Dandruff is not a serious medical issue by any means but is definitely an annoyance. It can lead to an itchy, irritated scalp, stunted hair growth, and potential embarrassment. (1)
The good news is there are a few age-old natural remedies in your kitchen that can easily help you get rid of dandruff. Onion juice is the most popular among them.
Onions are filled with antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, (2) that can help rejuvenate your scalp and clear dandruff. They also contain nutrients such as sulfur and protein that can increase your hair growth.
How to Use Onion Juice for Dandruff
Here are a few quick DIY ways to use onion juice on your scalp:
1. Onion juice and coconut oil
Ingredients:
How to use:
- Mix all the ingredients well.
- Apply this solution to your scalp and massage for a few minutes.
- Let it sit for at least half an hour.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
2. Onion juice and neem powder
Ingredients:
- 3–4 tbsp onion juice
- 1 tbsp neem powder or holy basil powder
How to use:
- Mix the onion juice and neem powder or holy basil powder to form a paste.
- Apply this hair mask to your scalp and let it rest for 40 minutes.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
3. Onion juice, aloe vera gel, and tea tree oil
Ingredients:
- 2–3 tbsp onion juice
- 2–3 tbsp aloe vera gel
- 4–5 drops tea tree oil
How to use:
- Mix all the ingredients well.
- Apply the solution to your scalp.
- Leave it on for half an hour.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
4. Onion juice and fenugreek seeds
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp onion juice
- 1 tbsp fenugreek powder
- 2–3 drops thyme oil
How to use:
- Mix all the ingredients well to form a paste.
- Apply this paste to your scalp.
- After half an hour, wash it off with a mild shampoo.
5. Onion juice, yogurt, and lemon peel powder
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp onion juice
- 4 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tsp lemon peel powder
How to use:
- Mix the ingredients well to form a paste.
- Apply this mask to your scalp as it will help in exfoliation.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with water.
6. Onion juice and hibiscus
Ingredients:
- 3–4 tbsp onion juice
- 2 tbsp hibiscus powder
How to use:
- Mix the ingredients well.
- Apply this paste to your scalp and massage gently.
- Let it rest for half an hour.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
Science Behind Onion Juice for Dandruff
Several links have been established between the presence of dandruff and microorganisms such as fungi Malassezia and bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus on the scalp. Thus, dandruff accumulation may occur due to microbial growth. (3)
Onion juice extracts have been found to be effective in stopping fungal and bacterial growth in some studies. They contain anti-inflammatory properties that help get rid of scalp irritation and increase blood flow to the hair.
Onions also contain large amounts of sulfur, which promotes hair growth. (4)
Benefits of Onions for Dandruff
The potential benefits of using onion juice on your scalp are:
- Nutrition rich: Onions are rich in minerals, vitamin C, folate, etc., which nourish your hair.
- High in sulfur: Sulfur, found abundantly in onions, is an essential mineral required for hair growth. It stimulates the hair follicles to produce hair and increases collagen levels.
- Antibacterial agent: Onions have antimicrobial properties useful for preventing scalp infections and dandruff. (5)
- Improves oxygen supply: Onion juice promotes blood flow to the scalp and increases oxygen supply to the hair follicles.
Tips and Precautions When Using Onion Juice on Hair
Although onion juice is a natural product and is usually safe to use, there are a few precautions to keep in mind before applying it to your scalp:
- Never use a highly concentrated onion juice on your scalp or hair, especially if you have never tried it before.
- Make sure you are not allergic to onions by performing a patch test.
- Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo after using onion juice as it tends to have a strong odor.
Most-Asked Questions
Is dandruff a fungus?
Dandruff is usually caused by excessive growth of fungi such as Malassezia on the scalp. This fungal overgrowth is usually caused by an overproduction of oil or sebum in the scalp. This may lead to a buildup of flaky, dead skin cells known as dandruff.
Should I wash my hair every day if I have dandruff?
Yes. The American Academy of Dermatology states that shampooing your hair daily can effectively decrease the amount of dead skin cells on your scalp and help reduce dandruff.
What is the difference between psoriasis and dandruff?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which the skin becomes scaly and flaky, whereas dandruff refers to a buildup of dead, flaky skin cells on the scalp.
Psoriasis on the scalp may look similar to dandruff. However, if you have psoriasis, you will also notice irritated skin on other body parts such as your forehead, arms, and neck. Psoriasis can also lead to reddish plaques on the skin in severe cases.
Final Word
Onions are an excellent remedy for many scalp issues such as hair loss, dandruff, and scalp infections. So, the next time you are looking for a solution to your hair woes, remember to give onion juice a shot!
