How Can Onion Juice Help Reduce Dandruff?

Effective ways to utilize the natural anti-dandruff properties of this kitchen ingredient

Reviewed by Madison Dufour, Barber & Cosmetologist
Written by Anjali Sayee, BTech
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

Allium cepa or onion juice has been used as a traditional method for managing dandruff from the scalp for decades. It is mainly because of its antimicrobial and antifungal (1), (2), (3). Therefore, if you have this condition and are looking for an easy home remedy, use onion juice for dandruff. Scroll down to learn how onion juice may help manage dandruff and ways to use it.

How Onion Juice Helps Reduce Dandruff

Onion juice is a traditional remedy for treating dandruff and hair loss problems like alopecia areata. Studies show that it can help eliminate Malassezia fungus that causes dandruff (4). It also stimulates the circulation of blood in the scalp and aids hair growth (5).

Let’s now look at the different ways to use onion juice to eliminate dandruff.

Best Onion Juice DIY Remedies To Help Reduce Dandruff

1. Onion Juice

Onion juice for dandruff
download button share button
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 large onion
  • A blender
What You Need To Do
  1. Cut the onion into pieces and blend them.
  2. Massage the juice into your scalp for hair follicle stimulation. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse it off with a mild shampoo.

How Often?

Do this 1-2 times a week.

2. Fenugreek Seeds And Onion Juice

Fenugreek extracts helped inhibit the growth of M. furfur (the dandruff-causing fungi) in animal studies (6). Further animal studies also showed that fenugreek could promote hair growth (7).

You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds
  • A bowl of water
  • 2 tablespoons of onion juice
What You Need To Do
  1. Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight in water.
  2. Grind them into a fine paste and mix with onion juice in the morning.
  3. Apply the paste on the scalp and wash off after half an hour.
How Often?

Do this 1-2 times a week for hair restoration and dandruff treatment.

3. Aloe Vera And Onion Juice

Woman applying aloe vera and onion juice hair mask for dandruff
download button share button
Image: Shutterstock

Aloe vera helps in soothing an itchy scalp and eliminating dandruff (8). Its topical application keeps your hair hydrated and forms a protective layer on it.

Izza Glino, a blogger, recalls how she combated severe dandruff using a dedicated shampoo and aloe vera gel. She writes, “The portion of my hair where there was dandruff before. See?! I am now 100% dandruff free. Hurray!!!… This worked for me overnight and cured my dandruff instantly (i).”

You Will Need
What You Need To Do
  1. Mix aloe vera gel with onion juice and apply the mixture to your scalp and lightly massage it in.
  2. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then rinse.
How Often?

You can do this 2-3 times a week to reduce excessive oiliness and get rid of a flaky scalp.

4. Green Gram Powder And Onion Juice

Green gram is a popular ingredient used to combat dandruff. It is a part of many anti-dandruff herbal shampoos (9). This combo will moisturize your hair and keep it dandruff-free.

You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons of green gram powder
  • 1 tablespoon of onion juice
What You Need To Do
  1. Mix green gram powder and onion juice until you obtain a smooth paste.
  2. Apply the paste to the scalp and hair as a hair mask. Leave it on until it dries.
  3. Rinse your hair with water.
How Often?

2 times a week.

5. Beetroot And Onion Juice

Beetroot and onion juice for dandruff
download button share button
Image: Shutterstock

Beetroot has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years to treat dandruff (10).

You Will Need
  • 2-3 beetroots
  • Water
  • 1 tablespoon onion juice
What You Need To Do
  1. Boil the beetroots in water and let them cool. Smash them and make a paste.
  2. Mix the beetroot paste with onion juice.
  3. Massage this mixture into the scalp with your fingertips before you go to bed.
How Often?

You can do this every day until the dandruff problem comes under control.

6. Snake Gourd And Onion Juice

Snake gourd can hydrate the scalp and improve scalp and hair health (11). This combination not only helps you get rid of dandruff but also prevents its recurrence.

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon of snake gourd juice
  • 1 tablespoon of onion juice
What You Need To Do
  1. Mix snake gourd juice with onion juice and rub it all over your scalp.
  2. Leave it on for half an hour and rinse.
How Often?

Apply the mixture 2-3 times a week.

7. Lemon Juice And Onion Juice

Woman applying lemon and onion juice hair mask to reduce dandruff
download button share button
Image: Shutterstock

Lemon juice removes the bad odor of onion from the hair. The mixture treats dandruff and soothes an itching scalp if used regularly (12). Anecdotal evidence suggests that lemon juice cleanses the scalp, while the onion juice prevents dandruff and increases hair growth.

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon onion juice
What You Need To Do
  1. Mix onion juice with lemon juice and apply it to the scalp.
  2. Leave it on until it dries (about 20 minutes) and then rinse.
How Often?

Do this once in two days.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Citric acid is quite potent and may cause skin irritation. You should immediately stop if you notice any redness, itching, or inflammation.

