

Use of Onion Juice for Hair: Recipes & Benefits

Onion components are able to deeply nourish hair cuticles. Additionally with organic ingredients such as coconut oil and raw honey the hair mask makes strands smooth and shiny.

Plain Onion Juice Mask for Hair Straightening

What You Need:

  • Pure onion juice
  • Castor oil (in case of dry hair)

How To Use:

  1. Prepare basic onion juice.
  2. Take a cotton ball and dip it into the resulting mixture and apply on hair roots.
  3. Cover head with plastic bag and leave it on for 30 minutes (for dry hair). In case of normal or oily hair, leave mask for 1 hour.

Why we use castor oil? Castor oil has nourishing properties and gives hair a healthy look.

Onion & Yeast Hair Mask

What You Need:

  • Onion juice
  • Yeast 1 tbsp
  • Castor Oil
  • Hot water 2 tbsp

How To Use:

  1. Prepare basic onion juice.
  2. Add other ingredients and mix well.
  3. Let the mask sit for 10 minutes in warm place.
  4. Gently rub the blend into scalp and place a shower cap on.
  5. After one hour wash it off with lukewarm water using shampoo.

Onion & Lemon Hair Mask

What You Need:

  • Onion juice
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Carrot juice
  • Yeast 1 tbsp
  • Hot water 2 tbsp

How To Use:

  1. Prepare basic onion juice.
  2. Mix vegetable juices in equal parts, add oils and other components.
  3. Let the mask sit for 10 minutes in warm place.
  4. Apply the blend on hair roots with gentle circular movements and leave it on for 1 hour.
  5. To wash it off use any organic shampoo.

Onion Mask for Hair Growth. Dry and Normal Hair

What You Need:

  • Onion juice
  • Raw honey 1 tbsp
  • Yogurt 2-3 tbsp
  • Sour cream 1 tbsp
  • Base oil (olive, almond, castor or burdock oil) 1 tbsp

How To Use:

  1. Prepare basic onion juice.
  2. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and rub into the scalp.
  3. Leave the mask on for 40-60 minutes and wash it off with shampoo.
  4. Apply 1-2 times a week for better results.

Onion Juice & Honey Mask

What You Need:

How To Use:

  1. Prepare basic onion juice.
  2. Mix all ingredients until you get a smooth mass.
  3. Apply on damp hair either before shampooing or after and rub gently into scalp.
  4. Put a shower cap on and leave the mask on head for one hour.
  5. Wash off with your favorite shampoo and let it dry naturally.

Onion Juice & Garlic Hair Loss Remedy

What You Need:

  • Onion juice
  • Garlic 4-5 cloves
  • Brandy 2 tbsp
  • 1 egg yolk

How To Use:

  1. Prepare basic onion juice
  2. Grate garlic cloves into a mass and add other ingredients.
  3. Mix well and apply the mask on scalp with circular movements using only fingertips.
  4. Leave the mixture on for 30 minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water.

Garlic mixed with onion works great. Two vegetables stimulate blood flow to the scalp, nourishing the hair, and encouraging hair to grow and strengthen. It is an effective natural remedy for weakened hair. Garlic juice removes harmful toxins and prevents excessive hair loss. If you have dry hair or itchy scalp (provoked by dandruff), garlic extract applied on the scalp will give you relief from nasty symptoms.

Onion Juice & Sea Salt for Growing Hair

What You Need:

  • Onion juice
  • Sea salt 1 tbsp
  • Brandy 1 tbsp
  • Honey 2 tbsp

How To Use:

  1. Prepare basic onion juice
  2. Add other ingredients, make sure sea salt grains dissolve in the mass. Or you can dissolve salt in small amount of hot water before mixing mask ingredients.
  3. Massage the hair solution into your scalp or cover the bald patches.
  4. Leave on for at least 15 minutes (longer, if you can tolerate the smell and don’t have strong burning sensation).
  5. Wash out using an organic shampoo.

There are also other inspiring recipes with sea salt as a base component for hair regrowth. Read & learn more in my special post – Salt Scrub for Scalp. Treatment and Fast Hair Growth

Onion Juice Mask for Baldness

What You Need:

  • Onion juice
  • Lemon juice 3 tbsp
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Honey 2 tbsp

How To Use:

  1. In a bowl, mix equal parts of lemon juice and onion.
  2. Combine with other ingredients and massage into the scalp. If you have bald patches, make the mixture a bit thicker by adding honey or glycerin.
  3. Wrap your head with warm towel and leave it on for one hour.
  4. Afterwards, wash your hair with shampoo.

