Homemade onion shampoo, a natural way to care for your hair without harsh chemicals. Even though it might seem strange to use onions on your hair, they actually have great benefits. Onion shampoo has become popular because it helps hair grow, keeps your scalp healthy, and makes your hair better overall. Unlike regular shampoos with lots of chemicals, it is gentle and safe. It doesn’t have sulfates, parabens, or artificial scents, so it’s better for your hair and the environment.
How To Make Onion Shampoo At Home?
Homemade onion shampoo may not produce as much foam or lather as commercial shampoos that contain sulfates or other foaming agents. The foam or lather in commercial shampoos is often created by these additives, which help to lift dirt and oil from the hair and scalp.
Recipe 1 – Foaming Shampoo with Castile Soap
Our this recipe includes castile soap. It is a type of soap that originated in the Castile region of Spain. It is traditionally made from olive oil, water, and lye (sodium hydroxide), although modern versions may incorporate other plant-based oils such as coconut, hemp, or jojoba oil. Also it is known for its gentle and moisturizing properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin and various personal care applications. It is biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and free from synthetic ingredients like artificial fragrances, dyes, and preservatives. You can replace it with any other ingredient as your choice.
Step By Step Guide
- Ingredients:
- 2-3 medium-sized onions, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 5-10 drops of essential oil (optional for fragrance)
- Water, as needed
- Instructions:
- Prepare the Onions: Peel and chop the onions into small pieces. Place the chopped onions in a blender or food processor. Blend the onions until smooth. Strain the blended onions using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to extract the juice. Discard the pulp and retain the onion juice.
- Mix with Liquid Castile Soap: In a bowl, combine the freshly extracted onion juice with liquid castile soap. Stir the mixture well to ensure thorough blending.
- Add Coconut Oil: Melt the coconut oil if it’s solidified, and then add it to the onion and castile soap mixture. Stir the mixture until the coconut oil is fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Essential Oil (Optional): Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil for fragrance and additional benefits. Stir the mixture gently to distribute the essential oil evenly.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mixture is too thick, gradually add water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Transfer to Container: Transfer the foaming onion shampoo into a clean, airtight container for storage. Store the shampoo in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Usage: Wet your hair thoroughly before applying the foaming onion shampoo. Pump a small amount of shampoo into your palm and massage it into your scalp and hair. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow with a conditioner if desired.
Natural Ingredients to Make Homemade Onion Shampoo Foamy
There are several natural ingredients you can add to your homemade shampoo to help create a foamy lather. In the abve recipe we used castile soap, you can use any one of the following:
- Liquid Castile Soap: Liquid castile soap is a gentle and natural soap made from vegetable oils like olive, coconut, or hemp oil. It is a common ingredient in homemade shampoos and body washes and can help create a rich lather.
- Soapwort Root: Soapwort root contains natural saponins, which are compounds that produce a foamy lather when mixed with water. You can prepare a decoction by boiling soapwort root in water and then strain the liquid to use as a base for your shampoo.
- Yucca Root: Yucca root also contains saponins and can be used similarly to soapwort root to create a foamy lather. Boil yucca root in water, strain the liquid, and incorporate it into your shampoo recipe.
- Decyl Glucoside: Decyl glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from renewable plant sources like corn glucose and coconut oil. It is biodegradable and can help create a gentle lather in homemade shampoos.
- Coco Glucoside: Coco glucoside is another mild surfactant derived from coconut oil and glucose. It is gentle on the skin and can contribute to the foaming properties of your shampoo.
Recipe 2 – Simple DIY Onion Shampoo
- Ingredients:
- Fresh Onions: 2-3 medium-sized onions, peeled and chopped.
- Carrier Oils: Choose from coconut oil, olive oil, or sweet almond oil – 2 tablespoons.
- Essential Oils: Optional for fragrance and additional benefits – 5-10 drops of lavender, rosemary, or peppermint oil.
- Optional Ingredients: You may include honey (1 tablespoon) for added moisture or aloe vera gel (2 tablespoons) for soothing properties.
- Preparation Steps:
- Prepare the Onions: Peel and chop the onions into small pieces. Place the chopped onions in a blender or food processor.
- Extract Onion Juice: Blend the onions until smooth. Strain the blended onions using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to extract the juice. Discard the pulp and retain the onion juice.