8. Olive Oil And Onion Juice

Olive oil adds strength, softness, and shine to the hair (13). The mixture moisturizes the hair and scalp and keeps your scalp itch-free and dandruff-free.

You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon of olive oil
  • 3 teaspoons of onion juice
What You Need To Do
  1. Mix olive oil with onion juice. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair.
  2. Wrap a hot towel around your hair for half an hour.
  3. Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
How Often?

Do this once a week to soothe scalp irritation and reduce dandruff.

9. Coconut Oil And Onion Juice

Coconut oil and onion juice for dandruff
download button share button
Image: Shutterstock

Coconut oil can moisturize the scalp and soothe itching. A study found that coconut oil had moisturizing properties and exhibited broad-spectrum activity against fungi (14). Another study showed that coconut oil could penetrate the hair shaft, nourishing it from within (15). It prevents protein loss and protects the hair from UV rays. This combo can help reduce dandruff, strengthen hair, and induce hair growth.

You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon of lime juice
  • 5 teaspoons of coconut oil
  • 3 tablespoons of onion juice
What You Need To Do
  1. Mix lime juice, coconut oil, and onion juice in a mixer.
  2. Apply this mixture to the scalp and wash it away after 20 to 30 minutes using a mild cleansing shampoo.
How Often?

Do this 2 times a week to soothe dandruff-related fungal infections.

10. Apple Cider Vinegar And Onion Juice

Anecdotal evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar not effectively reduces dandruff but also protects hair from damage. It also acts as a hair cleanser and reduces sebum buildup. ACV also helps balance the pH level of hair since it has acetic acid. However, there are no scientific studies to prove these effects.

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of onion juice
What You Need To Do
  1. Mix apple cider vinegar and onion juice.
  2. Massage it into the scalp for 5 to 7 minutes.
How Often?

Do this once a week.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You must always dilute ACV with water before applying it topically. If irritation occurs, it usually goes away in a couple of days.

11. Apple Juice And Onion Juice

According to a study, apple extracts can promote hair growth and increase hair density, weight, and keratin content (16).

You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoons of apple juice
  • 2 tablespoons of onion juice
What You Need To Do
  1. Mix the apple juice with the onion juice and apply this mixture on your scalp.
  2. Leave this on for about 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse your hair thoroughly.
How Often?

Do this 2-3 times a week to reduce hair thinning and dandruff-related symptoms.

Follow these remedies for beautiful hair. However, onion juice may irritate sensitive scalp and cause adverse reactions. Read on for details on onion juice side effects in the next section.

Side Effects Of Using Onion On Your Hair

Using onion on your hair can have side effects. While onion juice’s sulfur content can nourish hair follicles and help with dandruff, it can be strong for sensitive scalps, leading to irritation, itching, and redness. You can easily prevent these issues by diluting onion juice with carrier oils like coconut or olive oil or by combining it with aloe vera gel. If not rinsed off properly, onion juice may also cause continuous irritation, so be sure to wash your hair thoroughly. Limit onion juice applications to no more than twice a week to avoid an itchy scalp.

Infographic: 7 Ways To Use Onion Juice For Dandruff

Onion juice has been used for hair treatments for a long time now. Its high nutrient and antioxidant content make it a go-to ingredient for maintaining scalp and hair health. Onion juice is especially beneficial for managing dandruff and its symptoms, like flaking and irritation. If you are looking for ways to use it, take a look at the infographic below.

7 ways to use onion juice for dandruff (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Dandruff can be annoying. However, several remedies may help manage dandruff issues, and onion juice is one such remedy that gives the best result. The antifungal and antimicrobial properties of onion juice make it one of the most effective ways to reduce dandruff and improve scalp health. Follow the DIY recipes shared in the article and combine onion juice with other ingredients, like aloe vera, fenugreek seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, apple juice, or apple cider vinegar. Following these and maintaining a proper hair care routine may help you get rid of dandruff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store onion juice?

Yes, you can, but only for 2-3 days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What is the nutritional value of onion juice?

Onion juice contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, chromium, phosphorus, and sulfur.

Why is onion juice not working on my hair?

Onion contains high levels of sulfur which may irritate and damage your scalp (17). You can combine onion juice with ingredients like aloe vera that can help reduce dandruff and moisturize and soothe your hair and scalp.

Can I mix onion juice with shampoo?

Yes, you can combine onion juice with your shampoo to help reduce dandruff. Mix equal quantities of onion juice and shampoo and apply the mixture to your hair. Massage it for 3 minutes and rinse the mixture thoroughly.

