Hair loss can be distressing. However, a doctor has backed an unexpected ‘treatment’ to this widespread health concern, and it can be found in the vegetable aisle of your local supermarket.

In a recent YouTube video, Dr Eric Berg, DC, claimed that red onions are “packed with sulphur,” which aids the body in producing keratin, the primary protein found in hair. These pungent vegetables also boast “the highest amount of quercetin,” which helps combat some of the root causes of hair loss.

The health expert said: “Quercitin helps increase the growth hormones of the hair follicle. It is also a powerful antimicrobial, protecting your scalp from overgrowth of yeast, fungus, mould, and dandruff.”

The remedy involves a simple red onion as it “has the most quercetin” – but it’s not for eating, reports Surrey Live. Dr Berg explains how a homemade onion ‘shampoo’ could be an effective treatment.

To prepare the solution, simply chop and blend a red onion before straining the mixture through cheesecloth to fully separate the liquid from any remaining chunks. Once the preparation is done, it’s time for application.

In the shower, massage this onion juice through your damp hair and into the roots for a few minutes—then step out of the shower. Dr Berg said not to rinse it off immediately but rather let the solution sit in your hair for up to an hour and ‘allow it to work its magic’—you might want to put on a shower cap for this part.

Then, jump back into the shower and “shampoo your hair twice” to wash away any lingering onion smell. If the smell is too strong, a dash of lemon juice or some rose water can help.

While this may seem like an online beauty fad, it’s supported by scientific evidence, as one study revealed. Compared to tap water, people who used this raw onion juice treatment for alopecia noticed “significantly higher results with regard to hair re-growth.”

A small study published in the Journal of Dermatology suggested that applying onion juice to the scalp could potentially assist in hair regrowth for some. This research involved participants suffering from alopecia areata, a type of patchy, non-scarring hair loss.

The researchers noted that hair growth commenced after just two weeks of applying onion juice to the scalp twice daily. Nearly 74% of the participants witnessed some hair regrowth after four weeks, and by six weeks, around 87% reported regrowth.

Both men and women participated in the study, with men demonstrating a higher rate of hair regrowth. Despite the study showing promising results, it was limited in size, involving only 38 participants.

Although onion juice is a well-known home remedy for hair loss, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. Fortunately, this remedy doesn’t have to be expensive – a pack of three red onions can be purchased from Aldi for 95p, which works out at approximately 32p per onion.

According to Dr Berg, applying onion juice twice a week for about six weeks is sufficient. While it may take some time to notice results, most people report seeing hair growth after the third or fourth week.

To enhance the onion juice treatment, Dr Berg recommends adding five drops of rosemary oil, which contains phytonutrients linked to hair growth and overall health benefits. He also suggests fermenting the treatment for up to 72 hours before use, which “enhances the quercetin” and increases the acidity, making it “very therapeutic for your scalp.”

Dr Berg said that this solution is not a ‘miracle cure’ and that proper nutrition, including getting enough vitamin D and a balanced diet, is essential for supporting hair health. If you’re concerned about hair loss, it’s best to consult with your GP, as it could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

The GP may be able to tell you what’s causing your hair loss by looking at it. If your hair loss is affecting your well-being, tell them and ask what treatments are available.

What can cause hair loss?

Hair loss, which is also called alopecia, can be caused by many different things, such as genetics, hormones, health issues, stress, and even the way we live our lives. One of the most common reasons is hereditary hair loss, often referred to as male or female pattern baldness.

Other conditions that contribute to hair loss include alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder), telogen effluvium (temporary hair loss due to stress or trauma), and scarring alopecia (permanent loss caused by damage to the hair follicles).