This onion mask helps keep the scalp clean and hair roots unclogged due to its antifungal and antimicrobial benefits. It is a common knowledge that main reason for baldness is genetic sensitivity to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Research proved that onions provide hair roots with necessary nutrients which have been blocked by DHT. Vitamin deficiency from the unhealthy or strict diet is another reason of baldness.

Onion & Brandy Extract for Alopecia

What You Need:

  • 1 onion
  • Brandy or Cognac 50 ml

How To Use:

  1. Chop the onion into small pieces; don’t smashed into gruel
  2. Take glass jar with tight lid and place the chopped onions. Add brandy. Left concoction overnight.
  3. Next day take out the onion, strain the mixture, and use it on your scalp.
  4. Rinse with shampoo and warm water.

When To Use:
This treatment should be used once a week.
Caution: The alcohol can dry out your hair. Therefore, don’t apply this potion more than once a week.

Onion-Brandy mask is for the people who want to use onion without getting the smell from it.

Onion Juice with Coconut oil for Hair

What You Need:

  • Onion juice 1 tbsp
  • Coconut oil 2 tbsp
  • A few drops of an essential oil of your choice (optional)

How To Use:

  1. Mix the onion juice with the coconut oil.
  2. Add the essential oil to the concoction. This step is optional but essential oils help mask the strong odor of the onion.
  3. Apply mask on the hair strands avoiding the scalp. Keep for 1 hour.
  4. Rinse off with a mild shampoo and warm water.

Onion Peel Decoction for Graying Hair

What You Need:

  • Onion peel
  • Clear water – 300 ml
  • Birch leaves (optional)

How To Use:

  1. Simmer a handful of onion peels in water for 10 minutes.
  2. Strain and cool onion decoction.
  3. Rub gently the resulting liquid into scalp and massage for 5 minutes.
  4. Rinse hair with cool water.

Apply the onion peel mask 2-3 times a week. It is a natural remedy for seborrhea – using onion peels brew will keep your hair dandruff free, healthy and thick.For better results you may add 1 tablespoon of birch leaves to onion peels.

Onion Peel Mask to Cure Graying Hair

What You Need:

  • Onion peel
  • Clear water – 300 ml
  • Oak leaves or oak bark – 1 tablespoon

How To Use:

  1. Combine onion peels with oak leaves together, pour with clean water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Simmer the liquid for one hour.
  3. Let the mixture cool down and pour it into small bottle.
  4. Use herbal decoction to rub into scalp for 2-3 weeks.
  5. Keep the liquid in the fridge and make it warm before application.

The onion mask is perfect for alopecia treatment and strengthening hair.

Tips for Onion Treatment

Onion juice application on skin has shown inspiring results, but the odor may prevent many people from using this approach to fighting hair fall. To eliminate odor follow advice:

  • Wash your hair with cool or lukewarm water as hot water increase the smell.
  • Rinse hair using infusions of herbs (chamomile, burdock, nettle), a solution of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
  • Add lemon juice or banana puree into onion mask.
  • To get rid of the odor, you can add essential oils of rosemary, tea tree oil, lavender, ylang-ylang or orange into the mixture. Few drops will be enough.
  • If you still feel onion smell after washing off the mask, then rinse your hair with apple vinegar diluted with water (in proportion 1:2) or citrus juice – orange, lemon or grapefruit 2 tablespoons for 1 liter of clean water.
  • After removing onion mask from hair, use parsley decoction to rinse your hair.
  • Remember to filter onion juice before usage because onion chunks left on hair will add odor.
  • Follow certain rules in onion mask application: if recipe allows usage of onion on the hair length – then leave the mixture on hair. If exist a recommendation to apply the mask on scalp only then massage the blend into hair roots.

To summarize, products in the list below effectively prevent and diminish onion smell. Find suitable for you variant and use it to make onion treatment pleasant:

  • Banana pulp
  • Essential oils
    • Rosemary
    • Tea Tree
    • Lavender
    • Ylang-Ylang
    • Orange
    • Lemon, grapefruit
    • Cedar
  • Citrus juice
    • Orange
    • Lemon
  • Coffee (as a mask)
  • Kefir or yogurt
  • Apple vinegar
  • Herbs infusions
    • Chamomile
    • Burdock
    • Parsley
    • Nettle

Onion smell remains longer in hair with porous structure. Accordingly, women with curly or red hair must be very careful in application of onion mask. Dyed hair keeps onion smell for long time as well.

