Onion Juice, Green Tea, And 8 Other Natural Remedies To Retain Hair Growth

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Contrary to popular belief (or urban myths about Black girls’ hair), all hair grows. Of course, some people’s hair grows at a slightly faster rate than others, but when it comes to growing long hair, length retention is the name of the game.

Excessive breakage and split ends can make it appear that one’s hair isn’t growing because their hair remains the same length for an extended period of time. However, the reality is that their hair is just breaking off at the same rate or even a faster rate than it grows.

“Natural African-American hair is characterized by the bends of the fiber at every place that the hair curls,” Pantene principal scientist Rolanda Johnson Wilkerson, Ph.D. told Cosmopolitan. “This is why African-American hair has a tendency to be drier and more fragile, exposing the hair to breakage.”

So while there is no magic bullet that can make your hair grow faster, there are steps that you can take to naturally promote length retention and help your hair to grow in stronger.

Aloe vera

While there is no scientific evidence that proves aloe vera helps har to grow in thicker, there is a case to made in instances where alopecia is caused by an inflammatory condition because of aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals which are good for overall hair health.

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Fish oil

According to scientific research, Mackerel-derived fermented fish oil can aid in hair growth. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3, help to promote healthy hair growth and they also help to prevent hair loss. They assist in the lubrication of the hair follicle, which adds to the hair’s elasticity and improves its appearance.

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Rosemary oil

According to Medical News Today, research suggests that rosemary oil can help to reverse the effects of hair loss. When used as a scalp treatment, rosemary oil can help to improve circulation, which reduces the likelihood of har follicles being receiving an insufficient amount of blood, which would ultimately result in the death of said follicles.

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Onion juice

Though applying onion juice to your hair may sound like a terrible idea, Healthline reports that onion juice is an ideal scalp treatment for those interested in growing thicker hair. “Sulfur is found within amino acids, which are components of protein,” the publication explains. “Proteins — and especially keratin, which is known to be sulfur-rich — are needed for growing strong hair. When added to the hair and scalp, onion juice can provide extra sulfur to support strong and thick hair, thus preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth.”

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Coconut milk

Coconut milk is an ingredient that is often used in hair products and while it’s easy to assume that this is the case because it smells amazing, there’s actually much more to coconut milk than meets the eye. Not only is it ultra-hydrating and nourishing, but studies suggest that coconut milk extracts aid the prevention of protein loss, which means stronger, longer hair.

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Apple cider vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar has benefits for the hair, but when it comes to length retention, ACV can help to aid in the prevention of breakage and split ends. “Using ACV occasionally will restore the acidity to the hair follicle. This will smooth out the cuticle and make it less weak. By doing so in moderation you may be able to prevent split ends and breakage,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman told Insider.

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Green tea

Topical green tea extracts are believed to be an ideal scalp treatment for those suffering from hair loss. According to Healthline, in one study, green tea extracts were applied to the scalps of alopecia patients over a four-day period. Participants who received the green tea treatment experienced a significant boost in hair growth activity.

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Iron supplements

While a lack of hydration can significantly contribute to hair loss and breakage, sometimes, weak stands are actually the result of an iron deficiency.  The great news is that this is an easy fix because an iron deficiency can be treated with iron supplements and/or eating a balanced diet that incorporates more iron.

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Orange puree

Orange peels are rich in vitamin C and folic acid, which can help to improve overall hair health. To incorporate orange into your hair regimen, simply cut up the orange — including the peel — place it in the blender along with your favorite conditioner and essential oil, and apply it as a hair mask.

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Castor oil

We can’t discuss natural hair growth remedies without talking about the almighty castor oil. “90% of castor oil is made up of the fatty acid ricinoleic acid,” board-certified dermatologist and hair restoration expert Dr. Nikki Hill told Elle. “[It] is known to stimulate the Prostaglandin E2 receptor, which can lead to blood vessel dilation. When applied to the scalp, increased blood vessel dilation increases the flow of oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood to the powerhouse of your follicle, the dermal papilla, or the root of the hair.”