Do Red Onions Actually Help With Hair Loss? Hair Care Experts Explain How They Can ‘Improve Hair Growth’ And Decrease Shedding

Experiencing hair loss, shedding thinning can deeply affect one’s confidence, leading many to explore every possible remedy, including natural alternatives. Recently, red onion hair treatment has gained attention on TikTok and social media. But is this remedy truly effective, or just another trend? We turned to research and experts to learn more.

In a recent interview with The Right Hairstyles, Rachel Voss, hairstylist and founder of Voss Salon, shared that red onions are a “natural source of quercetin, a potent antioxidant that can improve hair growth and circulation.” Many of her clients, she noted, have reported “decreased hair fall and improved softness after using DIY red onion remedies.”

For the best results, Voss also suggests using organic red onions and leaving the “treatment on for at least 30 minutes.” Still, she insists that “red onion is not a miracle cure and should be used to supplement a healthy diet and lifestyle.” She also underscores the necessity of performing a patch test and blending red onion juice with a carrier oil to prevent irritation.

Although red onion hair treatments offer promising benefits, they also carry potential drawbacks such as causing irritation, as noted by William Slator, the owner of Hairguard. He also told The Right Hairstyles that performing a patch test prior to full application is key. “Dilute the onion juice with other ingredients like coconut oil or aloe vera to minimize irritation,” he explains.

Another point to ponder is the scarcity of comprehensive scientific research validating the efficacy of red onion treatments, according to the outlet. Although numerous TikTok users, as showcased in the included videos, claim to experience favorable results, these accounts are predominantly anecdotal.

In numerous highly viewed videos, experts often advise peeling and chopping a few onions, then either squeezing or blending them to extract the juice. Alternatively, you can blend the onions into a paste and use cheesecloth to strain the juice. Many experts suggest applying this juice to your scalp and hair roots, massaging it in for several minutes.

Afterward, they say to rinse your hair thoroughly with a mild shampoo and cool water. To eliminate residue and enhance hair softness and shine, consider rinsing with an apple cider vinegar mixture. To mitigate the potent smell of onion juice, you can also add a few drops of essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, or rosemary, or mix the onion juice with lemon juice.

Before applying onion juice to your entire scalp, perform a patch test on a small area to ensure you aren’t allergic. Leaving the juice in your hair for extended periods can irritate the scalp, particularly if you have sensitive skin. Some individuals notice hair growth improvements within a few weeks to months of regular use. In summary, if you are grappling with hair loss, thinning, or shedding and are curious about natural solutions, trying a patch test with red onion juice could be beneficial, according to expert advice and testimonials from actual users.