Hair fall is a universal concern that transcends geography, age, and gender. As a formulator, I’ve often heard people say, “I’ve tried everything, but my hair fall just won’t stop!”
This led me to conduct a detailed market survey to identify gaps in existing hair care solutions.
A case in point is Radha, a 29-year-old working professional. She approached me after struggling with hair fall for over two years. Despite using high-end shampoos, oils, and treatments, her problem persisted. Her story is not unique.
According to recent studies, over 60% of adults face hair fall issues, citing reasons such as stress, poor nutrition, hormonal imbalances, and excessive styling. Yet, only 25 to 30% of these individuals find products that provide sustainable results.
The popularity of natural remedies, especially those leveraging ingredients like onion, is on the rise. Onion-based hair oils have gained significant attraction due to its reputed efficacy in reducing hair fall and promoting hair growth.
With this understanding, I set out to create an onion hair oil formulation that delivers positive results. Let’s dive deeper into the causes of hair fall and why onion oil stands out as a remedy.
The Different Causes of Hair Fall
Hair fall can result from multiple factors, the most common causes:
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins (e.g., Biotin, Vitamin D, and Iron) weakens hair follicles.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like PCOS or thyroid dysfunction disrupt the hair growth cycle.
- Stress: Physical and emotional stress triggers telogen effluvium, a temporary hair shedding phase.
- Scalp Conditions: Dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and infections compromise scalp health.
- Chemical Damage: Frequent colouring, bleaching, and styling cause structural damage.
- Aging: Hair growth slows naturally as we age, leading to thinning and hair loss.
For these different causes improving scalp health, strengthening hair follicles, and nourishing the strands becomes an important step in daily routine. This is where onion hair oil comes into picture.
Why Onion Hair Oil?
As a formulator, I see onion oil as a valuable addition to hair care products due to its:
- Rich Nutrient Profile: Onion is rich in sulfur compounds that nourish hair follicles, enhance keratin production, and reduce breakage. It also possesses antibacterial properties, keeping the scalp clean and infection-free. When combined with complementary oils and bioactives, onion oil becomes a powerhouse for combating hair fall. These nutrients nourish the hair follicles, promoting healthy growth.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: It can help soothe an irritated scalp, reducing dandruff and itchiness. A healthy scalp is crucial for strong hair growth.
- Potential for Hair Loss Reduction: Some studies suggest that onion oil may help improve blood circulation to the hair follicles, potentially reducing hair loss.
Now, let’s talk about why oil massages are so beneficial in general:
- Deep Conditioning: Oil massages help the oil penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep conditioning and nourishment. This leads to softer, smoother, and more manageable hair.
- Improved Blood Circulation: The massage itself stimulates blood flow to the scalp, delivering essential nutrients to the hair follicles.
- Stress Reduction: A scalp massage can be incredibly relaxing, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being. Stress can contribute to hair loss, so relaxation techniques are a plus!
- Dandruff Control: Regular oil massages can help loosen and remove dandruff flakes, keeping the scalp clean and healthy.
Incorporating Onion Oil
When formulating hair oils, we carefully consider the blend of oils to target specific hair concerns. Onion oil can be a valuable component, especially for those seeking to address hair loss, thinning hair, or scalp issues. However, it’s important to note that individual results may vary.
A Note on Scent
One thing to keep in mind is that onion oil has a strong odor. Formulators often use essential oils or fragrance to mask this scent while maintaining the beneficial properties of the onion oil.
The formulation that I developed, including ingredient choices, their INCI names, and percentage finalised are given below.
The Formulation
| Ingredients | INCI Names | Percentage (%) |
| Coconut Oil | Cocos Nucifera Oil | 25.52 |
| Sunflower Oil | Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil | 36.00 |
| Onion Oil | Allium Cepa oil Extract | 16.00 |
| Sweet Almond Oil | Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil | 6.50 |
| Olive Oil | Olea Europaea Fruit Oil | 6.00 |
| Castor Oil | Ricinus Communis Seed Oil | 3.50 |
| Bhringraj Oil | Eclipta Prostrata oil extract | 3.48 |
| Wheat Germ Oil | Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil | 2.50 |
| Tea Tree Essential Oil | Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil | 0.50 |
| Total | 100.00 |
Why These Ingredients?
Each ingredient in this formula has been selected for its unique properties and benefits to address hair fall while nourishing the scalp and promoting healthy hair growth. The lightweight, non-greasy texture ensures user comfort, while the essential oils provide a therapeutic touch.
1. Base Oils
- Coconut Oil (INCI: Cocos Nucifera Oil) Provides deep nourishment, penetrates the hair shaft, and reduces protein loss. It is Lightweight yet hydrating, rich in lauric acid and antioxidants. Nourishes the scalp and prevents dryness.
- Castor Oil (INCI: Ricinus Communis Seed Oil) Promotes hair growth and increases volume. This is Viscous oil with high ricinoleic acid content, good for moisturizing and conditioning effect.
