Benefits of Onion Oil for Hair

Onions are a botanical part of the lily family (Liliaceae), along with garlic, shallots, and shallots. Although onions are not as common as garlic, they contain powerful compounds that are known for their health benefits of onion oil for hair.

Onions are the basis for a variety of dishes, whether they are raw, sauteed, baked, steamed, or boiled.

Nutritional profile of onions

80 grams of onions (raw) provide:

28 kcal / 120 kJ

0.8 g protein

6.4 g carbs

5.0 g sugars

1.8 grams of fiber

2.0 mg Vitamin C

Benefits of Onion Oil for Hair

i) Improves Hair Growth Cycle

Onion oil is able to activate certain enzymes on your scalp which helps in improving the hair growth cycle. This results in faster hair growth and inhibition of hair loss for healthier hair.

ii) Prevents breakage and loosening

Onion oil, which is rich in sulfur, can do wonders for preventing split ends, split ends and hair thinning. This happens because sulfur is able to form bonds in your hair that are needed to strengthen strands.

iii) Delaying premature aging

Some of the enzymes in onion oil can prevent free radical damage to your hair, helping to delay the onset of premature graying.

iv) Maintains pH levels in the scalp

The key to having healthy hair is a nourished and balanced scalp, as onion oil can help maintain the pH levels of your scalp.

v) Fights bacterial infections

Regular use of onion oil on the scalp can help prevent bacterial infections, dandruff, and itching.

vii) Can be used as a natural conditioner

Using conditioner before washing your hair can ensure that the shampoo does not strip moisture from your scalp. This is where onion oil can be used as a natural conditioner.

viii) Improves hair texture

Regular use of onion oil can make your hair shiny, soft, hydrated and frizz-free!

2. How to extract oil from onions at home

If you don't want to use store-bought onion oil, you can make your own onion oil. Start by choosing a few fresh onions, the number depends on how much oil you want to make in one sitting. Finely chop the onion and add to the grinder or juicer. Keep the juice/paste aside to prepare the oil and get benefits of onion oil for hair.

Put a little coconut oil in a non-stick frying pan and heat it gently over a low heat. Add onion juice/paste to the oil and mix well for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat to cool. Using a strainer, extract the oil and store it in a non-metallic container for use. Homemade onion oil is safe to store and use for up to 6 months.

3. How to use onion oil for hair

Onions can be used both ways, as is and in the form of a hot oil treatment. To use onion oil without heating it, take a few drops of pure onion oil in the palm of your hand and massage your scalp for 15-20 minutes. Make sure to be gentle with the pressure and use circular motions to work the oil well into the scalp. Leave the oil for 3-4 hours and then wash it off with a mild shampoo. Do this twice a week for best results.

While using a hot oil treatment, mix onion oil with a carrier oil (such as almond or olive), heat it to a lukewarm temperature, and massage into the scalp and hair lengths. Leave it on overnight and wash it off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo in the morning. Follow balm. Repeat before every hair wash to get thick and smooth hair.

4. Rich in antioxidant compounds

Onions are full of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, that have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. When taken regularly and in adequate amounts, these compounds may help protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. In fact, onions contain more than 25 different flavonoids and are one of the richest sources in our diet.

5. May Support Heart Health

Including onions in the diet is associated with improved bone density. This may be due to its antioxidant properties, which reduce oxidative stress and appear to reduce bone loss.

6. May support gut health

Onions are rich in fibre, especially the indigestible kind that is required to maintain gut health. Although we can't digest prebiotic fibers, bacteria that live in our gut do and use them as fuel to help increase their numbers and produce byproducts called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Research shows that these SCFAs are important for maintaining gut health and integrity and supporting our immunity and digestion.

7. Antibacterial

Used in traditional medicine to relieve coughs, colds and catarrh, studies confirm that onions have valuable antibacterial properties against  Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the oldest stored onions appear to be the strongest. Again, quercetin appears to be of value here, as it has the ability to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

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