How to prepare onion oil for hair?

Hair fall, thinning, dullness—if these are your hair problems, there’s a simple natural solution: onion oil. This humble kitchen ingredient has taken the hair care world by storm, thanks to its ability to reduce hair fall, boost growth, and nourish the scalp.

But why buy expensive bottles when you can make it yourself? In this blog post, we’ll show you how to prepare onion oil for hair at home, using easy ingredients and a simple process. You’ll also learn the benefits of onion oil, how to use it, and tips for the best results.

Why Onion Oil for Hair?

Onion oil is a natural hair care remedy that has been used in Ayurvedic and folk traditions for centuries. It’s rich in sulfur, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support scalp health and stimulate hair follicles.

Key Benefits of Onion Oil:

• Reduces hair fall

• Boosts new hair growth

• Improves blood circulation to scalp

• Strengthens hair roots

• Fights dandruff and infections

• Adds shine and smoothness

• May help delay premature graying

Onion oil is effective for both men and women, and safe for all hair types when prepared and used properly.

Ingredients You Need

You don’t need any fancy tools to make onion oil at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 2–3 medium-sized red onions (rich in sulfur and antioxidants)

• 1 cup of carrier oil (choose based on your hair type):

  • Coconut oil – for deep conditioning

  • Olive oil – for dry, damaged hair

  • Castor oil – for boosting hair thickness

  • Sesame oil – for strengthening roots

Optional Add-ins (for fragrance and extra benefits):

• 5–6 curry leaves – reduce hair fall

• 2–3 garlic cloves – stimulate growth

• A few drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil – improve scent and scalp health

• Aloe vera gel – soothes scalp and boosts hydration

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Onion Oil at Home

There are two popular methods to make onion oil: the heat infusion method and the cold infusion method. We’ll show you both.

Method 1: Heat Infusion Method (Faster, Most Common)

This method uses gentle heat to extract nutrients from onion and blend them into the carrier oil.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 medium red onions (chopped or grated)

• 1 cup of your chosen oil

• Optional: garlic cloves or curry leaves

Instructions:

1. Chop or Grate the Onions:
   Peel and finely chop or grate the onions. Grating releases more juice and nutrients.

2. Heat the Oil:
   Pour your base oil into a pan. Add garlic cloves or curry leaves if using. Heat on low flame for 2 minutes.

3. Add Onion:
   Add chopped or grated onion to the oil. Cook on low heat for 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

4. Wait for a Change in Color & Aroma:
   Once the onions turn golden brown and the oil changes color, turn off the heat. Let it cool completely.

5. Strain the Oil:
   Use a fine strainer or cheesecloth to filter the oil into a clean glass jar. Discard the solid bits.

6. Add Essential Oils (Optional):
   If you dislike the onion smell, add 3–5 drops of lavender, rosemary, or peppermint oil.

7. Store Properly:
   Keep your homemade onion oil in a dark glass bottle. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

📌 Shelf Life: Up to 3–4 weeks.

Method 2: Cold Infusion Method (Takes Longer, No Heat)

This method preserves more nutrients but takes several days.

Instructions:

1. Chop 2–3 onions and blend with a small amount of oil.

2. Mix the onion paste with 1 cup of carrier oil.

3. Store the mixture in a clean, airtight jar.

4. Leave it in a cool, dark place for 5–7 days.

5. Shake the jar daily.

6. After a week, strain and store the oil in a glass bottle.

📌 This method takes longer but may offer better nutrient retention.

How to Use Onion Oil for Hair

To get the full benefits, consistency is key. Here are three popular ways to use your DIY onion oil:

1. Pre-Wash Scalp Massage

Best For: Hair fall, hair growth, and dry scalp

• Warm 2–3 tbsp of onion oil

• Apply to your scalp and massage gently for 5–10 minutes

• Leave on for 1–2 hours (or overnight if preferred)

• Wash with a mild, herbal shampoo

📌 Do this 2–3 times a week.

2. Onion Oil Hair Mask

Best For: Extra nourishment and softness

• Mix 2 tbsp onion oil with 1 tbsp aloe vera gel or honey

• Apply from roots to ends

• Leave for 30–45 minutes

• Wash and condition as usual

3. Daily Leave-in Drops (Light Use)

Best For: Dry, frizzy hair or itchy scalp

• Mix a few drops of onion oil with your hair serum

• Apply lightly to scalp or ends

• Do not overuse to avoid strong smell

Tips for Best Results

• Use freshly made oil for maximum potency

• Apply regularly—minimum 6–8 weeks for visible changes

• Always do a patch test before full use

• Combine with a healthy diet rich in protein and vitamins

• Avoid heating tools or harsh shampoos on treatment days

• If the smell bothers you, add essential oils or rinse hair with lemon water

Who Should Use Onion Oil?

Homemade onion oil is ideal for people who are:

• Facing hair fall or thinning

• Struggling with dandruff or scalp infections

• Looking to boost hair growth naturally

• Dealing with dry, weak, or dull hair

📌 Safe for men, women, teens, and postpartum moms.

Precautions and Side Effects

While onion oil is generally safe, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Always patch test: Apply a drop on your wrist or behind the ear. Wait 24 hours to check for any reaction.

• Avoid eye contact: Onion can irritate eyes and skin.

• Use in moderation: Overuse can cause buildup or greasy scalp.

• If irritation occurs, stop use and consult a dermatologist.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Hair care requires patience. With regular use of homemade onion oil:

• Week 2–3: Less breakage, smoother texture

• Week 4–6: New baby hairs and reduced fall

• Week 8–12: Thicker, longer, shinier hair

📌 Combine with good nutrition and stress control for faster results.

FAQs About Homemade Onion Oil

Q: Can I use onion oil every day?
A: 2–3 times a week is enough. Daily use can lead to buildup or strong odor.

Q: Can I apply it to wet hair?
A: It’s best applied to dry scalp before washing.

Q: Can I mix onion oil with other oils?
A: Yes! Try coconut, castor, almond, or argan oil for added benefits.

Q: How do I remove the smell?
A: Add lemon juice to your shampoo or use essential oils in the oil.

Conclusion

Making onion oil at home is easy, affordable, and effective. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a powerful hair treatment that helps reduce hair fall, stimulate growth, and improve overall hair health.

The best part? It’s chemical-free, customizable, and works well for almost everyone.

So if you’ve been wondering how to prepare onion oil for hair, now you know—it’s time to start your journey toward stronger, thicker, and healthier hair—naturally.