How Can Onion Juice Help Reduce Dandruff?

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

Reviewed by Madison DufourMadison Dufour, Barber & Cosmetologist
Written by Anjali SayeeAnjali Sayee  • 
How Can Onion Juice Help Reduce Dandruff?

Image: ShutterStock

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
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.

Related: 12 Aloe Vera Face Packs For Different Skin Types

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.

Related: 23 Benefits Of Fenugreek Powder For Skin, Hair, & Health

3. Aloe Vera And Onion Juice

Woman applying aloe vera and onion juice hair mask for dandruff
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.

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.

Related: 12 Aloe Vera Face Packs For Different Skin Types

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
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
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
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.

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.


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.

16 sources

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. Check out our editorial policy for further details.
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