Red Onion vs White Onion for Hair Growth

Red onions are the superior choice for hair growth because they contain higher levels of sulfur and anthocyanins that jumpstart scalp circulation. Use white onions only as a milder alternative if you have a hypersensitive scalp and find red juice too aggressive.

Read on to find out how to correctly use white onions or red onions for hair growth. 

Why is onion used for hair growth?

Onion, more precisely onion juice, is used for hair growth because it contains sulfur, antioxidants and other plant compounds that support scalp health. 

Here’s how these components help improve hair health: 

• Anthocyanins

The deep pigment in red onions is caused by Anthocyanins, which function as natural vasodilators. These compounds physically widen blood vessels to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the follicle—a feature white onions lack.

• Sulfur

Sulfur is the primary building block for Cysteine, the amino acid responsible for the 'disulfide bonds' in your hair. Red onions provide a higher sulfur concentration, acting as the structural 'glue' that prevents breakage.

• Antioxidants

Antioxidants like quercetin help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. It also improves blood flow to your scalp, which in turn also improves hair health. 

Studies also suggest that onion juice can help people with alopecia areata, but more research is needed to clearly support these claims. 

Here’s a comparison of the specific benefits offered by white onion and red onion for hair growth.

Which onion is best for hair: red or white?  

Red onion might seem like the better choice, but it’s not that clear. If you want onion juice with less odour, or if your scalp is sensitive, white onion is the better option for your hair health. 

While it’s rare in India, some people also use yellow onion juice for their hair; it can offer benefits similar to white onion juice. 

Choosing between the two depends entirely on your scalp's sensitivity and your hair growth goals. Red onion acts as an aggressive, high-potency stimulant for targeted hair restoration, whereas white onion serves as a low-intervention alternative for basic health maintenance. 

Let’s look at how you can make red onion or white onion juice for hair growth at home. 

How to make onion juice for your hair? 

Onion juice is a simple DIY recipe that only requires fresh onions. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the recipe: 

• Step 1 – Peel and chop 2-3 red or white onions. 
• Step 2 – Blend them in your mixer till it becomes a paste
• Step 3 – Strain the mixture through a muslin and collect the liquid
• Step 4 – Mix the liquid in a base oil like coconut oil. 
• Step 5 – Apply the mixture on your scalp and leave it for up to 30 minutes

You can use onion juice as it is, even without coconut oil or aloe vera. It is recommended to use some carrier oil or gel because some people find onion juice to be harsh on their scalp. It is not recommended to use onion juice daily; 1 or 2 times a week should ideally be enough to see results. 

Side effects of onion juice for hair and scalp

While onion juice is a natural hair care treatment, it can still cause some side effects. One common side effect of using red or white onion for hair growth is increased itching, redness or a burning sensation. 

These symptoms usually occur when you leave onion oil or juice in your hair for long periods or use it too often. Continued use of onion oil or juice for hair in this manner can also leave marks resembling chemical burns or contact dermatitis. 

Because onion juice is highly alkaline, it also disrupts the hair cuticles, leading to a 'Bird's Nest' effect that tangles your hair. Deep conditioning is a mandatory step to seal the cuticle and prevent chronic dryness

Overuse of onion juice can also lead to dryness in your hair or scalp. In some cases, it can also cause an allergic reaction. That’s why it is better to apply it on a small patch of your skin first to observe the reaction. 

One unavoidable side effect of using onion juice on your hair is the odour it leaves behind. But you don’t need to worry about this, as it can be fixed easily.  

How to reduce red onion smell in hair? 

You can reduce the odour of onion juice by mixing it with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. You can also mask the smell with other essential oils with a relatively pleasant scent, like lavender or tea tree oil. 

After applying onion juice to your hair, rinse it with a mild shampoo and conditioner. This will help remove any lingering smell. 

For example, the Traya Defence shampoo and conditioner can be the mild combo you need to clean your hair after using onion juice. They are sulphate-free and include biotin to clean your hair without damaging it. 

Irrespective of which onion you use, it is considered a great natural remedy for hair growth. However, do consider the side effects and allergies before using onion juice on your hair. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can onion juice regrow bald patches?

Onion oil can boost hair regrowth in cases such as alopecia areata, but this is based on limited studies and lacks widespread approval. That’s why it’s not guaranteed to regrow hair in bald patches. 

2. Is onion juice safe for colored hair?

Yes, onion juice is generally safe for colored hair. However, it may cause slight dryness or odour, so it’s best to rinse thoroughly and follow with a mild conditioner.

3. Does onion juice help with grey hair? 

Yes, onion juice can help prevent premature greying, but it is not a solution to reverse grey hair already present on your scalp. Onions contain the enzyme catalase, which helps break down the hydrogen peroxide buildup on your hair follicles that causes greying. 

References:

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12029492/ 
• https://www.healthline.com/health/onion-juice-on-hair
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12126069/ 
• https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-onions 
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319515
  

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