- Sunflower Oil (INCI: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil): A lightweight carrier oil that absorbs easily, making it an excellent base. Rich in linoleic acid and Vitamin E, it helps moisturize and protect the scalp.
2. Active Ingredients
- Onion Oil (INCI: Allium Cepa Seed Oil): Known for its high sulfur content, onion oil stimulates hair growth by boosting collagen production and improving scalp circulation.
- Wheat Germ Oil (INCI: Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil): Rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids, it nourishes the scalp and enhances hair elasticity.
3. Emollient Oils
- Olive Oil (INCI: Olea Europaea Fruit Oil): Renowned for its emollient properties, Olive oil deeply conditions hair and locks in moisture.
- Sweet Almond Oil (INCI: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil) Improves hair elasticity and reduces breakage. This oil is Rich in Vitamin E, Omega-6 fatty acids, and magnesium.
- Bhringraj Oil (INCI: Eclipta Prostrata oil Extract) It stimulates hair growth and enhances scalp health. Bhringraj is Known as the “King of Herbs” for hair care, Bhringraj improves blood circulation.
4. Essential Oil
- Tea Tree Essential Oil (INCI: Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil) Treats dandruff and keeps the scalp healthy. Tea tree oil has Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Refreshing properties. Acts as a preservative, prolongs shelf life.
Method of Manufacturing
Preparing high-quality hair oil requires attention to detail and adherence to best quality raw materials along with the correct method of manufacturing. Thus I am mentioning the step-by-step process for manufacturing this hair fall control oil:
1. Preparation and Sanitation
- Ensure all equipment and containers are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent contamination.
- Wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves, hair covers, and lab coats.
2. Ingredient Inspection
- Check all raw materials for quality and ensure they meet the required specifications.
- Measure each ingredient accurately using a calibrated weighing scale.
3. Base Oil Blending
- In a sanitized mixing vessel, combine Sunflower oil, Coconut and Castor oil. Stir the mixture gently at room temperature using a low-speed stirrer to prevent air incorporation.
4. Addition of Emollient oils
- Slowly add Olive oil, Sweet almond oil and Bhringraj oil with stirring.
- Heat gently to 40°C to ensure uniform blending.
5. Addition of Actives and Essential Oil
· Once the mixture cools below 30°C, Slowly mix onion oil, wheat germ oil and Tea tree oil to the base oil mixture. (This prevents the degradation of actives and volatile ingredients.)
- Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the actives and essential oil.
- Continue mixing for an additional 5-10 minutes to achieve homogeneity.
6. Packaging
- Transfer the oil into sterilized bottles using a pump or funnel to avoid spillage and contamination.
- Close the bottles tightly and label them with product details, including ingredients, usage instructions, and manufacturing date.
7. Quality Control
Rigorous quality control measures are essential to ensure the product’s performance and safety.
Appearance: The oil is inspected to confirm it is clear and free from sediments, ensuring a visually appealing and high-quality product.
·Viscosity: The consistency is checked to ensure it is lightweight and easily spreadable, offering a pleasant user experience.
· Aroma: The fragrance profile is evaluated to ensure a balanced scent, with no overpowering odors from any individual ingredient.
Stability Testing
The formulation should under thorough stability testing, including:
- Heat-Cool Cycles: Subjecting the product to temperature variations to ensure stability over time.
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Testing the oil’s performance and consistency in extreme temperature conditions.
Microbial Testing
To ensure safety, the oil is tested for microbial growth, confirming that it meets stringent safety standards and is free from contaminants.
Efficacy Testing
Volunteer trials are conducted to evaluate the product’s effectiveness. Participants report noticeable improvements in reducing hair fall and enhancing hair texture, confirming the oil’s benefits.
8. Storage
- Store the finished product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its efficacy.
Usage Instructions
For best results, apply the oil to your scalp and hair roots, gently massaging in circular motions to stimulate blood circulation. Leave it on for at least an hour or overnight for deep nourishment. Wash off with a mild shampoo and repeat 2-3 times a week.
Troubleshooting
- Strong Onion Odour: Balanced the formulation with essential oils like tea tree to neutralize the odour.
- Scalp Sensitivity: Adjusted the concentration of tea tree oil to prevent irritation for sensitive users.
Radha’s Journey
Radha used the onion hair oil into her routine twice a week, leaving it on overnight before washing with a mild shampoo. Within two months, she noticed a 40 to 45% reduction in hair fall, increased volume, and significant improvement in her scalp’s overall health. Her success story validates the power of well-formulated onion hair oil.
Conclusion
Creating effective onion hair oil isn’t just about combining ingredients; it’s about understanding the science behind each component. Every oil, extract, and active ingredient in this formulation serves a purpose, whether it’s strengthening hair, improving scalp health, or enhancing overall texture. In this blog, we dive into a carefully crafted hair oil formula designed to combat hair fall, rejuvenate the scalp, and promote healthy, luscious locks
As formulators, our goal is to create products that bridge the gap between consumer expectations and scientific efficacy. With its natural yet potent blend, this onion hair oil does just that. It’s not just a remedy for hair fall; it’s a testament to the power of nature and science working in harmony.
