DIY Onion Oil for Thicker Looking Hair Naturally

Looking for a natural way to support the appearance of stronger, fuller hair? This traditional DIY onion oil recipe is a popular home remedy that many turn to for improving the look and feel of their hair and scalp.

Quick Recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes

Best for: Supporting the appearance of thin or dull hair, promoting a healthy scalp.

Use type: Hair oil

Main ingredients:

• Red onion
• Coconut oil (or olive oil)

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized red onion
• 1/2 cup organic coconut oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
• Optional: 5-7 drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil (for scent and additional hair benefits)

How to Make It

1. Prepare the onion: Peel and finely chop or grate the red onion. You can also blend it into a coarse paste without adding water.
2. Heat the oil: In a small, heavy-bottomed pan, combine the chopped/grated onion with the coconut oil.
3. Infuse gently: Heat the mixture over very low heat for about 10-15 minutes. Do not let the oil smoke or the onion burn. The goal is to gently infuse the onion’s beneficial compounds into the oil. You’ll notice the onion pieces starting to turn light brown.
4. Cool and strain: Remove the pan from the heat and let the oil cool completely. Once cool, strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth into a clean glass jar. Press down on the onion solids to extract all the oil.
5. Add essential oil (optional): If using, add the essential oil to the strained onion oil and stir well.
6. Store: Seal the jar tightly and store your DIY onion oil in a cool, dark place.

How to Use It

1. Section your hair: Divide your hair into sections to easily access your scalp.
2. Apply the oil: Take a small amount of onion oil and gently massage it directly onto your scalp using your fingertips. Ensure even coverage across your entire scalp.
3. Extend to hair (optional): If your hair ends are dry, you can also apply a little oil to the lengths and ends of your hair.
4. Leave it on: Leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes to an hour. For deeper conditioning, you can leave it on overnight (cover your pillow with an old towel).
5. Rinse and shampoo: Wash your hair thoroughly with a mild shampoo. You may need to shampoo twice to fully remove the oil and any lingering onion scent.

How Often to Use It

For best results, use this DIY onion oil 1-2 times a week as part of your regular hair care routine.

Why These Ingredients Are Used

Red Onion

Red onions are a traditional favorite in many home remedies, particularly for hair. They contain sulfur compounds, which are thought to help nourish hair follicles and support the overall health of the scalp. This can contribute to the appearance of stronger, more resilient hair.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a widely celebrated natural hair conditioner. It’s rich in fatty acids that can penetrate the hair shaft, helping to reduce protein loss and keep hair moisturized. When used as a carrier oil, it also helps to dilute and deliver the onion’s benefits effectively while nourishing the scalp.

What Results to Expect

With consistent use, this DIY onion oil may help your hair feel softer and look shinier. It can support the appearance of a healthier, more nourished scalp, which in turn may help encourage the look of fuller, thicker hair over time. Individual results can vary, and patience is key with natural remedies.

Safety Notes

• Patch test first: Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin (e.g., behind your ear or inner arm) at least 24 hours before full application to check for any allergic reactions or irritation.
• Use gently: Apply and massage the oil gently. Do not rub vigorously.
• Avoid irritated or broken skin: Do not apply the oil to areas of your scalp that are irritated, broken, or have any open wounds.
• Stop using if discomfort occurs: If you experience any redness, itching, burning, or discomfort, rinse thoroughly and discontinue use immediately.
• Eyes and ingestion: Avoid getting the oil into your eyes. This remedy is for topical use only and should not be ingested.
• Smell: Onion oil has a distinct smell. While essential oils can help, a faint scent may linger until your next shampoo.

FAQ

Does onion oil really help hair grow?

While there’s no magic bullet for dramatic hair growth, onion oil is rich in sulfur, which is believed to help nourish hair follicles and support scalp health, potentially contributing to the appearance of stronger, healthier hair.

How long can I store homemade onion oil?

When stored in a sealed, clean glass jar in a cool, dark place, homemade onion oil can typically last for 1-2 weeks. If you notice any changes in smell or appearance, it’s best to discard it.

Can I use this oil every day?

It’s generally recommended to use onion oil 1-2 times a week. Daily use might be too intense for some scalps and could lead to overuse or product buildup. Listen to your scalp and adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts

Embracing natural beauty solutions like DIY onion oil can be a rewarding journey for supporting your hair’s appearance. While natural remedies work differently for everyone, this traditional approach offers a gentle way to care for your scalp and encourage the look of healthy, vibrant hair. Give it a try and see how your hair responds to this age-old secret!