Key Takeaways

  • Onion juice helps eliminate dandruff-causing fungi and stimulates blood circulation in the scalp.
  • You can combine onion juice with aloe vera as it soothes an itchy scalp, eliminates dandruff, hydrates your hair, and forms a protective layer on it.
  • Snake gourd hydrates the scalp, and its mixture with onion juice removes dandruff and prevents it from occurring again.
  • A mixture of olive oil and onion juice is highly beneficial for the scalp. It gives you strong, luscious hair.
onion juice for dandruff

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Embark on a journey towards a dandruff-free scalp with the power of onion juice. Click on this video to explore this natural remedy that can restore balance and bring back shine to your hair.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Santas, Jonathan, María Pilar Almajano, and Rosa Carbó. “Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of crude onion (Allium cepa, L.) extracts.” International journal of food science & technology 45.2 (2010): 403-409.
    https://ifst.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2009.02169.x
  2. Singh, Abhinav & Lehari, Khyati & Bharadwaj, Nidhi & Bhatnagar, S.. (2017). Assessment of Antifungal Activity of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Onion ( Allium cepa L.) and Garlic ( Allium sativum L.) on Fusarium solani and Pythium ultimum. Vegetos- An International Journal of Plant Research. 30. 4.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319228566_Assessment_of_Antifungal_Activity_of_Aqueous_and_Alcoholic_Extracts_of_Onion_Allium_cepa_L_and_Garlic_Allium_sativum_L_on_Fusarium_solani_and_Pythium_ultimum
  3. Cornago, Djanna & Amor, Evangeline & Rivera, Windell. (2011). Antifungal Activity of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Bulb Extracts Against Fusarium oxysporum and Colletotrichum sp.. The Philippine Agricultural Scientist. 94. 78-82.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259461498_Antifungal_Activity_of_Onion_Allium_cepa_L_Bulb_Extracts_Against_Fusarium_oxysporum_and_Colletotrichum_sp
  4. Shams-Ghahfarokhi, Masoomeh et al. “In vitro antifungal activities of Allium cepa, Allium sativum and ketoconazole against some pathogenic yeasts and dermatophytes.” Fitoterapia vol. 77,4 (2006): 321-3.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16690223/
  5. Sharquie, Khalifa E, and Hala K Al-Obaidi. “Onion juice (Allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata.” The Journal of dermatology vol. 29,6 (2002): 343-6.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12126069/
  6. Kulkarni, Madhur et al. “Fenugreek Leaf Extract and Its Gel Formulation Show Activity Against Malassezia furfur.” Assay and drug development technologies vol. 18,1 (2020): 45-55.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31524496/
  7. Andri Prasetiyo et al. Ijppr.Human, 2017; Vol. 10 (4): 210-221.
    https://ijppr.humanjournals.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/17.Andri-Prasetiyo-Anny-Victor-Purba.pdf
  8. Vardy, D. A., et al. “A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of an Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.” Journal of dermatological treatment 10.1 (1999): 7-11.
    https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09546639909055904
  9. M, Revansiddappa, et al. “Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Antidandruff Shampoo.” Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry (2018), 7(4): 764-767.
    https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2018/vol7issue4/PartM/7-3-695-959.pdf
  10. Babarykin, D. & Smirnova, Galina & Pundinsh, I. & Vasiljeva, S. & Krumina, Guntra & Agejchenko, V.. (2019). Red Beet ( Beta vulgaris ) Impact on Human Health. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines. 07. 61-79.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331567535_Red_Beet_Beta_vulgaris_Impact_on_Human_Health
  11. S, Sandhya & Chandrasekhar, Janagaraj & Ravindran, Vinod & Banji, David. (2012). Potentiality of aqueous leaf extract of Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. on hair growth promotion in Wistar albino rats. Indian Journal of Natural Products and resources. 3. 14-19.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225297590_Potentiality_of_aqueous_leaf_extract_of_Trichosanthes_cucumerina_Linn_on_hair_growth_promotion_in_Wistar_albino_rats
  12. Pingili, Mamatha & Vanga, Sridhar & Raparla, Rama. (2016). Antifungal activity of plant extracts against dandruff causing organism Malassezia furfur. International Journal of Bioassays. 5. 5047.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309599093_Antifungal_activity_of_plant_extracts_against_dandruff_causing_organism_Malassezia_furfur
  13. Zaid, Abdel Naser et al. “Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine.” BMC complementary and alternative medicine vol. 17,1 355.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/
  14. Verallo-Rowell, Vermén M et al. “Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis.” Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug vol. 19,6 (2008): 308-15.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134433/
  15. Rele, Aarti S, and R B Mohile. “Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage.” Journal of cosmetic science vol. 54,2 (2003): 175-92.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
  16. Tenore, Gian Carlo et al. “Annurca Apple Nutraceutical Formulation Enhances Keratin Expression in a Human Model of Skin and Promotes Hair Growth and Tropism in a Randomized Clinical Trial.” Journal of medicinal food vol. 21,1 (2018): 90-103.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5775114/
  17. Bhasker. P et al. “Medicinal, Nutraceutical Values and Consumption Pattern of Onion (Allium cepa) in India: An OverView.” International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, Special Issue-6 p
    https://www.ijcmas.com/special/6/P.%20Bhasker,%20et%20al.pdf
Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.

Latest Articles