Anyway, if onion smell still frightens you, then try another approach in hair treatment – Hair Mask with Brandy or Sea Salt Masks

Onion Mask Hair Growth. Before and After

Onion juice hair growth before and after

And another onion treatment session:
Onion hair mask. Before and After. Growth results

Review and Opinion. Success Stories of Hair Regrowth with Onion

Onion Mask ReviewLynette Mcdonald, 32
For my whole life, I tried different ways and methods to enhance hair growth and improve its structure. I can say with probity, nothing helped so much as onion mask. For the past year, I’ve been growing my hair longer and cutting off split ends sometimes. I used to apply onion masks for 2 weeks but results really shocked me! My favorite recipe is the following: 2 tablespoons of olive oil, juice from 1 onion bulb, 10 drops of rosemary and cinnamon oil both.

I use a syringe without a needle to apply the blend on hair roots (it is a convenient way) and rub it into scalp. To get rid of onion smell, I rinse my hair with vinegar or lemon juice solution (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water). The smell disappears completely after second washing. Sometimes I prefer to apply yogurt mask on hair – then my hair doesn’t have onion odor at all! A long time ago my hair growth speed was about 1 cm per month, now it is already 2 cm. I feel happy!

Onion Mask ReviewNicole, 26
To be honest, during the first week I applied onion mask on hair regularly driven with curiosity. To prepare homemade remedy I used 2-3 onion bulbs and grated them into a paste. After that, I squeezed juice and rubbed it into hair roots. Sometimes I added some drops of any essential oil. But in most cases I applied only pure onion juice and place a shower cap on wrapping head with a warm towel. I let the mask sit on hair for 1-1.5 hour. Next, I rubbed colorless henna mixture into hair – and another hour to let my hair sit in the blend. What was more surprising for me is that after 2 weeks I measured the length of my hair and found out it grew up to 5 cm! I decided to continue this experiment with regular onion application.

Whether the onion mask contributed much to hair growth or not – the answer to this question is expected. As for hair strengthening, I didn’t notice any changes. My personal experience proved that for that purpose garlic mask is more effective.

I suggest those who wish to grow longer hair should use onion mask – really worth trying! Don’t feel embarrassed about onion odor, odor vanishes by simple trick – apply colorless henna on hair and let it sit for 30 minutes or longer. Girls, don’t be lazy, try onion juice to make your hair healthy!

Onion Mask ReviewCharlotte Doyle, 19
I applied onion mask on hair several times (onion paste + burdock oil and egg yolk). I cannot say anything about hair growth improvement but they became stronger significantly. As for onion odor, well, it remains in my hair till the next washing. Frankly, no one feels that smell except me. Seems, it depends on hair structure.

Onion Mask ReviewKate D, 20
This is my 17th onion mask to apply on hair. I do this procedure every day except weekends. For two weeks my hair is 2 cm longer, they are so lustrous and soft! At the beginning of my experiments with onion masks smell bothered me a lot.

I worked out certain rules to apply onion mask in the proper way: first, I add enough honey to dilute onion juice and few drops of lemon essential oil and rub the blend into hair roots leaving it on for one hour or even longer. Wash it off without using shampoo but applying henna combined with coffee on damp hair. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then wash it off again. Cleansing hair with shampoo at this stage is unnecessary – henna makes hair fresh enough. Even if you still feel that onion smell in hair, then add few drops of orange essential oil on comb and detangle your hair with it.

Onion Mask ReviewJanice Fuller, 29
I used to apply onion mask every day within two months. I noticed none changes in hair growth but as for new hair regrowth – that was too obvious. Tiny short hairs covered my head. Onion smell was disgusting!

I have dyed blonde hair so it penetrated that smell easily. Guess, it remained in my hair for 3 months, but anyway wasn’t too strong. Also heard that henna may help to get rid of it – for me, I don’t know why that trick didn’t work.

Onion Mask ReviewSherry, 20
For me, only one application of onion juice on my hair was enough to leave pesky smell for the whole week! I regret much as couldn’t remove onion odor so easily. Instead of that, I decided to use mustard hair mask which I consider the most effective one.

My recipe is like this: combine all ingredients – 1 tablespoon of mustard powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon of hot water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil – stir them well. Apply the resulting mixture on the scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes. If you can endure burning sensation – you can prolong time but be careful with that. Anyway, feeling “hot” on the scalp is quite a normal, it means that blood circulation is enhanced and thus, it will improve hair growth. Repeat the procedure three times a week to notice amazing changes of your hair!

Onion Mask ReviewFelicia S., 22
I do onion mask in the following way: I mash 2 onion bulbs with a blender and add 1 tablespoon of honey and stir together. Apply the resulting mixture on the scalp and cover my head with plastic cap and a warm towel on it. Leave the mask on for 1 hour and wash away with my organic shampoo.