- Mix with Carrier Oil: In a bowl, combine the freshly extracted onion juice with your chosen carrier oil (coconut oil, olive oil, or sweet almond oil). Stir the mixture well to ensure thorough blending.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, add honey for added moisture or aloe vera gel for soothing properties. Mix the optional ingredients into the onion and carrier oil mixture until well combined.
- Incorporate Essential Oils: Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil (lavender, rosemary, or peppermint) to the mixture for fragrance and additional benefits. Stir the mixture gently to distribute the essential oils evenly.
- Storage and Application: To apply, wet your hair thoroughly and massage the onion shampoo into your scalp and hair. Allow the shampoo to sit for a few minutes to allow the ingredients to penetrate the hair and scalp. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow with a conditioner if desired.
Recipe 3 – Indian Ayurvedic Homemade Onion Shampoo
- Ingredients:
- 2 large onions
- 4 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of amla (Indian gooseberry) powder
- 1 tablespoon of shikakai (Acacia concinna) powder
- 1 tablespoon of reetha (soapnut) powder
- 1 tablespoon of neem (Indian lilac) powder
- 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds (methi)
- 2-3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel (optional, for added moisture)
- Instructions:
- Preparing Onion Extract: Peel and chop the onions into small pieces. In a saucepan, add the chopped onions and 4 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the onions become soft and the water turns slightly yellowish.
- Herbal Additions: While the onion extract is simmering, prepare the herbal powders. Mix the amla, shikakai, reetha, and neem powders in a bowl. Add fenugreek seeds to this mixture.
- Cooling and Straining: Once the onion extract is ready, allow it to cool down completely. Strain the onion extract using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solid particles.
- Mixing Ingredients: In a clean container, combine the strained onion extract with the herbal powder mixture. Stir well to ensure that the powders are fully dissolved in the liquid. If desired, add aloe vera gel to the mixture for added moisture and nourishment.
- Storage: Transfer the Ayurvedic onion shampoo into a clean, preferably glass, bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
- Usage: Before each use, shake the bottle well to ensure that the ingredients are well mixed. Wet your hair thoroughly. Apply the Ayurvedic onion shampoo to your scalp and hair, massaging gently to create a lather. Leave the shampoo on for a few minutes to allow the natural ingredients to nourish your hair and scalp. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow up with a conditioner if desired.
Importance of Indian Ingredients to Make Shampoo
In Ayurveda, there are several natural ingredients that can be used to create a foamy lather in homemade shampoos. While these ingredients may not produce as much foam as commercial shampoos with synthetic additives, they can still help enhance the cleansing experience. Here are a few Ayurvedic ingredients that may contribute to foaming:
- Soapnuts (Reetha): Reetha is a natural surfactant commonly used in Ayurvedic hair care. When boiled in water, reetha releases saponins, which create a mild foaming action. Adding reetha extract or powder to your homemade shampoo can help increase its lathering properties.
- Shikakai: Shikakai is another traditional Ayurvedic herb known for its cleansing and conditioning properties. It contains saponins that produce a gentle lather when mixed with water. Incorporating shikakai powder or extract into your shampoo recipe can contribute to foaming while nourishing the hair and scalp.
- Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and is commonly used in Ayurvedic hair care for promoting hair growth and scalp health. While amla itself may not create foam, it can help balance pH levels and enhance the overall effectiveness of your shampoo formulation.
- Bhringraj: Bhringraj is renowned in Ayurveda for its rejuvenating and strengthening properties for hair. While it may not directly contribute to foaming, it can help improve scalp health and support hair growth, complementing the cleansing action of other ingredients.
- Hibiscus: Hibiscus flowers are often used in Ayurvedic hair care for their conditioning and shine-enhancing properties. While hibiscus may not create significant foam on its own, it can help improve the texture and manageability of the hair, making it a valuable addition to homemade shampoos.
Recipe 4 – Ayurvedic Homemade Shampoo with Reetha
- Ingredients:
- 2-3 medium-sized onions, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons reetha (soapnuts) powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 5-10 drops of essential oil (optional for fragrance)
- Water, as needed
- Instructions:
- Prepare the Onions: Peel and chop the onions into small pieces. Place the chopped onions in a blender or food processor. Blend the onions until smooth. Strain the blended onions using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to extract the juice. Discard the pulp and retain the onion juice.
- Create Reetha Extract: In a small saucepan, add 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of reetha (soapnuts) powder to the boiling water. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the reetha to release its saponins and create a soapy solution. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the reetha extract cool down.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the freshly extracted onion juice with the cooled reetha extract. Add coconut oil to the mixture and stir well to ensure thorough blending.
