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Cardi B not too long ago set social media ablaze when she took to Instagram to share a doubtlessly surprising secret to wholesome hair: onion water.
The rapper says that the DIY, at-home remedy has left her hair shinier after simply two washes — and the supposed before-and-after photos she posted to Instagram are undeniably convincing.
She could be the first feminine rapper to have three diamond single certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America, per Paper Magazine, however she’s definitely not the primary to make use of the at-home hair remedy. Countless followers who flocked to Cardi B’s feedback part praised the performer for using the pure treatment, because it’s deeply embedded in ayurvedic practices and Dominican tradition (although it’s unclear the place the apply originated). And William Gaunitz, an authorized trichologist, or hair and scalp professional, and founding father of Advanced Trichology in Phoenix, Arizona, says that his hair loss sufferers have been discussing this pure remedy for years.
Gaunitz says claims about onion water’s advantages for the hair “hold validity to a degree.” But he would not unconditionally help the apply as a result of “it’s subject to a random recipe” with a “variety of variables” that will or might not work.
While Cardi B’s hack concerned boiling onions and utilizing the water, Gaunitz notes that he’s encountered sufferers who’ve blended onions to make a juice-like substance that they use as a scalp remedy earlier than rinsing it off within the bathe.
Still others chop the vegetable and add it to their shampoo. That’s the case for PureWow writer Angie Martinez-Tejada, who discovered in regards to the supposed trick from her Dominican mom. She used the onion shampoo first and adopted up with a second shampoo, which she says masks any lingering onion scent.
But what does the science say about this hair-raising hack? Ahead, we break down every little thing you could know earlier than you douse your hair in onion water.
What Are the Health Benefits of Onion Water for Hair?
Onions’ well being properties imply the vegetable might provide a bevy of advantages for the hair. “Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, onions offer antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits,” says Kerry Yates, a trichologist and founding father of Colour Collective based mostly in Dallas. These properties make it a possible resolution to alleviate fungal infections that may trigger dandruff, she provides. While there’s a scarcity of high-quality analysis on how these properties translate to your scalp, one review published in 2020 in the Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences famous the antifungal and antimicrobial potential of onion extract and onion important oils.
And whereas analysis on the real-world functions of onions for hair is restricted, one past study advised that onion water may assist promote hair re-growth amongst examine contributors residing with alopecia areata, which is a situation that causes hair loss.
The examine concerned 38 men and women who utilized onion juice or faucet water to their scalp twice every day for 2 months. Of the 23 contributors who used onion juice, 20 individuals (or 87 p.c) observed regrowth by six weeks into the trial, whereas solely two individuals from the faucet water group observed the identical. But the small pattern dimension of this examine implies that additional analysis is required to completely perceive this potential impact.
One doable cause onion juice could also be a boon to your hair? “The sulfur content of onion water is very high,” says Gaunitz. You’ll additionally discover excessive ranges of sulfur in different meals, together with meat, eggs, cruciferous veggies, and different alliaceous veggies like garlic, per past research. This nutrient leaves you teary after chopping onions, famous The New York Times. But it could possibly produce other results, Gaunitz continues: “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.”
Take note, though: Onion water won’t work for all types of hair loss, such as hair loss caused by nutrient deficiencies and androgenetic alopecia, says Gaunitz. There’s no research to suggest that onion juice could suppress dihydrotestosterone levels to prevent androgenetic alopecia. Likewise, it hasn’t been shown to boost protein or vitamin D levels at the base of the hair follicle, which could assist in nutritional hair loss.
In either of those cases, it’s best to consult with a certified dermatologist or trichologist.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Onion Water for Hair?
If you are allergic to onions, avoid using them topically entirely, including in onion water, warns Yates.
And even if you’re not allergic, be sure to thoroughly wash the onion water out of your scalp to prevent irritation. (It’s unlikely, but not impossible, that it could irritate your skin, according to the Environmental Working Group.)
While smelling like onions isn’t a health-related side-effect, it’s probably not the fragrance you’re after. The good news: Teamed with shampoo, “the onion odor ought to come proper out” after rinsing, says Gaunitz.
How to Use Onion Water for Healthy Hair
If you are interested by giving the onion water hair treatment a strive, Gaunitz advises in opposition to cooking or boiling them. “The [theoretical] medicinal properties come from the raw onion itself,” he explains.
Instead, here’s one potential method, per the New Jersey Hair Restoration Center:
- Peel and chop three to four onions into small pieces.
- Extract the juice by squeezing or blending them.
- Apply the juice to your scalp using a cotton pad. Optionally, adds Yates, you can add a little lemon juice if you want to offset the smell of the onion.
- Massage it into the scalp, let it sit for an hour, and then rinse. Follow with a second cleanse of your usual shampoo.
If you’re wary about concocting a DIY onion water solution, Yates suggests opting for a topical haircare treatment like shampoo, conditioner, or oil containing onion juice.
Hair-Healthy Alternatives to Onion Water
Not all experts advocate for the onion water trend. “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,” says William Yates, MD, a Chicago-based hair loss surgeon. “The truth is that much of your hair loss (or lack thereof) is genetically written in stone. Aside from disease, which we saw happen very widespread with COVID, and hormonal imbalances, your hair density is mostly predetermined based on the inherited traits from your parents.”
Instead, he advises that you just concentrate on “getting enough nutrients by eliminating processed foods and opting for a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.” The Cleveland Clinic gives comparable recommendation to forestall hair loss, noting that protein-rich meals and a Mediterranean food regimen could also be particularly helpful.
As on your hair-care routine: “Remove any harsh chemicals such as phthalates, sulfates, and alcohol,” Dr. Yates advises.
The Takeaway
Using onion water to enhance scalp well being and your hair’s look just isn’t a brand new apply — it’s rooted in Ayurvedic practices and Dominican tradition. Overall, whereas some individuals declare it could possibly cut back dandruff, cut back hair loss, and increase shine, the analysis proof to help widespread use of onion therapies for scalp and hair points is missing. Although the theoretical danger and price are low, seek the advice of a dermatologist or trichologist earlier than making an attempt the DIY remedy, as not all hair issues can profit from this apply.
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