The result was stunning: after third application, I solved the problem of excessive hair loss. Recently I try to repeat procedure more often – almost every day. I like to add other ingredients to the mixture like banana, egg yolk or avocado. I enjoy the way my hair looks after onion mask – thicker and stronger, for sure. For the past month, my hair changed significantly, they used to be thin and weakened but now they are so shiny and grow faster. Even my friends noticed that. As for onion odor, I don’t feel it. After first application it was noticeable but in the following procedures, it disappears quickly.

Onion Mask ReviewEbony, 35
I applied onion on hair more than 10 times and already stopped using mask a month ago. Smell! … it remains in my hair and becomes stronger once my hair gets wet. After several applications onion helped to prevent hair fall and, seems, promoted faster hair growth. Nevertheless, this natural remedy has its disadvantages: first, smell will cover your hair and stay for long time. You may have wonderful effect on hair but effect lasts as long as you use onion on hair. My advice to get rid of onion odor is to rinse hair with vinegar solution – it really works! Bed smell not a problem. Even my boyfriend doesn’t mind I smell onion because he knows everything I do for my hair is to make them healthy and even more beautiful.

Onion Mask ReviewMuriel H, 27
In my childhood, I used to have rare hair with bald patches. My parents consulted most dermatologists but none of them could help. Those times I visited my grandma regularly and once she applied onion mask on scalp, she did that procedure almost every day replacing it with garlic sometimes. Bald patches disappeared and that fact made all my relatives wonder how it happened so. Now I cannot say that my hair is super heavy and shiny (during adolescence I dyed it several times, my fault). Undoubtedly true, onion really works! I used to apply pure onion juice on scalp and leave it on for 1 hour.

Onion Mask ReviewBlanche Gonzales, 66
I’m 66. Hair dyed and weakened. Hair loss is my permanent problem, annoyed me very much. So I decided to go bald. At the same time applied onion masks every day. So, what I can say about results – they shocked me! After 5 weeks I have hair 2.5 cm long. They look much stronger and thicker.

Reference

  • K. E. Sharquie and H. K. Al-Obaidi, “Onion juice (Allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata”, The Journal of Dermatology, vol. 29, no. 6, pp. 343–346, 2002.
  • Dorsch W, Ring J, “Suppression of immediate and late anti-IgE induced skin reactions by topically applied alcohol/onion extract”, Allergy, 1984
  • Happle R, “Antigenic competition as a therapeutic concept for alopecia areata”, Arch Dermatol Res, 1980
  • Middleton E, “The flavonoids trends in pharmacological sciences (TIPS)”, 1984

Discussion89 Comments

  1. I will be honest and say that onion mask is the best remedy to improve hair structure and reduce hair loss. Smell remains in hair for long time even if you stopped using it several weeks ago. I have dyed blond hair, was short length but now all my friends ask me where I got such long hair extensions – my hair length reaches waist. Now my hair is long, heavy and lustrous, even onion smell doesn’t keep me away from applying mask. You may enjoy visible results after three months of regular use. My recipe: yogurt + 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon of onion juice + 5 drops of rosemary oil. After washing off the blend I rinse it with nettle infusion (makes hair look voluminous. Onion smell isn’t so strong.

    • to Charlene: It is easy process, just like making tea. Take 2 tablespoons of dry nettle (available at any pharmacy, pour with boiling water (1 liter will be enough) and let it infuse for 30 minutes. Then drain the liquid and use it for hair rinse. If you wish you can dilute the herbal infusion with plain clean water but it is not necessary. After you wash your hair with nettle tea, let it dry naturally. Don’t rub hair with towel.

  2. @Verna, please also let me know if you wash your hair with mild shampoo or just rinse it with water and give final wash of nettle tea. Since my hair is thin, I applied onion juice mixed in few drops of olive oil and washed it with shampoo. Is this OK?

    • Hi, Sanvika! After using onion mask on hair I prefer to wash it off with shampoo first. It will reduce unpleasant onion odor in hair. Then I prepare nettle tea and and use it as final rinse for hair. It helps to keep my hair soft and shiny! I guess, it is ok when you wash hair with a shampoo to remove onion mask. Moreover, you include oil in your homemade mask and it may leave greasy residue in hair if you don’t wash it properly.

  3. Really cool article! 5+
    About smell. The stench appears ‘cuz you got onion pulp in juice. From the pure juice you only get light onion smell and nothing else at all! So try to prepare clear juice and use it for gorgeous hair

  4. Hi. I have thin and dry hair. Kindly suggest me by adding which ingredients by hair will be thick n long. Plz reply.

    • Rin Dandelli, Dermatologist, MSc

      Hi, Ramya! Let me help you.
      In some cases, it’s hard to give you a direct answer. If you plan to use masks with onion juice, you can start by combining ingredients such as Yogurt (or Sour cream, honey and eggs. Check recipes above.
      From the other hand, check masks with gelatin, or with honey. Honey nourishes the hair, and in combination with other natural components will help so solve the problem with dry hair. Try such recipe: liquid honey + 1 egg yolk + 50 grams of light beer + liquid vitamins.

