Fermented onion shampoo

DIY Hair Growth Shampoo Recipe with Onion Juice and Essential Oils

If you’re looking for a natural way to boost hair growth, reduce thinning, and improve scalp health, this DIY shampoo recipe is for you! Inspired by the latest insights into natural hair care remedies—like the onion juice method shared by Dr. Eric Berg—this recipe combines the power of fermented onion juice, rosemary oil, and other nourishing ingredients to create a gentle, effective shampoo. Not only does it clean your hair, but it also delivers nutrients directly to your scalp to stimulate growth and strengthen your strands. Let’s dive into the recipe, why each ingredient works, and how to use it!

Why Make Your Own Hair Growth Shampoo?

Store-bought shampoos often contain harsh chemicals like sulfates that can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. A DIY shampoo lets you control what goes into your hair care routine, focusing on ingredients that promote growth and scalp health. This recipe is packed with natural ingredients that have been studied for their hair-boosting benefits, such as sulfur from onions (which supports keratin production) and rosemary oil (which improves circulation and may rival hair loss treatments like minoxidil, according to a 2015 study).

Ingredients (Makes about 10 oz of shampoo)

1/2 cup fermented onion juice (rich in sulfur and quercetin to strengthen hair and reduce scalp inflammation)
1/2 cup liquid Castile soap (a gentle, plant-based cleanser; note that it can be drying for some, so we’ll balance it with moisturizing ingredients)
2 tbsp coconut milk (adds moisture and essential fatty acids to nourish hair)
1 tbsp raw honey (a humectant that hydrates hair and scalp, promoting a healthy environment for growth)
1 tsp vegetable glycerin (hydrates strands, reduces frizz, and enhances shine)
5 drops rosemary essential oil (improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and promotes hair growth)
3 drops tea tree essential oil (fights dandruff and scalp infections, as noted in the Sirod Naturals web result)
1 tsp lemon juice (helps reduce the onion smell and balances scalp pH)
1/4 cup distilled water (to adjust the consistency of the shampoo)

Equipment Needed

Blender (to make onion juice)
Cheesecloth or fine strainer (to strain onion juice)
Glass jar with a lid (for fermenting onion juice)
Measuring cups and spoons
A clean bottle or jar to store your shampoo

Step 1: Prepare Fermented Onion Juice

Fermenting the onion juice enhances its potency, as Dr. Eric Berg mentions in his thread, by increasing quercetin levels, boosting beneficial vitamins, and balancing the pH for your scalp. Here’s how to do it:

Chop and Blend: Take 1 medium red onion, peel it, chop it into chunks, and blend it until smooth.
Strain: Use a cheesecloth or fine strainer to extract the juice into a glass jar. You should get about 1/2 cup of juice from one onion.
Ferment: Add 1/2 cup distilled water, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp raw honey to the onion juice. Stir well. Cover the jar with a cheesecloth or coffee filter (to allow air circulation) and secure it with a rubber band. Let it sit at room temperature for 72 hours. You’ll notice a slightly tangy smell—that’s the fermentation working!
Store: After 72 hours, strain the mixture again if needed, and store the fermented onion juice in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to a week.

Step 2: Mix the Shampoo

In a clean bowl, combine the following:

1/2 cup fermented onion juice
1/2 cup liquid Castile soap
2 tbsp coconut milk
1 tbsp raw honey
1 tsp vegetable glycerin
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup distilled water

Stir gently until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick. If it’s too thick, add a bit more distilled water; if it’s too runny, add a little more coconut milk.
Add 5 drops of rosemary essential oil and 3 drops of tea tree essential oil. Stir again to distribute the oils evenly.
Pour the shampoo into a clean bottle or jar for storage.

Step 3: How to Use Your DIY Shampoo

Wet Your Hair: Start by thoroughly wetting your hair with warm water.
Apply the Shampoo: Pour a small amount (about 1–2 tablespoons, depending on your hair length) into your hands and massage it into your scalp. Focus on the roots, where the onion juice and essential oils can stimulate your hair follicles.
Let It Sit: Leave the shampoo on for 2–3 minutes to allow the active ingredients to work their magic.
Rinse and Repeat: Rinse thoroughly with warm water. If your hair feels oily or you notice any onion smell, shampoo a second time and rinse again.
Follow Up: For best results, follow with a light conditioner or a rinse made of 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 cup water to balance your scalp’s pH and add shine.
Frequency: Use this shampoo twice a week for 4–6 weeks, as Dr. Berg suggests for onion juice treatments, to see noticeable improvements in hair growth and thickness.

Storage Tips

Store your shampoo in the fridge since it contains natural ingredients like fermented onion juice and coconut milk, which can spoil. It should last about 1 week.
If you want to make smaller batches, halve the recipe. Alternatively, as suggested in the One Essential Community web result, you can freeze the shampoo in 1-tablespoon cubes for individual uses (perfect for shorter or thinner hair) or 2-tablespoon cubes (for longer or thicker hair).

Why These Ingredients Work

Fermented Onion Juice: As Dr. Berg notes, onions are rich in sulfur (which builds keratin, the main protein in hair) and quercetin (which reduces inflammation). Fermentation enhances these benefits by increasing nutrient availability and balancing scalp pH, making it a powerhouse for hair growth.
Rosemary Essential Oil: A 2015 study (mentioned in Berg’s thread) found that rosemary oil can match the effects of minoxidil, a common hair loss treatment, by improving blood flow and repairing hair follicles.
Tea Tree Essential Oil: As noted in the Sirod Naturals web result, tea tree oil fights dandruff and scalp infections, creating a healthier environment for hair growth.
Coconut Milk and Honey: These add moisture and essential nutrients, preventing the Castile soap from drying out your hair, as highlighted in the One Essential Community result.
Lemon Juice: Helps reduce the onion smell (a tip from Healthline) and balances scalp pH for optimal hair health.

Tips for Best Results

Patch Test First: Onion juice can be irritating for some, especially if you’re sensitive or taking medications like aspirin (as Healthline warns). Test a small amount on your inner arm before applying it to your scalp.
Boost with Vitamin D: Dr. Berg mentions that low vitamin D levels are linked to hair loss. Aim for 10,000–20,000 IU/day through supplements or get regular sun exposure to support your hair growth from within.
Be Patient: Natural remedies take time. You may start seeing thicker, stronger hair within 4–6 weeks of consistent use.

Final Thoughts

This DIY hair growth shampoo is a fantastic way to incorporate the benefits of onion juice, rosemary oil, and other natural ingredients into your routine. It’s affordable, easy to make, and packed with nutrients to support healthy, fast-growing hair. Plus, it’s a great alternative to commercial shampoos that might be doing more harm than good. Give it a try, and let me know how it works for you!

Additional Notes for You

Safety Note: The Healthline web result cautions that onion juice might interact with certain medications (like aspirin) and cause skin sensitivity. Always do a patch test and consult a doctor if you’re unsure.
Customization: If you don’t have all the essential oils, you can skip the tea tree oil or substitute it with lavender oil, which also soothes the scalp. The One Essential Community result emphasizes that flexibility with ingredients is fine as long as you understand their purpose.
Scalp Health: The recipe aligns with Dr. Berg’s focus on creating a balanced scalp environment (through fermentation and pH adjustment) to maximize hair growth.