- Incorporate Essential Oil (Optional): If desired, add a few drops of your preferred essential oil for fragrance and additional benefits. Stir the mixture gently to distribute the essential oil evenly.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mixture is too thick, gradually add water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Transfer to Container: Transfer the foaming onion shampoo with reetha extract into a clean, airtight container for storage. Store the shampoo in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Usage: Wet your hair thoroughly before applying the foaming onion shampoo with reetha. Pump a small amount of shampoo into your palm and massage it into your scalp and hair. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow with a conditioner if desired.
Shelf Life and Storage
Homemade onion shampoo, especially those made with natural ingredients, may have a shorter shelf life and should be used within a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the formulation and storage conditions.
- Cool, Dry Place: Store onion shampoo in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Exposure to heat and humidity can accelerate the degradation of the product and reduce its effectiveness.
- Airtight Container: If you’re using homemade onion shampoo, store it in an airtight container to prevent air and moisture from entering and contaminating the product. This helps maintain its freshness and potency.
- Refrigeration: Some homemade onion shampoos may benefit from refrigeration, especially if they contain perishable ingredients like fresh onion juice or herbal extracts. Refrigeration can help prolong the shelf life and prevent spoilage.
- Avoid Contamination: Use clean, dry hands or utensils when dispensing onion shampoo to prevent contamination. Avoid introducing water into the shampoo container, as it can promote bacterial growth and spoilage.
- Check for Changes: Regularly inspect onion shampoo for any changes in color, texture, or odor, as these may indicate spoilage or degradation. If the product shows signs of spoilage, discard it immediately and refrain from using it on your hair.
Side Effects
While onion shampoo offers numerous benefits for hair and scalp health, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects that may occur:
- Scalp Irritation: Some individuals may experience scalp irritation or sensitivity when using onion shampoo, especially if they have sensitive skin or scalp conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Symptoms of scalp irritation may include redness, itching, or burning sensations.
- Allergic Reactions: Individuals with allergies to onions or other ingredients commonly found in onion shampoo formulations may experience allergic reactions. Symptoms of allergic reactions may include skin rashes, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Hair and Scalp Dryness: Some users may find that onion shampoo contributes to hair and scalp dryness, especially if used excessively or if the shampoo formulation is too harsh. To mitigate dryness, consider using a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing or reducing the frequency of onion shampoo use.
- Hair Color Alteration: The natural pigments present in onions may interact with hair dye or color-treated hair, potentially altering the color over time. If you have color-treated hair, perform a patch test before using onion shampoo extensively and monitor for any changes in hair color.
- Eye Irritation: Be cautious when using onion shampoo to avoid contact with the eyes. Onion juice or onion extract can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the eyes. Rinse thoroughly with water if accidental contact occurs and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Onion Shampoo Hair Health Benefits
- Hair Growth Stimulant: Onions are rich in sulfur, crucial for keratin production and hair growth. Sulfur improves blood circulation to follicles, ensuring vital nutrients for growth.
- Scalp Health Improvement: Onion’s antimicrobial properties combat dandruff and scalp infections. Antioxidants in onions neutralize free radicals, alleviating scalp conditions.
- Hair Strength and Thickness: Onion shampoo enhances hair strength, reduces breakage, and prevents split ends. Sulfur compounds in onions form disulfide bonds, crucial for structural integrity. Vitamins and minerals nourish hair follicles, promoting resilience.
- Hair Loss and Thinning: Stimulating hair growth and strengthening strands aids those experiencing hair loss or thinning.
- Dandruff and Scalp Irritation: Antimicrobial properties combat dandruff-causing bacteria and fungi. Regular use soothes scalp inflammation and restores balance.
- Dry and Damaged Hair: Onions’ nutrients moisturize and repair damaged hair, restoring softness and shine.
- Scalp Inflammation and Itching: Anti-inflammatory properties alleviate scalp conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
- Premature Greying: While not reversing greying, onion shampoo nourishes the scalp and supports natural pigmentation processes.
- Chemical Damage: Provides a gentle alternative to harsh chemical treatments, avoiding sulfates and parabens.
How It Works?
Homemade onion shampoo gently cleanses away dirt and impurities while delivering nourishing ingredients to hair follicles. Sulfur compounds strengthen the hair shaft and stimulate growth, while antioxidants protect the scalp and promote a healthy environment for hair growth.
