Table of contents:
- Is it true that onions are effective against hair loss?
- Why do onions treat hair loss?
- 1. Rich in sulfur
- 2. Has antibacterial properties
- 3. Contains antioxidants
- Which must be considered before using onions for hair care
In addition to its main "task" as a seasoning for cooking, onions can also be treated to maintain physical appearance so that they are always in their prime. When they are blended, they are said to be able to treat hair loss. Before feeling disgusted or nauseous at the thought of the onion smell that pierces your nose, first check the facts here.
Is it true that onions are effective against hair loss?
A small study published in the Journal of Dermatology reports that applying onion juice as a proper mask to the scalp twice a day regularly for two weeks can help with hair growth. This property is especially pronounced in some people who have alopecia areata or baldness at several points of the head.
Participants in the study experienced a 74 percent increase in hair growth after 4 weeks of using an onion mask. At week 6, the participants' hair growth had increased to about 87 percent. Hair growth in this study is generally more optimal in men than women.
Although the results of this study were positive, large-scale research is still needed to ensure the effectiveness of using onion juice in treating hair loss.
Why do onions treat hair loss?
The above research continues, there are several compounds in onions that can strengthen and encourage head hair growth. The following is a more complete explanation.
1. Rich in sulfur
Onions are rich in sulfur compounds (sulfur) which can prevent hair loss and promote the growth of strong, thick, and healthy hair. The reason is, the intake of sulfur in hair roots can increase the production of collagen, a protein that is important for increasing the production of healthy skin cells and hair growth.
2. Has antibacterial properties
Onions have antibacterial properties that can help fight scalp infections. In some cases, scalp infections can cause hair loss.
3. Contains antioxidants
Onions contain antioxidants, such as flavonoids. Antioxidants are believed to protect the body from free radicals. Besides being able to speed up the aging process, free radicals can also damage hair follicles and cause thinning of hair loss.
Which must be considered before using onions for hair care
- This treatment is not recommended for those with an allergy to onions.
- Even if you don't have allergies, you still have to be careful. Because onions have side effects that can cause skin irritation, rashes, and itching.
- To make sure that the onion juice you make isn't irritating, do a skin test on your elbows or behind your ears before applying the onion juice all over your scalp. If irritation occurs, don't use this onion mask and switch to other ways to treat hair loss.
- When applying the onion mask, make sure that the juice liquid does not drip into the eye area as it can cause hot and sore eyes. If the onion juice gets into the eyes, immediately rinse the eyes with cold water.
In most cases, people are reluctant to try this method because they can't stand the smell of onions that is too strong. However, you can work around this by using a shower cap to reduce the smell of onions. Another way is to add a few drops of essential oil to help reduce the smell of onion juice. Peppermint, lavender, or rosemary can be the right choice to help reduce the smell of onions.
