Fact Check: Can Aloe Vera, onion juice, and coconut oil cure hair thinning?

A post on Instagram claims that Aloe Vera, onion juice, and coconut oil can cure hair thinning. The claim made by the user is FALSE.

Claim

In an Instagram post, it is claimed that Aloe Vera, onion juice, and coconut oil cure hair thinning. In the post, beautyremedies13 says that If your hair is thinning out then apply a mixture 1 tbsp of Aloe vera gel and 2 tbsp of Onion Juice & 3 tbsp of Coconut Oil on your scalp & massage it. As per the user, use this mixture twice weekly to cure hair thinning. The post has 1,033 likes and can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim made by Instagram user is FALSE. Hair thinning is a chronic condition and cannot be cured by topical application of Aloe Vera, onion juice, and coconut oil

About Hair Thinning

Hair thinning often progresses to hair loss, which can be caused by various factors, including conditions like alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is a condition that leads to hair loss, most commonly affecting the scalp or beard area. This autoimmune disorder causes the immune system to attack hair follicles, resulting in patchy or complete hair loss.

Health benefits of Aloe Vera, Onion Juice and Coconut Oil

Aloe vera, a cactus-like plant thriving in hot, dry climates, is cultivated in subtropical regions such as parts of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Topically, aloe is applied for various conditions, including acne, lichen planus, oral submucous fibrosis, burning mouth syndrome, burns, and radiation-induced skin damage. Aloe-based gels can improve acne and speed burn healing, with the potential to reduce burn-related pain. Topical aloe use has also shown benefits for herpes simplex, psoriasis, and lichen planus.

Onions (Allium cepa L.), belonging to the Liliaceae family, are widely grown across various latitudes and altitudes in Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa. They are rich in flavonoids and alkyl cysteine sulphoxides, two chemical groups known for their potential health benefits. Onion compounds have been associated with various health-promoting properties, including anticancer, antiplatelet, antithrombotic, antiasthmatic, and antibiotic effects. Studies have explored the agronomy of onion crops, the biochemistry of these beneficial compounds, and recent clinical data evaluating the health impacts of onion extracts.

Coconut oil benefits hair in several ways, helping prevent damage and maintain overall hair health. Its ability to penetrate the hair shaft reduces protein loss, essential for keeping hair strong and less prone to breakage during combing. Studies and salon-based tests have shown that coconut oil can protect various hair types, including chemically treated and thermally damaged hair, such as bleached or heat-exposed hair. Additionally, it aids in retaining moisture, keeping hair hydrated and soft, further supporting healthy growth and resilience against damage.

Can Aloe Vera, onion juice, and coconut oil cure hair thinning?

While aloe vera has no proven benefits for hair, there is some weak evidence indicating that crude onion oil may aid in hair regrowth. Coconut oil can promote healthy hair growth and add shine, but there is no evidence to suggest that it can cure hair thinning or that it will make hair thicker. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that aloe vera, onion juice and coconut oil can cure hair thinning.

A study featured in The Journal of Dermatology demonstrated that crude onion juice led to significantly better hair regrowth compared to tap water, indicating that it could serve as an effective topical treatment for patchy alopecia areata.

A review paper by G. S. Vala et. al. found that coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrients for hair. It promotes healthy hair growth and adds shine. It is widely used in the Indian subcontinent for hair care, with many people applying it daily after bathing or showering. Coconut oil works as an excellent conditioner and supports the regrowth of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins needed to nourish and repair damaged hair. 

The Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team spoke with Dr. Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, Mumbai and she said, "Hair thinning is a serious concern that can be a cause of worry for some. To effectively cure hair thinning, understanding the root cause of this issue becomes crucial. Several factors can contribute to the thinning of the hair. This can include factors like hormonal changes, genetics, prolonged stress, Nutritional deficiency particularly vitamin D, scalp infection, inflammation, and taking certain medications. If you are someone who loves trying various experiments and hairstyles that are too tight then this habit of yours is to be blamed. People go above and beyond to find hacks or methods that can give instant results to this worrisome condition of theirs. In the end, they turn towards reels or videos showing various hacks one of which is trying aloe Vera, onion juice, and coconut oil to effectively cure hair thinning. Instead of relying on these unverified methods, people should consider consulting a doctor for a reliable diagnosis. He/she may evaluate your condition and prescribe certain medications or hair care products for effective results. Remember, not to believe everything you see online. These hacks cause more harm than good. Ensure that you practice hygiene by washing your hair at least once in week. Opt for hair care products that are chemical and toxin-free."

Dr Soumya Sachdeva, Consultant Dermatologist, Theya Wellness Skin Hair and Aesthetics Clinic, Kaushambi, Ghaziabad added "In my professional opinion, while natural remedies like aloe vera, onion juice, and coconut oil are often promoted as solutions for hair thinning, there is limited scientific backing for their effectiveness in curing it. Aloe vera is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, which may improve scalp health, but it doesn’t address the root causes of hair thinning such as androgenetic alopecia or hormonal imbalances. Onion juice doesn’t help in hair growth in any way, in fact, it may irritate the scalp. Coconut oil is excellent for moisturizing and protecting hair from breakage, but it does not directly influence hair growth or prevent thinning. For patients experiencing hair thinning, I recommend first identifying the underlying cause through a proper medical consultation. Proven treatments such as minoxidil, oral medications like finasteride, or advanced therapies like PRP (platelet-rich plasma) can offer more reliable results. While natural remedies can complement medical treatments, they should not be relied upon as a primary solution to hair thinning." 

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Hair loss can be caused by various factors, including hereditary hair loss, aging, alopecia areata, childbirth, illness, stress, and cancer. There is limited evidence indicating that crude onion juice may be a helpful topical treatment for alopecia areata. However, doctors caution that onion juice can irritate the scalp, making it important to consult a dermatologist before trying such remedies. Additionally, coconut oil is widely regarded as one of the best natural nutrients for hair, promoting healthy growth and adding shine. Meanwhile, there is no evidence to support aloe vera's role in preventing or treating hair loss.

Hence, the claim that Aloe Vera, onion juice, and coconut oil can cure hair thinning is FALSE.