Onion in Hair Care Is Trending—Should You Try It?

Onions are polarizing enough in food—but what about hair care? If you haven’t heard, “Onions are finally getting recognition and are no longer an industry secret as the go-to beauty ingredient,” says trichologist and founder of Colour Collective Kerry E Yates. “Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, onions offer anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits; they are perfect problem-solvers for hair challenges.” We asked experts to break down the benefits and share tips on how to safely try the trend.

Featured experts

• Kerry E Yates is a trichologist and founder of Colour Collective
• Akash and Nikita Mehta are the co-founders of Fable & Mane
• Miriam Freixa Villena is a cosmetic chemist and the research and development department manager at Tara

The benefits of onion in hair care

“It’s a fantastic natural remedy that aligns beautifully with Ayurvedic principles,” Akash and Mehta say of onion juice. “Onion has been celebrated for its rich sulfur content, which stimulates the scalp and controls hair loss and reduces breakage,” they note. Clinical studies have shown that onion juice can be beneficial in treating alopecia areata. Cosmetic chemist and research and development department manager at Tara adds that “onion extract contains antioxidants like quercetin, which combat oxidative stress—a major contributor to hair thinning and early graying.”

Villena notes that onion is rich in sulfur, “a key component in keratin production, which strengthens hair strands and supports follicle health.” The anti-microbial properties also help “maintain a balanced scalp environment, reducing the risk of irritation and enabling healthier hair growth.” Additionally, onion can help enhance hair shine and strength and alleviate fungal infections and dandruff, says Yates.

The origin of onion in hair care

The experts tell us this hair hack is far from new—it’s just suddenly getting attention in the U.S. “It’s rooted in Ayurvedic practices that date back thousands of years. However, it gained renewed popularity in recent years, fueled by social media and DIY beauty enthusiasts highlighting its benefits,” Akash and Nikita explain. Villena adds that onion is a well-known ingredient for hair health in the Mediterranean, South Asia and the Middle East “where natural ingredients have been part of self-care rituals for centuries.”

Cautionary tips

Yes, onions can be beneficial for hair health but that doesn’t mean you should take matters into your own hands and make a concoction in your kitchen. “While onion can be beneficial, its raw form may cause scalp irritation or an unpleasant odor. It’s crucial to use it in the right concentrations and formulations,” Akash and Nikita say, so stick to store-bought expert-developed formulas. “Those with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before using any onion-based product.” Additionally, if you’re allergic to onions you should steer clear of the trend altogether.

Hair products with onion

Yates says argan oil, sandalwood oil and rice water are great complimentary ingredients to pair with onion in hair-care products. If you want more recommendations—check out the below.

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“We’re proud to include onion juice in our formulations—including this conditioner, Moisturizing Volume Spray ($28) and Volumizing Shampoo ($30)—as a nod to its powerful benefits for hair care,” Akash and Nikita say. “These products are designed as a ritual for those with finer hair, offering lightweight hydration, body and bounce. This ritual not only enhances volume but also supports long-term hair health.”

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“At Tara, it is a core pillar of our philosophy to elevate traditional ingredients with modern scientific validation,” says Villane. This system, which features shampoo, conditioner and scalp concentrate, is one of the brand’s flagship innovations. “It combines the power of onion extract with peptides to stimulate the scalp, fortify hair follicles, and encourage thicker, healthier hair growth.”

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This hair oil has thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon. The red onion black seed ingredient promotes hair growth, prevents hair fall and irritation, and nourishes hair for overall stronger, shinier strands.