Some dishes would be incomplete without onions in them. There are many you can name, and you’ll find that removing onions from the recipe changes the dish completely. Along with flavor, onions also bring a host of nutrients to our food, like Vitamin C, Folate, Pyridoxine, and potassium. But did you know that onions also work wonders on your hair too?

Yes, it’s true! The humble onion, a pantry staple, has acquired superstar status in the hair care world, thanks to its immense hair-friendly benefits. Belonging to the Allium family, onion benefits come from its sulfur-rich compounds and polyphenols. Onions contain the highest content of polyphenols among plant foods. Several studies are coming out with the numerous benefits of onions for hair. Here is a look at the most important ones.

Benefits of Onions for Hair

1. Prevents Hair Loss

Hair loss is probably the biggest hair concern among people everywhere in the world, and onions tackle this problem from the root. The sulfur in onions helps in stimulating the scalp and improving blood circulation, which in turn ensures the follicles get the nourishment they need.

Besides sulfur, onions also contain the antioxidant enzyme catalase, which makes the hair growth cycle more effective. The antioxidants in onions protect against free radicals that are a cause for hair loss.

2. Promotes Hair Growth

Besides stopping hair loss, onions also encourage new hair growth. Onions contain a high amount of Methylsulfonylmethane, a sulfur source that is easily absorbed by the scalp. This encourages the formation of keratin, promoting hair growth.

Sulfur promotes follicle regeneration and the production of collagen. It can also lengthen the growing phase of the hair cycle.

3. Treats Scalp Infections

Another major cause of hair loss is a scalp infection, like dandruff or yeast. Onions’ antibacterial and antifungal properties help to prevent and treat scalp infections. The pungent nature of onions also helps to avoid lice infestations and other infections. All this helps to maintain a clean scalp which is the ideal environment for better hair growth.

4. Prevents Premature Graying

Stress, pollution, and chemical-ridden hair care products have led to premature greying. With their high antioxidant content, consistent use of onion juice can help reverse premature aging and delay it as well, while improving hair health.

5. Makes Hair Lustrous

Onion juice nourishes hair and scalp from the inside out, strengthening the follicles and cleansing the scalp. Besides this, it also improves the appearance of hair, giving it a natural shine and volume. The result is hair that reflects its inner health.

For all these benefits for your hair, it’s important to have a well-thought-out and consistent hair care regime that makes the best use of onions. Here is the ideal onion hair care regime to follow for healthy hair that’s strong and nourished.

The Ideal Onion Hair Care Regime

1. Oiling

The best way to kick-start the ideal onion hair care regime is with onion oil for hair fall. A good recommendation for the best onion oil for hair regrowth is the Mamaearth Onion Hair Oil for Hair Regrowth and Hair Fall Control.

Along with onion black seed hair oil, this also contains Omega-3s and Vitamin E rich almond oil, the traditional hair fall remedy Bhringraj Oil as well as Redensyl – a natural and safe alternative to hair transplants.

Apply the oil all over the scalp, massaging it in. Leave it overnight for the best results.

2. Cleansing

By morning, the oil will have been absorbed into the scalp, and it’s now time for cleansing. Considering the multiple benefits of onions, the best onion shampoo for hair fall is also the best pick for dandruff – the Mamaearth Shampoo for Hair Growth and Hair Fall Control.

The best onion shampoo is not one laden with chemicals; it is one that packs the goodness of natural ingredients. The Mamaearth Onion Shampoo includes Vitamin E that nourishes the scalp, D-Panthenol that locks in the moisture, and plant keratin, the magic ingredient that gives hair its strength, shine, and smoothness.

3. Conditioning

Shampooing tends to open up the hair cuticle, which is why conditioning is essential as a follow-up step. And since this is an onion hair care regime, you’ll obviously need a good conditioner for hair growth, like the Mamaearth Onion Conditioner for Hair Growth and Hair Fall Control.

Along with onion oil, this hair conditioner contains two popular conditioning ingredients – coconut and almond oil. With lots of healthy fats and moisturizing properties, these ingredients close the cuticle and keep hair soft and shiny. Wring out the water from shampooed hair, apply the conditioner from the ears to the ends of hair and leave it on for 5 minutes.

4. Deep Conditioning

The steps above are perfect to follow through the week, but on weekends it’s good to go for something a little more intense, like a deep conditioning treatment. This can be done right at home with a good onion hair mask for hair growth, like the Mamaearth Onion Hair Mask, For Hair Fall Control.

Combined with organic bamboo vinegar, this mask improves blood circulation in the scalp, conditions hair and strengthens it from root to tip. Apply the mask all over wet scalp and hair and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off with the Mamaearth Onion Shampoo for Hair Growth and Hair Fall Control. 

While onion juice is largely safe, people who are allergic to onions as food may be allergic to onions in their hair care products. Some medicines can also increase sensitivity to onions. The best way to find out is to do a patch test of onion products for hair first. Combining the onion juice with coconut oil or aloe Vera may make it gentler on the skin and scalp.