  5. I have bad blad spot I’m not able to comb.my hair is falling literally I don’t have problems in body I’m using onion juice baby hair growing but I need my hair back.I’m able 2 get my hair back pls say anything I’m always feeling abt my hair

    • Anna

      Hi, Anjali ! First of all, don’t be so worried about your hair. Stress and constant emotional strain may provoke severe hair loss and baldness. Think positively. Continue applying onion hair mask, it will help reduce hair loss significantly. Also, for keeping good results you can try Garlic mask. Apply it twice a week before shampooing hair. If you’re afraid of having garlic scent in your hair, add few drops of any essential oil to the garlic mixture. Garlic treatment will promote healthy hair regrowth, but you need to be patient. I hope my advice will help you. Good luck!

  6. Hi my hair is too thin bald patches in the front every body can easily see my scalp which is very embarrassing for me .I had recently a baby and my hair is falling too much which hair mask do I use to stop hair fall and cover my bald patches .I m 37 .I m very worried about my hair can u please help me.

    • Anna

      Hi! Giving a birth to a child is usually followed by severe hair loss which is a result of temporary hormonal imbalance in the body. As a normal process, hair loss stops within a year. If it doesn’t, then you might have some health problems which need medical check. Anyway, I can advice you to try natural remedies in case your problem of hair loss is still associated with pregnancy. Garlic or onion hair mask will be very effective. Apply it once a week before shampooing hair. After 2-3 months you will notice hair regrowth (according to my own experience it is really working. Just keep patience. But if after several months you won’t notice any positive changes and you will still have severe hair loss, then medical check is strongly recommended. If you still have any questions, feel free to ask. Good luck!

    • Anna

      Hi! I don’t think there is a need to use onion juice daily. For healthy hair growth it will be enough to rub onion mixture into the scalp twice a week. If you repeat this procedure daily, then you will have to wash you hair each time you apply onion mask on hair. Basically, washing hair too often is not a good idea. You may dry your hair out leaving it to breakage.

  7. Sravanthi Reddy

    Onion juice for hair growth has also been scientifically tested and proved that it will help in hair growth. I mix onion juice with honey, apply it on scalp and wash it off with home made shampoo after 1 hour.

    • Rin Dandelli, Dermatologist, MSc

      Hi, prasshanth.
      Your case isn’t common. Bald patches can not appear just without any reason. To be on the safe side, first, consult with dermatologist/trichologist. If you are in the pink: your emotional background is good and the body is functioning normally, you can use onion or other masks to abate bald patches. But be careful and don’t dive into using masks with great fervor, wisely choose and test several recipes to find best one.

  8. Hi , this is Bikash .
    I have been with baldness from the age of 21 and it’s 23 to me. Living a very stressful life having late hour study and a lot of tensions doesn’t let me sleep good. Any way the tensions are going to be on its way but there is an urgent need to have the baldness cured which has made me irritating for a long and shameful. Pls suggest me any measures to get it cured. Surely the way you suggest is going to be get followed .but a sincere request to get me out of this trouble.

    • Anna

      Hi, Bikash! Usually, stress becomes the main reason for severe hair loss. If you cannot deal with it and you undergo strong emotional tension every day, then I’d rather suggest you to consult a specialist who might help you to solve your stress problem. Anyway, from the first step you may start using natural mask which promote healthier hair growth and reduce hair fall. Among different hair mask the most effective ones are Onion and Garlic masks. Apply homemade mask twice a week and keep patient to gain good results. Consutling a medical specialist is still strongly recommended.

  9. Hi! Even i want to have long n thick hair. Instead of rosemery oul can i use lavendar oil n can i apply this mixture for over night. Plz reply

    • Anna

      Hi, Ramya! If you don’t have rosemary oil, then you can use lavender oil instead (2-3 drops will be enough. Before applying onion mixture, make sure you don’t have allergy. This mask can be left overnight. In the morning just wash your hair with any shampoo as usual.

    • Anna

      Hi! I don’t think there is a need to use onion & garlic mask daily. To gain good results it will be enough to apply hair mask twice a week. As for the natural shampoo, there are so many recipes of homemade hair cleansers. You can find them in another post: DIY Natural Shampoo. No-Poo Recipes & Benefits Good luck!

    • Anna

      Ramya, I quite didn’t get your question. What did you mean exactly by saying “oiled hair”? Did you mean applying the onion mixture on dirty hair before shampooing?

