Apart from adding delicious taste to the dishes, red onion also has become a common ingredient in commercial and homemade shampoo and conditioners. Red onion shampoo and conditioner has gained popularity for its potential benefits for hair health, due to the following properties of red onions that support hair health.

How does red onion promote hair health?

1. Promotes hair growth: Red onions are rich in sulfur, a key component of amino acids needed for protein building. Our hair strands are made of keratin and our scalp contains collagen – both are proteins. Sulfur is essential for the formation of both proteins. Sulfur in red onions helps to nourish hair follicles, stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, elasticity of the hair strands and promote hair growth.
2. Reduces hair fall: The sulfur in red onions helps strengthen hair strands and reduce breakage and thinning. Improved blood circulation also nourishes the scalp, preventing hair fall caused by weakened follicles.
3. Adds shine and softness: Red onion shampoo can help improve the overall texture of hair by making it smoother and shinier. The antioxidants in red onions neutralize free radicals, preventing damage and maintaining healthy hair.
4. Fights dandruff and scalp infections: Red onions have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help combat dandruff, scalp infections, and fungal growth. Using red onion shampoo regularly can help keep the scalp clean, reduce flakiness, and prevent itching.
5. Balances scalp pH and improves scalp health: Red onions contain compounds that help balance the scalp’s pH, reducing excessive oil production and maintaining a healthy environment for hair growth.
6. Reduces premature graying: Red onions contain antioxidants such as flavonoids and quercetin, which help protect hair from oxidative stress. This can reduce the risk of premature graying and maintain natural hair color.
7. Improves hair thickness: The nutrients in red onions, including vitamins C, B6, and folate, help in improving the thickness and volume of hair by nourishing hair follicles and promoting healthy hair growth.
8. Natural conditioner: Red onion shampoo often has conditioning properties, making hair softer and more manageable, reducing frizz and dryness.

How to use red onion shampoo?

• Apply generously: Use enough shampoo and gently massage it into your scalp and hair for few minutes.
• Leave it on: Allow the shampoo to sit on your scalp for 2-3 minutes to let the nutrients penetrate the hair follicles.
• Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all the shampoo.
• Condition: Follow up with a conditioner for additional moisture and softness.

Things to keep in mind:

• Check for allergies: If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test before using red onion shampoo, as it may cause irritation for some people.
• Choose quality products: opt for shampoos that contain natural red onion extract and avoid those with harsh chemicals, parabens, or sulfates.

Recipe for homemade red onion hair treatment:

Making a homemade red onion hair treatment is simple and effective. You can use fresh red onion juice to promote hair growth, reduce hair fall, and improve scalp health.

Ingredients:

1. 1–2 medium-sized red onions (depending on hair length)
2. Few drops of essential oil (optional, such as lavender or rosemary, to mask the onion smell)
3. One tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil (optional, for added moisture)

Preparation:

1. Onion juice: Peel the red onions and chop them into small pieces. Blend the chopped onions in a blender or food processor until you get a smooth paste. Strain the onion paste using a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or a muslin cloth to extract the juice. Squeeze out as much juice as possible.

2. Add essential oils (optional): Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil (like lavender, rosemary, or peppermint) to the onion juice. This helps to mask the strong onion smell and adds additional benefits like soothing the scalp and promoting hair growth.
3. Mix with carrier oil (optional): If you have dry hair or a sensitive scalp, you can mix the onion juice with one tablespoon of carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or castor oil. This will provide extra moisture and nourishment.
4. Application: Apply the onion juice mixture directly to your scalp using a cotton ball or using your fingertips. Gently massage it into your scalp for 5–10 minutes to ensure it penetrates the hair follicles. Make sure to cover all areas of the scalp thoroughly.
5. Leave it on: Leave the onion juice on your scalp for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. For better results, you can cover your hair with a shower cap to allow the juice to penetrate deeply.
6. Rinse and wash: Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Then, wash your hair with a mild shampoo to remove the onion juice completely. You may need to shampoo twice to eliminate the smell. You can also apply the juice along the length of your hair for added benefits.
7. Condition your hair. Use conditioner to moisturize and soften your hair.

Tips to use homemade onion juice hair treatment:

• Frequency: Use this treatment 1–2 times a week for the best results.
• Patch test: Always perform a patch test before applying onion juice to your entire scalp to check for any allergic reactions or irritation.
• Consistency: Regular use over several weeks or months required to notice significant changes in hair growth or thickness.

Image credit: Image by Leopictures from Pixabay (CC by 0) & Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay (CC by 0)