.JPG)
TikTok has convinced us to do some unusual things for beauty, from elaborate morning sheds to using beef tallow as moisturizer. The latest fixation? Onion juice for hair growth. Our feeds are currently convinced that this ingredient works miracles for healthy hair, but if you have some reservations about bringing the smelliest veggie to your washday routine, you’re not alone.
TikTok content
Growing longer, healthier hair takes a lot of patience—a virtue that clashes with social media’s instant gratification itch. Viral hair-growth “hacks” are constantly cycling through the trend mill, but their short-term promises can be misrepresented. Much like rosemary oil, castor oil, and even olive oil, onion juice is a natural ingredient that’s been used in hair care for generations. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Cardi B endorses the method for long, healthy hair.
Instagram content
Like many other natural ingredients that have had their moment in the sun on social media, onion juice has potential to enhance your hair and scalp health when added to your routine. But to enjoy the benefits, it’s important to understand how it works and what you can reasonably expect. Below, experts weigh in on all our burning questions about onion juice for hair growth.
Is onion juice actually good for your hair?
“Onion juice has been used as a home remedy for many years, and there is some evidence behind its benefits,” Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mona Dermatology, tells Glamour. She explains that onions are rich in sulfur—an important component of keratin, the protein that gives hair its strength. “When applied to the scalp, this extra sulfur may help reinforce fragile strands, reduce breakage, and support an overall healthier environment for growth,” Dr. Foad says.
Kerry Yates, trichologist and founder of Colour Collective, finds that the humble onion’s beauty accolades are well-deserved. “Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, onions offer antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory [benefits]," she tells Glamour. “They are perfect problem-solvers for hair challenges like dandruff.” Yates also notes that while it may not necessarily kick your growth speed into high gear, incorporating onion juice into your routine might enhance shine and the general appearance of hair over time.
Some studies suggest that onion juice can improve circulation to the hair follicles—Yates recommends pairing with a scalp massage—which may encourage hair regrowth for some people. Dr. Foad notes, however, that data is insufficient to draw meaningful conclusions about onion juice as a treatment for conditions like alopecia. “While it isn’t a cure for medical causes of hair loss, it can be a helpful, natural way to promote stronger-looking hair,” she says.
Does onion juice affect all hair types the same way?
Before you jump on an onion juice regimen, it’s important to take your natural hair characteristics into consideration. “Hair type and scalp condition can influence how well onion juice works,” Dr. Foad says. “People with fine or thinning hair may notice the most improvement, as the sulfur helps strengthen the hair shaft and enhance volume. Those with oily scalps may benefit as well, since onion juice can help rebalance oil production.”
Anyone with very sensitive or eczema-prone skin should proceed with extra caution, Dr. Foad says, since undiluted onion juice can cause itching and irritation. If that’s you, rosemary oil might be a safer addition to your routine; it’s also linked to certain hair-growth benefits, and its composition is more soothing.
In terms of hair type, “curly or coarse hair may tolerate [onion juice] better, though pairing it with a calming ingredient like aloe vera or a lightweight oil helps offset dryness,” Dr. Foad says. It’s important to remember that the effects of using onion juice may vary, even in individuals with similar hair types and scalp conditions. But when used thoughtfully, it can be a helpful addition to your routine.
TikTok content
Should I start chopping at home, or look for products with onion juice?
Dr. Foad says, “Both approaches can offer benefits, but they’re not the same experience.” Rinsing your scalp with homemade onion juice—made from puréeing red onions and straining the concoction down to a thin juice—“delivers the onion’s nutrients directly to the scalp” but can also be messy, strongly scented, and irritating if not diluted properly with water and other ingredients, Dr. Foad says.
Yates recommends adding argan oil, sandalwood oil, and rice water for complementary, hydrating benefits if you’re making onion juice at home. Importantly, if you’re experimenting with your own mixture, “always patch-test first and use it sparingly to see how your skin responds,” Dr. Foad says.
If the DIY route sounds like an ordeal, Dr. Foad says that professionally formulated products with onion extract tend to be much easier and more stable. Plus, they often include hydrating and soothing ingredients to pad out your tolerance. “For most people, a store-bought product is the more practical starting point,” Dr. Foad says.
.png)
.png)
.png)
How often should you use onion juice for best results?
According to Dr. Foad, consistency matters more than frequency. Generally, she says, using a well-diluted home concoction or a product containing onion juice two to three times weekly will allow you to reap the benefits without overwhelming your scalp. Daily use definitely isn’t necessary and will likely lead to irritation. For more-concentrated homemade juice concoctions, Yates advises even more sparing use—once every other week maximum.
“The best approach is to see how your scalp responds and adjust as needed,” Dr. Foad says. While you’re using onion juice in your hair care routine, she also recommends incorporating soothing ingredients, like aloe vera and lightweight oils to minimize dryness.
How long will it take to see results?
While you may notice some real benefits from using onion juice in your hair routine, results won’t happen overnight. “Some individuals might begin to notice less shedding or early regrowth within four to six weeks,” Dr. Foad says. For others, it might take two to three months of consistent use to see visible improvements.
“The timeline really depends on your underlying scalp health,” Dr. Foad says. “While results aren’t guaranteed, onion juice may help create a healthier foundation for hair to grow stronger over time.” On the flip side, she notes, onion juice may cause hair loss if it is too irritating to the scalp. In other words, this isn’t a method to power through if your scalp is reacting negatively to the treatment.
Will my hair smell like onions?
This is the burning question in most TikTok onion juicers’ comment sections. If you’ve ever cooked with onions, you know that their scent can be very clingy, and it’s not usually one you want to wear out of the kitchen.
While the odor scares lots of people off, there are ways to minimize it. “Mixing onion juice with aloe vera gel, lemon juice, or a lightweight oil can help mask the smell while soothing the scalp,” Dr. Foad says. After applying onion juice to your scalp and hair, be sure to wash thoroughly with a gentle shampoo and follow with a fresh-scented conditioner. Yates also says that lemon juice can offset the onion scent. If onion smell is a recurring problem, try rinsing with diluted lemon juice to neutralize the odor before you wash regularly.
Onion juice may not grow you Rapunzel-esque locks overnight, but with the right considerations, it can be a beneficial, affordable addition to your hair care routine. Trust the pros over TikTok: Find the balance that works for you, and proceed with patience.
Grace McCarty is the associate beauty editor at Glamour.