  10. My hair started thinning from last year. And I have consulted with a doctor and tried different products. So, does this onion juice really help?

    • Anna

      Onion juice is an old remedy for hair loss. It can help with the thinning as well.
      Essential oils contained in onion bulb improve blood and lymph circulation, thus providing the inflow of active nutrients to the hair follicles. Niacin in onions strengthens hair roots, also helps solve the problem of baldness, prevents premature graying, refreshes the strands. Applying onion masks you have to remember that it won’t help with hair thinning so quickly. If the this problem is connected with hormonal imbalance or stress, then onion applications won’t solve hair thinning completely. Yes, the overall hair condition will be much better but you shouldn’t expect too much until the real reason for hair thinning is solved. Anyway, I’d rather suggest you apply onion mask just to keep your hair in good condition. Don’t repeat the procedure too often, doing it twice a week will be enough.

  11. Hello mam, In my family hair falling is a heredity , so if I use onion juice + honey on my hairs, will it help me to stop hair falling & regrowth of my hairs.

    • Anna

      Hello, Amit! Seem, you suffer from hair loss which is associated with family genetics. The first thing you should so is to get your hair problem diagnosed. By the way, are you sure your hair problem is caused by hereditary things? Usually, they are hard to correct. Natural remedies may help reduce hair loss but won’t prevent it completely. Onion juice & honey mask is quite effective one for better hair loss condition. But you should remember: no matter what you apply topically, you won’t get rid of hair loss until some inner reason is found out. Onion juice has stimulating effect on hair follicles, so it can help regrow your hair but it won’t eliminate the problem completely. Use onion juice twice a week to keep your hair healthier. And consult a doctor, please.

  12. i have a habit of applying castor and coconut oil every alternate day. So in the morning can i apply onion juice along with other mixtures on it?

    • Anna

      Hi, Ramya! Feel free to experiment with onion juice mixtures. You can blend onion juice with any base oil you like. It can be olive, almond, argan, flax seed, macadamia or any other. Castor oil is very good for hair but it has thick consistency, so it may leave greasy residue if you wash your hair not well. Better prefer oils with light texture (e.g. macadamia, rosehip or argan oil.

  13. hiiiii mam
    first I shaved my head after using onion juice therapy daily after 15 days massage my head with onion juice small hair falls out.what is the problem plz help.

    • Anna

      Hi! To be honest, your problem sounds very strange. Usually, onion juice doesn’t provoke excessive hair loss. Are you sure your problem appeared since you started using onion juice for hair? If it is really so, maybe you have allergy to onion juice. But it is very rare condition. Or maybe you press your scalp quite strong during massage – such things also may provoke hair loss problem. Anyway, I’d rather suggest you consult a doctor for more details. Good luck!

  14. can onion juice help for solving problem of scalp itching, acne and hair fall problems ? how much time require above problem

    • Anna

      Hi! Onion juice is effective for hair loss treatment. To my mind, garlic mask can give you more positive results for hair in comparison with onion juice. But if you have severe scalp itching, better try Garlic hair mask. According to my own experience, it really helped a lot because I used to have the same problem as yours. Apply garlic mixture twice a week before shampooing. Despite the smell, it is really worth trying. After 2 weeks you will notice better scalp condition: garlic will help reduce scalp itching and promote healthier hair growth. Even new hair regrowth! Just have a try!

  15. Onion juice application can promote new hair to grow and prevent hair loss? Please reply my hair Is dry and hair is thin resulting in hairfall.
    Can I apply onion juice to have thickness increased?I’m 20.
    Please help

  16. Hello maam,
    Myself Akhtar i am using onion juice 4 times in a week from last 5 weeks and i used herbal shampoo 3 times in a week but from last few days i am using shampoo only 2 times in a week so i noticed changes in hair after reducing use of shampoo so my question is i need to shampoo daily or using only 2 times in a week is better?
    please suggest

    • Anna

      Hi, Akhtar! There is no need to use shampoo every day. It will be better to wash hair with shampoo twice a week.

  17. Hi, I want to do onions infused oil with coconutoil n lil jamaican black castor oil, I want to use it on my hair n on my two months old baby hair, I want to apply it on her hair three times a week, hope its not bad to use on her hair, n I want to add mustard seed n garlic, to my own hair oil hope is good cos my hair is just shedding thanks ma

  18. Hi Mam! I just read above comments bt my case is quite different i hve been torning my hair since from 9 years there were some issues with me bt now its has been stopped my hairs growth were also fine bt now m getting bald i dont know what is it? Maybe my hair roots have become weak now m 20yrs old! Please tell me can onion water help me to get my hairs back? Or i need some tranplant?

