The rapper claims that the DIY home treatment resulted in her hair looking better after two washes, and the pre-post photos she shared on Instagram are unquestionably convincing.
She may be one of the few female artists to receive three diamond singles issued by the Recording Industry Association of America, according to Paper Magazine, the magazine. Still, she’s not the first to utilize the hair treatment at home. Many fans who visited Cardi B’s blog commented on the singer for using the natural remedy since it’s a part of Ayurvedic practices and Dominican tradition (though it’s unclear where the trial began). Also, William Gaunitz, the certified trichologist known as a hair and scalp expert and the founder of Advanced Trichology in Phoenix, Arizona, says that his patients suffering from hair loss have been talking about this natural remedy for a long time.
How to Cut It: Onion
Everyday Health Nutritionist on staff Kelly Kennedy, RDN, shows how to cut an onion.
Cardi B’s hack included boiling onions and using the water to wash them; Gaunitz mentions that he’s met patients who’ve mixed onions to create the consistency of a juice and applied it to their scalps after washing the solution away in the bath.
Others chop the vegetables and add them to their hair shampoo. This is the case with PureWow writer Angie Martinez-Tejada, who was taught about the alleged trick by her Dominican mother. The onion shampoo was applied first, followed by another shampoo, which she claims covers any onion scent that lingers.
But what do the scientific studies tell us about this hair-raising trick? Here, we review the information before dipping your hair in onion water.
What Are the Health Benefits of Onion Water for Hair?
The health benefits of onions suggest that the vegetable can provide numerous benefits for hair. “Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, onions offer antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits,” according to Kerry Yates, a trichologist co-founder of Colour Collective based in Dallas. According to her, This is an ideal solution for treating fungal infections that may cause dandruff. There’s a shortage of quality research about the effects of these properties on your scalp. A review published in the year 2020 in the Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences discovered the antifungal and microbial properties of onion extract and essential oils.
Although research on practical applications of onions for hair is scarce, one previous study found that the water from onions can aid in hair growth in people suffering from Alopecia areata, a disease that causes hair loss.
The study included 38 males and females who applied either onion juice or tap water on their scalps twice a day for two months. In the group of 23 who applied onion juice, twenty (or 87 percent) saw a regrowth six weeks into the study, and only two who used tap water observed the same. However, the tiny sample of this study suggests that more research is needed to understand the full extent of this impact.
One reason that onion juice might be a blessing for your hair? “The sulfur content of onion water is very high,” Gaunitz says. Gaunitz. Also, as per previous studies, you’ll find significant amounts of sulfur in other food items such as eggs, meat, Cruciferous vegetables, and even alliaceous vegetables such as garlic. The New York Times reported that this nutrient makes you teary after cutting onions. It can also cause additional effects; Gaunitz adds: “Since sulfur is a common OTC treatment for inflammatory skin conditions when applied to the scalp, it works for many people who have inflammatory hair loss issues.”
Note that onion water isn’t a solution for all kinds of hair loss, like hair loss due to nutrient deficiency and androgenetic alopecia, claims Gaunitz. No evidence suggests that onion juice may reduce dihydrotestosterone levels to minimize androgenetic hair loss. It has also not been demonstrated to boost the protein or vitamin D levels in the hair follicle’s base and could aid in hair loss due to nutritional factors.
In either case, consulting a certified dermatologist or trichologist is recommended.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Onion Water for Hair?
If you’re sensitive to onions, stay clear of applying them directly to your skin and even in the onion water, Yates warns Yates.
Even if you’re not allergic, thoroughly wash the onion’s water off your scalp to avoid irritation. (It’s possible but not impossible that it can irritate your skin, as per the Environmental Working Group.)
Although smelling like onions doesn’t constitute an adverse health effect’, it’s not the scent you’re looking for. The good news is that when you pair it using shampoo, “the onion smell should come right out” after washing, according to Gaunitz.
How to Use Onion Water for Healthy Hair
If you’re considering trying this onion hair water treatment, Gaunitz advises against cooking or boiling the onion. “The [theoretical] medicinal properties come from the raw onion itself,” Gaunitz says.
There’s another method, according to the New Jersey Hair Restoration Center:
- Peel and chop up to three onions into smaller pieces.
- Squeeze the juice or mix them.
- Apply the juice on your scalp with the cotton pad. You can also add Yates or the juice of a lemon to neutralize the onion’s smell.
- Massage it into your scalp, rest for an hour, and wash it off. After that, you can do a second cleanse of your regular shampoo.
Suppose you’re not sure about creating the DIY onion water remedy. In that case, Yates suggests topical hair care treatments such as shampoo conditioner, shampoo, or oil with onion juice.
Hair-Healthy Alternatives to Onion Water
Many experts do not support the trend of watering with onions. “While onions can be a powerful antioxidant, I wouldn’t invest too much stock, medically speaking, in the latest social media trend, or one that celebrities swear by,” declares William Yates, MD’sn Hair loss specialist in Chicago. “The fact is that the majority of your loss of hair (or the absence of it) is genetically etched in stone. In addition to disease which we have seen happen quite frequently in COVID as well as hormonal issues, your hair’s density is usually determined by the genetic traits that you inherited from your parents.”
Instead, he suggests you concentrate on “getting enough nutrients by eliminating processed foods and opting for a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.” It would be best to avoid Cleveland Clinic offering similar tips to stop hair loss. They also note that protein-rich food and a Mediterranean diet could be particularly beneficial.
Regarding your hair-care routine: “Remove any harsh chemicals such as phthalates, sulfates, and alcohol,” Dr. Yates advises.
The Takeaway
Utilizing onion water to boost scalp health and appearance isn’t modern. It’s founded in Ayurvedic practices as well as Dominican culture. While some say it helps reduce dandruff, stop hair loss, and increase shine, research evidence for the extensive use of onions to treat hair loss and scalp problems is not there. Although the risks and price are not too high, you should consult a dermatologist or trichologist before attempting the DIY treatment, as a few hair issues will benefit from this technique.