Onions and Hair Loss

Thick, lustrous and healthy hair is characteristic of youth and a crowning glory for men and women. Hair fall causes stress and depression. Change in lifestyle, pollutants in the environment, and certain health issues can cause excessive hair fall.

Surprisingly, onion is an ingredient in some commercially manufactured hair-loss treatments. Though it may sound odd, it is a potential ingredient for treating alopecia, or male pattern baldness.

Onions are effective against hair fall since they are a rich source of sulfur. Sulfur stimulates blood circulation and reduces skin inflammation. Sulfur is also known as a "beauty mineral" since it is vital in the development of collagen, the major protein which gives the skin smoothness and durability to hair. This means that the right amount of sulfur levels in our blood and body can reduce hair loss and induce hair growth. Onion juice strengthens hair, and prevents fungal infection in the scalp; it opens blocked pores of the hair follicles.

According to clinical evidence, many commercial non-FDA approved hair loss treatments have very little scientific basis of legitimate clinical studies. Onions however have been used in a small study, which suggests that they could be used in the treatment of a type of hair loss called alopecia areata.

In a study by the Iraqi researchers, published in the Journal of Dermatology in July 2002, it was found that in hair loss patients, topically applied crude onion juice to the scalp had a significantly higher rate of hair growth than the group of patients who received a placebo. 73% of people who applied raw onion juice to their scalp experienced positive results.

Male baldness usually follows a distinct pattern. According to the American Hair Loss Association - alopecia areata is a primary cause of hair falls in both men and women. Unfortunately there are no treatments that are particularly effective in this condition.

Application of onion juice has been approved by the FDA and is clinically proven to help reduce or prevent hair loss. The American Hair Loss Association calls it the "first line of attack" to stop hair loss. The second approved treatment is topical minoxidol, which can be used by both men and women. Minoxidol increases blood flow to the scalp. However, it is best to consult a doctor before applying any topical medicines.

Applying the paste of onions for growth of hair is worth a shot for those people who are stressed and worried about excessive hair fall. Onions can be applied in different ways but the most effective method is when the onions are grated in a food processor and the juice is directly applied to the scalp. It should be left on the scalp for 40 minutes and washed off with a mild shampoo.

Reference:

http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/hair-loss-onion-treatment-for-hair-loss-443206.html
http://male-hair-loss-remedies.blogspot.in/2011/10/onion-juice-to-nourish-regrow-hair-and.html

Source-Medindia