Onion Hydrosol Shampoo is trending on Tiktok for longer, thicker hair, less shedding and even new hair growth. As someone who has dealt with postpartum thinning myself, I understand the temptation to get this viral product.
Well, I did, and after using this hair product and doing some research on the trend, here’s the TRUTH you should know before clicking ‘ORDER’,
What Is Onion Hydrosol Shampoo?
Onion hydrosol shampoo is a hair cleanser made with onion hydrosol, which is the aromatic water produced during the distillation of onions. It is different from simply squeezing fresh onion juice into your shampoo.
Depending on the brand, the formula may also contain ingredients such as rosemary oil, peppermint oil, biotin, aloe vera, nettle and other botanical extracts. These shampoos are marketed for hair thinning, excessive shedding, weak hair and scalp health. The idea is that onion contains sulfur compounds and other plant substances that may support healthy hair.
Benefits
1. Cleans the scalp
Like other shampoos, an onion hydrosol formula can remove oil, sweat, dirt and product buildup. Whether it cleans well depends on its cleansing ingredients, not just the onion hydrosol.
2. May help reduce hair breakage
If the shampoo contains conditioning ingredients that leave your hair easier to manage, it may help reduce breakage during washing and brushing. Less breakage can help you retain length, but that is different from growing new hair.
3. May leave hair feeling softer and looking fuller
Some formulas contain aloe vera, glycerin and conditioning ingredients that improve how the hair feels. Hair that is less tangled and less prone to breakage can look healthier.
4. May support scalp care
Some botanical ingredients have properties worth studying, but the benefits depend on the actual formula. There is not enough reliable evidence to say onion hydrosol shampoo treats scalp conditions or reliably regrows hair.
Is Onion Hydrosol Shampoo great for hair loss?
There is a small 2002 study that found promising results from applying onion juice to patches of hair loss caused by alopecia areata. However, this was a study of raw onion juice for a specific medical condition, not a trial proving that commercial onion hydrosol shampoos grow hair.
The difference matters because a shampoo is rinsed off, and different products contain different ingredients and concentrations. We cannot assume that the results from one small study apply to every onion shampoo on the market.
Personally, I bought from the trending brand ‘Based Supplies‘ and did not notice any new hair growth while using it. My husband also experienced a flaky scalp after using the shampoo, although that was his personal experience and does not establish that everyone will react the same way.
However, I had much success with another brand which I found on Amazon.com. It’s the ProBliva Onion Shampoo on Amazon, and it works well for my family, especially my husband. I have noticed my hair looks much healthier, thickened, and isn’t shedding as much. Though I’m yet to see any dramatic hair growth, but I guess it’s too soon. This is my second week of use.
Side Effects of Onion Hydrosol Shampoo
- Scalp irritation: Onion-derived ingredients, fragrances and essential oils may irritate sensitive skin.
- Itching or redness: Some people may react to particular botanical ingredients or preservatives.
- Dryness and flaking: A formula that does not suit your scalp may leave it feeling dry or worsen existing irritation.
- Allergic reactions: People allergic to onions or related ingredients should be particularly cautious.
Pros and Cons of Onion Hydrosol Shampoo
Pros
- Can cleanse the scalp and remove buildup.
- Some formulas may leave hair softer and easier to manage.
- May help with length retention if conditioning ingredients reduce breakage.
- Offers an alternative for people who enjoy botanical hair care.
Cons
- Strong evidence for hair regrowth is lacking.
- Results vary between products and users.
- Some formulas may cause dryness, irritation or flaking.
- Marketing claims can be much stronger than the available research.
- It may cost more than an ordinary shampoo without delivering extra benefits.
Is Onion Hydrosol Shampoo Scam or Legit?
Onion hydrosol shampoo is not necessarily a scam, but its hair growth claims are largely unproven.
I tried Based Supplies Onion Hydrosol Shampoo, and although it smelled nice and lathered well, I did not notice any hair growth. Personally, I would not spend money on these shampoos specifically for regrowth, especially when brands make big promises without solid clinical evidence to support them.
If you simply want a shampoo that cleans your hair, one may be worth trying. But if you are buying it to reverse thinning or regrow your edges, I would save your money and look into treatments with better evidence behind them.
Bottom line: Legitimate shampoo does not automatically mean legitimate hair growth claims. I would not recommend onion hydrosol shampoo as a proven hair loss treatment.