Preparing onion juice
Ingredients and tools:
2-3 large onions
A blender or food processor
Cheesecloth or a fine strainer
A clean bowl
A small container or bottle for storage
Steps
Choosing the right onions: Red onions are often recommended for hair treatments due to their high sulfur content, but white and yellow onions can also be used.
Peeling and chopping: Peel the onions and chop them into small pieces. Smaller pieces make blending easier and more efficient.
Blending the onions: Place the chopped onions in a blender or food processor and blend until you achieve a smooth, fine paste.
Extracting the juice
Using acheesecloth: Place the cheesecloth over a bowl and pour the onion paste into the cloth. Gather the edges of the cloth and squeeze out the juice into the bowl. Make sure to extract as much juice as possible.
Using a strainer: Alternatively, you can use a fine strainer to separate the juice from the pulp. Press down with a spoon to extract more juice.
Storing the juice: Pour the extracted onion juice into a clean, airtight container or bottle. This will make it easier to store and use later.
Applying onion juice
Preparing your hair
Patch Test: Before applying onion juice to your scalp, perform a patch test to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction. Apply a small amount of onion juice to your inner elbow and wait for 24 hours. If there is no redness, itching, or swelling, it’s safe to use on your scalp.
Pre-wash routine: Onion juice should be applied to dry hair before washing it. This allows the juice to penetrate your scalp and hair follicles effectively.
Application process
Sectioning your hair: Divide your hair into small sections to ensure even application of the onion juice.
Applying the juice
Using cotton balls: Dip a cotton ball into the onion juice and apply it directly to your scalp. Focus on the roots and make sure the juice covers your entire scalp.
Using a spray bottle: Alternatively, you can pour the onion juice into a spray bottle and spritz it onto your scalp. Massage the juice into your scalp with your fingers for better absorption.
Massage: Gently massage your scalp for 5-10 minutes. This increases blood circulation and helps the juice penetrate deeper into the hair follicles.
Waiting period: Leave the onion juice on your scalp for at least 30 minutes. For better results, you can leave it on for up to an hour. To avoid the strong smell, you can cover your hair with a shower cap.
Rinsing: After the waiting period, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo. Ensure all the onion juice is washed out to avoid any lingering smell.
Conditioning: Use a good conditioner to keep your hair soft and manageable. Onion juice can sometimes leave your hair feeling dry, so conditioning is important.
Storing onion juice
Short-term storage
Refrigeration: Freshly prepared onion juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Always keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odors from the fridge.
Usage: Before using refrigerated onion juice, bring it to room temperature. Shake the container well to mix any settled particles.
Long-term storage
Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze the onion juice in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-lock bag or an airtight container. This method allows you to use small portions of onion juice as needed.
Usage: To use frozen onion juice, take out the required number of cubes and let them thaw at room temperature. This ensures the juice is fresh and potent for each application.
Homecare remedies to treat hairfall
Tips and precautions
Avoid contact with eyes: Onion juice can cause irritation if it gets into your eyes. If this happens, rinse your eyes thoroughly with water.
Allergic reactions: Always do a patch test before using onion juice on your scalp to check for any allergic reactions.
Consistency: For best results, apply onion juice to your scalp 2-3 times a week. Consistency is key to seeing noticeable improvements in hair growth.
Mixing with other ingredients: To enhance the benefits of onion juice and reduce its smell, you can mix it with other natural ingredients like honey, coconut oil, or aloe vera gel.
Onion juice and honey: Mix equal parts of onion juice and honey. Apply this mixture to your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.
Onion juice and coconut oil: Mix onion juice with coconut oil and apply it to your scalp. This combination helps nourish and moisturize your hair.
Onion juice and aloe vera gel: Combine onion juice with aloe vera gel for a soothing and hydrating scalp treatment.
Benefits of onion juice for hair growth
Rich in sulfur: Onion juice is high in sulfur, which helps strengthen hair follicles and promotes collagen production.
Antimicrobial properties: Onion juice has antimicrobial properties that help combat scalp infections and dandruff.
Improves circulation: Massaging onion juice into the scalp increases blood flow, which can stimulate hair growth.
Reduces hair thinning: Regular use of onion juice can reduce hair thinning and breakage, making hair stronger and healthier.
By following these steps to prepare, apply, and store onion juice, you can effectively use this natural remedy to promote hair growth and maintain healthy hair. Consistent application, combined with proper hair care, will yield the best results.