- Onion Extract: Onion extract contains sulfur compounds, antioxidants, and vitamins that promote hair growth and scalp health. Sulfur compounds like allicin stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, nourishing hair follicles and promoting strong, healthy strands.
- Antioxidants: Onions are rich in antioxidants such as quercetin and flavonoids, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress on the scalp. Protecting the scalp and hair follicles from damage, antioxidants contribute to overall hair health and vitality.
- Natural Oils: Homemade onion shampoo often includes natural oils like coconut, olive, or jojoba oil, providing moisturizing and conditioning benefits. These oils hydrate dry strands, soften hair texture, and reduce frizz and breakage.
- Herbal Extracts: Some recipes incorporate herbal extracts like aloe vera or green tea for their soothing and nourishing properties. These extracts calm irritated scalp tissue, balance oil production, and promote scalp health.
- Rich in Sulfur: Sulfur in onions improves blood circulation to hair follicles, ensuring nutrients and oxygen supply for hair growth. This stimulation promotes hair growth and strengthens follicles.
- Stimulates Hair Follicles: Sulfur compounds stimulate hair follicles, encouraging them to enter the growth phase of the hair cycle. This promotes increased hair length and thickness over time.
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: Onion juice’s properties combat scalp infections and promote a healthy scalp environment crucial for optimal hair growth.
- DHT Blocking: Onion juice may inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), associated with hair loss and baldness. By blocking DHT production, onion juice may prevent hair loss and promote regrowth.
FAQs.
Q. Can onion juice help to make dead hair follicles live and make hair grow from them?
Onion juice is known for its potential to stimulate hair growth and improve the health of existing hair follicles. While it may not be able to revive dead hair follicles, onion juice’s sulfur content and other beneficial compounds can promote blood circulation to the scalp, nourish hair follicles, and encourage healthier hair growth from active follicles.
Q. Which is the best organic onion shampoo?
Determining the “best” organic onion shampoo can be subjective and depends on individual preferences and hair types. However, some popular organic onion shampoo brands include:
- WOW Skin Science Red Onion Black Seed Oil Shampoo
- Mamaearth Onion Hair Fall Control Shampoo
- Khadi Global Red Onion Hair Shampoo
- St. Botanica Ultimate Onion Oil Shampoo
- Earth Therapy Onion Shampoo
- Aegte Complete Onion Hair Oil Shampoo
- Rey Naturals Onion Hair Shampoo
- Lotus Botanics Red Onion Hair Shampoo
- Nature’s Tattva Onion Oil Shampoo
- Juicy Chemistry Organic Onion & Hibiscus Shampoo
Q. Can we use homemade onion shampoo for colored hair?
Homemade onion shampoo can generally be used for colored hair; however, it’s essential to consider potential interactions between onion and hair dye. Onion’s natural properties may slightly alter hair color over time. Conduct a patch test before using onion shampoo extensively on colored hair, and monitor for any adverse effects or changes in color.
Q. Can onion shampoo cause scalp irritation?
While onion shampoo is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience scalp irritation or sensitivity due to its active ingredients. It’s recommended to perform a patch test before using onion shampoo extensively. If you experience any discomfort, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
Q. Does onion juice really help with hair loss?
Research suggests that onion juice may help with hair loss by promoting hair growth, improving scalp health, and reducing inflammation. The sulfur compounds and antioxidants in onion juice nourish hair follicles, potentially aiding in hair regrowth and minimizing hair loss. However, individual results may vary, and further research is needed to confirm onion juice’s efficacy for hair loss.
Q. Is onion shampoo good for all hair types?
Onion shampoo can benefit various hair types, including oily, dry, damaged, and normal hair. Its nourishing and strengthening properties make it suitable for promoting hair growth, improving scalp health, and enhancing hair texture and shine. However, individuals with specific scalp conditions or sensitivities should consult a dermatologist before using onion shampoo.
Q. How often should I use onion shampoo?
The frequency of using onion shampoo depends on individual hair care needs and preferences. For most people, using onion shampoo 2-3 times per week is sufficient to maintain hair and scalp health. Adjust the frequency based on your hair type, scalp condition, and response to the shampoo.
Q. Does onion shampoo smell like onions?
Yes, onion shampoo may have a distinct onion scent due to the presence of onion extract or onion oil in its formulation. However, many onion shampoos are formulated with additional ingredients and fragrances to mask or reduce the onion scent while still providing the benefits of onion extract for hair and scalp health.