Homemade onion oil is a simple, natural remedy touted for promoting hair growth. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients and Equipment:
- Onions: The quantity depends on the amount of oil you want to make. Start with 2-3 medium-sized onions for a small batch.
- Carrier Oil: Choose a carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil. Coconut oil is a popular choice due to its moisturizing properties.
- Blender or Food Processor: To efficiently extract onion juice.
- Fine Mesh Sieve or Cheesecloth: For straining the onion juice.
- Saucepan: For gently heating the carrier oil.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Onions: Chop the onions into small pieces.
- Extract the Juice: Place the chopped onions in a blender or food processor and blend until you get a smooth paste. Strain the paste using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to extract the juice. Ensure you press out as much juice as possible.
- Combine with Carrier Oil: Pour the carrier oil into a saucepan and heat it on low flame. Once warm (not hot!), add the extracted onion juice. The ratio of onion juice to carrier oil can be adjusted to your preference; a common starting point is a 1:1 ratio.
- Simmer Gently: Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the onion's beneficial compounds to infuse into the oil. Do not boil.
- Cool and Strain: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely. Strain the oil again through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining onion solids.
- Store: Store the onion oil in a clean, dark glass bottle in a cool, dark place.
Benefits of Onion Oil for Hair Growth:
Studies suggest that onion juice, and therefore onion oil, may stimulate hair growth due to its richness in antibacterial properties and sulfur compounds. These properties help to keep the scalp healthy and may promote hair follicle function. (Sources: Multiple YouTube videos and Quora threads cite these benefits, as well as a Reddit post mentioning a study on onion juice and alopecia areata regrowth).
Important Notes:
- Patch Test: Before applying the oil to your entire scalp, perform a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any allergic reactions.
- Consistency: The consistency of your onion oil will depend on the type of carrier oil you use and the ratio of onion juice to oil.
- Smell: Onion oil has a strong odor. Some people find the smell unpleasant.
