It is likely that the thought has crossed your mind: to what lengths would you go to preserve your mane? With everything from hair transplants to scalp microneedling available, it’s clear to see that many are willing to undertake extreme measures to maintain their crowning glory. This includes at-home remedies, though it seems tried-and-tested options in the vein of coconut and rosemary oil have fallen out of favour as of late. And in its place, a much more pungent alternative, of which is rapidly cementing its foothold into the mainstream consciousness. That’s right, we’re talking about onion juice.
Funnily enough, onion juice isn’t an entirely novel entry to the beauty realm. Ayurvedic traditions have long included this formidable potion, where onion and water are grinded together in a mixer to form an infusion. It is then applied to the scalp using cotton pads, where it has to be left on for an hour, minimum. And while there’s not much else to this beauty hack, its simplicity has many questioning its efficacy. To answer this question, we got Faz Iqbal, hair restoration medical professional at Sage Medical, to weigh in. Does onion juice actually aid in hair growth, are there any risks in utilising it, and what is the best way to try this mixture for yourself? Find out all, below.
Is onion juice an actual remedy for hair loss?
Not exactly. “It is important to understand the type of hair loss one is facing and determine the cause before deciding on a treatment or remedy,” Iqbal expounds. “Onion juice may not be an effective solution for everyone, especially those with andro-genetic alopecia also known as male or female pattern hair loss. It is also not a cure for hair loss caused by hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies or stress such as telogen effluvium. For androgenetic alopecia, an individual can look to medical treatments like growth factor based follicle boosters, which helps to repair the depleted and damaged support structure of hair follicles caused by both aging and DHT; Finasteride, which blocks DHT production and slows down hair loss; as well as minoxidil to stimulate blood flow to miniaturised follicles. For hair fall such as telogen effluvium, it is essential to find out the cause before deciding on treatment. This can be done via a hair loss specific diagnostic test.”
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Does this mean there is no scientific evidence that onions help with hair growth?
Research has shown that onion juice does have an effect on hair, though it is more stimulative in nature. “It does promote hair growth, for one,” states Iqbal. “It does so by increasing collagen production, improving blood circulation to the scalp, and nourishing hair follicles. Sulfur compounds found in this mixture also enhance keratin production, which is crucial for hair growth.”
“Onion juice also comprises antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to tackle scalp infections, which is one of the causes of hair loss. Its antioxidant properties help neutralise free radicals as well that damages hair cells,” continues Iqbal. “Do note, however, that it will not treat telogen effluvium which is a more common cause of hair shedding. It also combats dandruff due to its antimicrobial nature which fights pathogens, while slowing premature greying thanks to the inclusion of antioxidants such as catalase which reduces oxidative stress linked to greying, preserving melanin and delaying greying.”
Are there any potential risks associated with this trend?
While this trend is generally safe for most, it might irritate more sensitive scalps. It is best to perform a patch test on the bend of your elbow before proceeding to plaster your scalp in this solution.
What is the optimal way to try out this trend?
There are plenty of ways to go about this approach. “You can then massage the juice into your scalp, focusing especially on affected areas,” Iqbal instructs. “Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Repeat it two to three times a week.” Do note, however, that it does leave behind a specific stench that requires a few washes to eradicate.
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