PEOPLE experience hair loss and thinning for a multitude of reasons, from genetics and aging to tight hairstyles and excessive coloring.
Now I’m approaching my thirties (I’m 28), I’ve started to notice that I have a slight receding hairline – all because I’ve fallen victim to the so-called “clean girl aesthetic” which is known for the viral slick bun.
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Despite repeated warnings from experts who say this trendy hairstyle “can cause traction alopecia—a form of hair loss caused by repeated hair pulling”—it’s my go-to on days when I’m not washing my bleached locks.
The tight hairstyle might be perfect for my gym sessions – but is there any way to reverse baldness and make thin hair as thick as before?
Like many cash-strapped Brits, my bank balance has seen better days and I’m always on the lookout for budget-friendly alternatives to high street produce.
One of them, I discovered this year, is… the humble onion – which even ”real-life Rapunzel” Smita Srivastava swears is what gave her the world’s longest tresses, measuring an impressive 7 feet.
Used for centuries, especially in India, this kitchen staple contains sulfur, which can help promote collagen production.
Collagen, in turn, helps the production of healthy skin cells and hair growth, the experts at Healthline to say.
Another reason the 10p supermarket find is considered a miracle for long tresses is that it helps increase blood circulation to the scalp.
But since there are few studies — with one of them more than two decades old — incorporating the stinky root vegetable into your hair care routine really to work?
I decided to see for myself. Over the course of two weeks, I rubbed a red onion into my scalp every day.
Since onion juice isn’t sold in boxes and I didn’t want my smoothie to have a lingering smell, I cut my onions in half and rubbed them directly into the rougher areas around my temples.
The internet also lacks resources on how long to do this — or any other information on how long the DIY hair booster should marinate on your scalp.
I followed the guide available in Times of Indiawho advised beauty fans to massage their scalp for a few minutes before letting the smelly juice work its magic for half an hour.
This is where I encountered the first big problem – my eyes, perhaps too sensitive for this project, were watering and the unpleasant sensation would not go away despite my efforts to rinse everything out.
However, it all got worse as the skin around my temples – which gets thinner with age – felt like it had been set on fire.
I then gave myself a little scalp massage and headed to my room for the recommended 30 minutes before rushing to the shower to desperately rid myself of the pungent aroma.
My typical hair washing routine consists of a quick shampoo session and a generous amount of conditioner to treat my bleached locks — however, the smelly juice made me paranoid.
Not too thrilled with the idea of walking around smelling like chopped onions, I washed my hair twice each time I applied the vegetable to my scalp.
Fortunately, it seemed to work really well, as over the two weeks I followed this routine – every other day – I had no complaints or people running away from me on the subway.
One thing worth noting is that while my blonde hair wasn’t smelling bad — or at least no one was giving me weird looks — my fingers were, making me reach for soap and scented hand cream more than I’m used to.
The 4 phases of the hair growth cycle
Hair experts at Philip Kingsley have shared the four stages of the hair growth cycle: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen and Exogen.
Anagen Phase: Also known as the ‘Growth Phase’ or ‘Active Phase’, this is when the hair root cells divide more quickly, forming more new hair.
During the anagen phase, hair grows about half an inch per month [about six inches a year]and faster in summer than in winter.
This phase of the hair growth cycle lasts an average of three to five years.
Catagen Phase: After the Anagen Phase, your hair cycle enters a short transition phase known as the Catagen Phase, which signals the end of active hair growth and cuts off individual strands from the blood supply and cells that produce new hair.
Approximately three percent of all hair is in this stage at any given time and it lasts for about 10 days.
Telogen Phase: The third stage of the natural hair growth cycle is the Telogen Phase, a resting period in which strands remain in the follicles but are not actively growing.
An estimated 10 to 15 percent of your hair is in the telogen phase at any given time.
The Telogen Phase lasts about three months or 100 days.
Exogenous Phase: The final phase of the Hair Growth Cycle, when individual hairs are released from the follicles and fall out.
Now the whole process starts again.
But now the final question: did it work? Has my hair gone back to what it was before, thicker? Are the bun-induced spots on your back gone?
While I can see a slight difference – and even a few new hairs appearing – it’s hard to say whether this is because of the 10p hack and even celebrity hairstylist Jason Collier agrees.
The beauty guru, who has styled the braids of big celebrities including former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore, said he couldn’t see how such a “trick” could work.
The overall verdict – although my hair didn’t smell and there was some hair growth, I feel as if this was the result of the scalp massage rather than the pungent root vegetable.
Note: If you want to try this home remedy, test a small area of your scalp first to ensure you are not allergic to onion juice. It is also advisable to follow this routine with scented shampoo and conditioner.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