  19. Hi mam, good day, i have a problem with my hair. I used shampo and conditioner everyday, i used it for almost one month then one day i notice my hair is very thin and i have lost may hair almost 50%, onion juice and castor oil is good for may case?thank you,and sorri for may grammar.

  20. Hiii, can I use garlic and onion juice mixture together with adding some lemon juice for hair loss prevention?

  21. Asante Beatrice

    Hi mom for my heir a smell portion has is gone n it can grow back I babe tried many time but to no avail please can I get a solution for it

  22. I hv oily scalp I use first time today onion juice bt after shampoo my hair loss more than before what can I do pls tell me.

  23. Hi, it’s good to see you replying for so many questions.I went to pune for studies and after that i suffer severe hair fall i tried medicines in homyopathy but did not get awaited results.please help me my scalp is almost visible i have thick hair before i went to pune.i applied onion juice but stopped it bcoz of its odor.i am working in a private company and was in night shift.plz help me out.

  24. Hi mam,I did a relaxer today and my hair started coming like crazy would the onion juice help stop my hair from coming out and grow healthy

  25. Hi mam, I have a question. Can I use onion juice on my hair and have rice water rinse. Will these two work toghter.

  26. Hello madam, Can i boil small pieces of onion in coconut oil for 5 min n then apply on my hair, is it ok to apply on whole hair or is it harmful. Coz boiling also extracts the juice in onion. plzzz suggest. i stay in gulf country n i get lot of hair fall. i m trying this method from last 3 weeks but not sure if it is the try way to do.

    • Rin Dandelli, Dermatologist, MSc

      Hi, Patsy! The good thing about onion is that onion cells are perfectly break up while squeezing. High temperature quickly destroy S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine sulfoxides (ACSOs. ACSOs contents decreased by 32.6-69.4% during boiling.
      If you wish to use onion with coconut oil, just mix them during slight heating

  27. Hi I hav massive hair fall due to excessive weight loss nd I believe its telogen effluvium.will onion mask hlp me cure it?I have a vert thin hair line and vry thin hair.plz rply

    • Rin Dandelli, Dermatologist, MSc

      Hi, Sana ! Excessive weight loss has strong influence on overall body condition and it will have more impact on hair loss than external things like onion masks. Onion masks can slightly decrease your hair loss, but can not cure it

    • Rin Dandelli, Dermatologist, MSc

      Hi! It’s not a good idea to mix onion with other ingredients which have intense effects on skin / hair. Probably you can alternate onion masks in one week with masks based on jaswand powder in another week. If you do alternation, please carefully check the reaction of your skin on such procedures.

  28. hi dear i am suffering with hair fall,dandruff and itchy scalp i found so many posts regarding onion+garlic+vinegar mask i have few questions in my mind
    frist the smell as i work in office cant deal with high smell of onion
    second how often to use it every author have different opinion what is exact amount
    third what is life span of mixture? can i mix it with regular coconut oil? please help me out.

    • Rin Dandelli, Dermatologist, MSc

      Hi!
      Unfortunately the main drawback of onion/garlic mask is the smell. Even if you prepared them following all recommendation you will have some annoying smell.
      There is no strict limitation with frequency of using, only recommendation based on people experience and medical evidence. 2-3 times per week is enough. If you feel comfortable with more frequent use, you can try doing it every day.
      Life span is short. About 2 days in fridge.
      You can mix with oils. At this time we investigate how coconut interact with onion juice

  29. Mam. my husband is 36 now and lost almost half of his center part. im applying him onion juice 3 times a week from past 2 months .is there any chance for him to get back his hair again

  30. Hi there,
    I have thin hair in crown area and my scalp is visible. its getting worst everyday. I used to use minoxidil but i feel no difference so I stopped using it. Do you think onion juice will help me?
    Also my hair is very dry so I always apply oil first before I wash it. Can I first do oil massage and on top of it rub onion juice in affected area?

  31. This generation has had a serious problem of getting grey hair at an early age and it is just increasing. All of this happens because of our lifestyle, eating habits, stress and chemicals in the products we use. Getting your hair dyed is not healthy for your hair and since I am going through the same problem of having grey hair so early I decided to find a safe and healthy solution. I came across organic henna powder and indigo powder and this combination has saved me!

    • Rin Dandelli, Dermatologist, MSc

      If your hair roots are not completely dead, you can reactivate them with onion + aloe) masks

  32. Hi mam.i am 31 years old.Before two years I got a bald patch on top of my head.so is it possible that by applying onion juice my hair will regrow again.Please need your advice.

  33. Hi mam, I am 25 . Hair loss is my constant problem write from childhood. I tried many medications and consulted various docter but nothing was useful . Now my hairline have started residing. Could onion help me regrow my lost hair and reduce hairfall ?

