Hair care is an essential part of self-care. Your hair is a defining part of your appearance and it is important to maintain it accordingly.
Yet, many people nowadays suffer from hair loss, hair damage, dullness, and related issues. The good news is there are several remedies for these common hair problems, and we are here to tell you some of them.
Olive oil and onion juice are two all-natural, inexpensive, and convenient ingredients you can add to your hair care routine. Olive oil penetrates deeply into the hair shaft and deep conditions your hair, while onion juice promotes hair growth and thickness. (1)
Scientific Evidence
Several studies have demonstrated the effects of onion juice on hair follicles. Onion juice contains high amounts of sulfur and other minerals that help reactivate the hair follicles and promote hair growth. It has been proven to be an effective remedy for alopecia areata. (2)
Olive oil contains a compound called “oleuropein,” which has been found to effectively increase the rate of hair growth in mice in one study. Olive oil has also been proven to increase hair growth in people suffering from psoriatic alopecia. (3)
How to Use Onion Juice and Olive Oil
Here are a few quick and easy ways to use olive oil on your hair:
1. Onion juice and olive oil
Onion juice and olive oil make an excellent hair mask. Olive oil contains essential fatty acids that help condition your hair and prevent excessive sebum production on the scalp. Onion juice has antifungal properties that help prevent dandruff. (4)
Ingredients:
How to use:
- Mix the olive oil and onion juice together.
- Apply this solution to your hair and scalp.
- Let it rest for an hour or two.
- Wash it off with water and a mild shampoo.
2. Onion juice, olive oil, and Indian gooseberry
Olive oil is an emollient that can seal moisture in your hair. This helps add shine and softness to dull hair.
Onion juice promotes hair growth and thickness, whereas Indian gooseberry (amla) makes your hair darker and prevents graying. (5)(6)
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp onion juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp melted shea butter
- 2 tbsp Indian gooseberry powder
How to use:
- Mix all the ingredients well to form a hair mask.
- Apply this mask to your scalp and hair using a brush. Make sure to coat all the strands.
- Put on a shower cap.
- After half an hour, wash it off with a mild shampoo.
- You can use this mask once a week or once a month depending upon your hair dryness.
3. Olive oil, onion juice, and honey
Olive oil, honey, and onion juice make a wonderful trio that can nourish and moisturize your hair. (7)
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp onion juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
How to use:
- Mix all the ingredients well to form a paste.
- Apply this mask to your hair and scalp using a brush.
- Cover your head with a shower cap for half an hour.
- Wash it off with water and a mild shampoo.
4. Onion, olive oil, and Greek yogurt
Yogurt contains lactic acid that helps moisturize your hair. Paired with olive oil, it is a one-stop remedy for dry hair.
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp onion juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How to use:
- Mix all the ingredients well to form a hair mask.
- Apply this mask to your hair and scalp.
- Let it rest for half an hour before washing it off with a mild shampoo.
Benefits of Onions for Hair
Here are some of the benefits of onion juice for your hair:
- Onions contain potent antimicrobial properties that help prevent scalp infections and dandruff. (8)(9)
- Onions are rich in nutrients such as sulfur and protein that help increase hair growth.
- Sulfur is one of the main components of your hair and significantly boosts the rate of hair growth.
- Onions also contain powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe your scalp and prevent graying of hair. (10)
Benefits of Olive Oil for Hair
Olive oil is an age-old remedy for hair dryness and damage. It is filled with antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and beneficial nutrients for your hair. Here’s what it can do:
- Olive oil can smooth, soften, and detangle frizzy or damaged hair.
- Olive oil contains emollient properties (due to its fatty acid content) that help condition and soften your hair. (5)(11) It contains high amounts of antioxidants that help prevent hair loss and premature graying.
- Olive oil is rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, and phytosterols – all of which help nourish your scalp and give rise to strong hair. (12)
- Oleuropein, a bioactive compound found in olive oil, can significantly boost hair growth. (13)
Side Effects of Onion Juice and Olive Oil
Although olive oil and onion juice are natural compounds, there are a few rare side effects associated with their use:
- The rich sulfur content in onions can cause scalp dryness if used excessively, at times leading to eczema.
- Onion juice also has a strong unpleasant odor that can be hard to get rid of, even after shampooing.
- Olive oil, if used on its own, may sometimes cause dandruff. That is why it is recommended to use it together with onion juice.
- Do not use heating products such as hair straighteners and blow-dryers with olive oil on your hair as it can damage the hair shaft.
Most-Asked Questions
What type of hair benefits best from olive oil treatments?
Olive oil is a moisturizing agent and works best for curly or dry hair. You can also use it to combat hair damage caused by hair dyes or sun exposure.
Is olive oil for hair and cooking different?
Pure olive oil can be used for cooking as well as a moisturizer for your skin and hair.
Final Word
Onion juice and olive oil are both traditional hair remedies. They are rich in vitamins and nutrients that nourish your scalp and keep it healthy. When combined, they make an effective treatment for multiple hair woes such as hair loss, dryness, and scalp irritation.
