Onions, normally seen as a humble kitchen staple, may have uses other than simply adding flavor to our food. It might sound surprising to some, but onion juice is also a home remedy for hair loss.
Hair loss is very common and may involve bald patches, complete baldness or gradual thinning.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 80 million men and women in the United States have some degree of hair loss.
Fast facts on onion juice for hair loss:
Hair loss is very common and may involve bald patches, complete baldness or gradual thinning.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 80 million men and women in the United States have some degree of hair loss.
Fast facts on onion juice for hair loss:
- Onions contain certain minerals, which may be good for the hair.
- Anyone allergic to onions should not use onion juice on their hair.
- If the smell is too much to stand, adding a little lemon juice or rose water helps.
- Although a popular home remedy, more research is needed to conclude if onion juice works as a hair loss treatment.
Hair loss causes
The most common cause of hair thinning or loss is a hereditary condition called androgenetic alopecia.
Others reasons hair loss can develop include certain medical conditions, as a side effect of some medications, and hormonal changes.
Regardless of the cause, many people want to do what they can to regrow their hair and prevent further loss, and there are some medications that can be used to treat hair loss.
One home remedy many people may not have heard of is onion juice.
Does onion juice work for hair regrowth?
The use of onion juice for hair regrowth has not been extensively researched.
One small study published in the Journal of Dermatology indicated that applying onion juice to the scalp might help hair regrow in some people.
The study involved participants who had alopecia areata, which is a non-scarring, patchy form of hair loss.
Researchers found that hair growth started after 2 weeks of using onion juice, which was applied to the scalp twice daily.
Almost 74 percent of participants had some hair regrowth after 4 weeks, and at 6 weeks about 87 percent experienced hair regrowth. Both males and females participated in the study and the hair regrowth was higher among males.
Although the study did indicate positive results, it was small with only 38 participants.