    • Rin Dandelli, Dermatologist, MSc

      Hello, Akanksha. To a certain extent onion should help you with hair regrow. Recently I found that even some medical company start producing special “onion” shampoo aimed to stop hair fall. But you don’t need commercial stuff, ‘cuz you can do everything by yourself

  34. Hello Rin
    Does the garlic and onion paste mask will really work on Male pattern baldness ?
    Even if it is of heriditary, Can we regrow the lost hair ?
    If So how many months does it take to see the results ?
    Kindly suggest

    • Rin Dandelli, Dermatologist, MSc

      Hi! The main limitation for any kind of treatment is that nothing can help to restore hair follicles which are truly dead. Such type of hair roots cannot be revived. However, bald spots that exhibit little to no hair growth may still have some resting follicles that are still alive. In these cases, hair loss treatments, including topical applying of different masks may help revive resting follicles.
      Try to use garlic/onion mask at least 1-2 months. During this period resting hair roots should be activated.

  35. Hi
    I am 25 ,i have been facing this Hair loss problem due to some itching in the scalp and dermatitis,will onion juice helps to regrow the hair and can i get rid of the scalp itching and dermatitis?

  36. Hi Madam,
    I always have sweaty scalp and forehead and I am suffering from severe hair fall and Balding is there in my family.I am practicing onion juice mask with honey.When I apply onion juice most of it gets away and drops of my hair as it is like more of a liquid.Please suggest how to make that juice thicker so that it stays a while on head.
    Besides this,can I apply (coconut oil+Olive oil+castor oil )combo at night and apply onion mask the next day morning followed by hot turban therapy? Can I take shower with plain water daily with shampoo twice a week?

  37. Mam
    iam 33 years old, lost 4 years i have hair fall problem and white hairs also coming up to 50% . know I got bald head front , how can i get hair regrowth and white hair to black hair, please give good suggestion

  38. for 1 year i used to apply min-top on scalp,it provide me the positive result as well.But regular usage cause me headache daily,so that i stopped using it, and switched to using onion juice thrice in a week.Due to sudden avoidance of medicine cause me hair loss,as i expected.Now i am using onion juice for more than 6 months without any side effect,comparatively effect onion juice is little bit slow.But expecting positive results

  39. hi i have applying onion juice from last one month 2 times in a week but my hair is falling heavily
    i am thinking because of onion juice it has happened. Please suggest me what to do.

  40. Plz guide me i have a bad hair fall from a month.my hairs was very heavy but now it is very thin.my hair fall is still continued.i do every medcines alopathic ,homepathic.used every oil but nothing can worked.i m worried plz guide me what i do.i not used castor oil yet is it do somthing in hair fall?is onion juice help me which onion mask i use to stop hair fall.i used pantanjali shampoo

  41. Hi mam, l am 34 years but i am suffering in too much hair greying, hair thinning ,growth problems my hair is curly and I loved my hair and to gain long curly and also black hair, for these how can I use onion juice,

  42. heyy ! this is siri , m facing severe hair loss prblm since past 2 yrs ! i cud find a drastic diff. in the density of my hair . m feeling helpless , donno wht 2 do . i lost the texture of my hair completely , severe hair breakage , splits , hair damage , dried hair , weak hair , drastic decrease in density. can u plz help me out wid ny of ua home remedy? like , does onion really wrk 4 such damaged hair ? wud my density really increase ? plzz help me

  43. Hai ma’am I have applying onion juice 2 table spoons cocoanut oil but my hair falling very to much what is the reason plzzz replay me .

  44. hi im siri.i suffering from hair fall,i tried of onion juice 3 times bt i still suffer hair fall.plz suggest

  45. Hello mam, I have been using onion and garlic juice for one month twice a week. Earlier i washed my hair with a medicated shampoo and now i’m just washing my hair with plain water.But i shampoo my hair twice a week with herbal shampoo. My hair fall has not been reduced in both the cases. But i noticed that my hair is healthy and lustrous. Hair fall has not reduced. And in how many months can i see new hair growth ? Is the process right which i have been doing ? Should I use everyday or twice a week enough ? please reply.

  46. Hi.i applied onion juice on my hair but it’s been a week, the odor is not going away. I have tried applying lemon juice, rose water but nothing helped. Can you please tell how much time will it take to get off my hair naturally! ?

  47. After Chopping an onion and 2 garlic cloves and putting them with a coconut oil in a blender, I get a paste. Can I use and apply directly that paste on my hair and scalp or should I strain it first and use the juice!
    I appreciate if you’d answer my question, thank you!

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