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Onion Oil vs Castor Oil: Which Is Better for Hair Growth?

Onion Oil vs Castor Oil: Which Is Better for Hair Growth?

Struggling with hair fall? Discover the ultimate battle between Onion Oil vs. Castor Oil to see which one actually boosts hair growth. Learn how the sulfur in onion oil triggers regrowth while the ricinoleic acid in castor oil adds volume and strength to every strand.
Editorial
Updated:- 2026-01-12, 16:14 IST

Choosing between Onion Oil and Castor Oil is like choosing between a stimulant and a fortifier. While both are heavy hitters in the world of natural hair care, they work through entirely different biological mechanisms. Here is a breakdown to help you decide which one fits your hair goals.

Onion Oil vs Castor Oil: Which Is Better for Hair Growth?

1. Onion Oil

Onion oil is prized for its high Sulfur content. Sulfur is a key component of Keratin, the protein that makes up your hair.

  • How it works: It provides the scalp with extra sulfur to support strong, thick hair. It also has potent antibacterial properties that help clear scalp infections or dandruff, which often stunt growth.

  • Best for: Treating patchy hair loss or thinning.

    1. Reactivating dormant hair follicles.

    2. Maintaining a clean, infection-free scalp.

  • The Downside: The pungent smell can be difficult to manage, and it is a hot oil that can irritate if used daily without a carrier oil.

Onion oil Images - Free Download on Freepik

2. Castor Oil

Castor oil is unique because it contains Ricinoleic Acid, a fatty acid that increases blood circulation to the scalp.

  • How it works: It acts as a deep humectant, locking moisture into the hair shaft and scalp. Its thick consistency coats the hair, preventing breakage and split ends, which allows hair to actually reach longer lengths.

  • Best for: Increasing hair density and volume.

    1. Deeply conditioning dry, frizzy, or brittle hair.

    2. Improving the health of eyelashes and eyebrows.

  • The Downside: It is extremely thick and sticky. Applying it directly can be difficult, and washing it out usually requires multiple shampoos.

Castor oil and seeds on wooden background | Premium Photo

ALSO READ- Onion Oil Vs Rosemary Oil: Which Is the Ultimate Hair Growth Champion?

Onion Oil vs Castor Oil

Feature

Onion Oil

Castor Oil

Primary Ingredient

Sulfur & Antioxidants

Ricinoleic Acid & Omega-6

Main Benefit

Regrowth & Anti-dandruff

Thickness & Strength

Consistency

Light to Medium

Very Thick / Viscous

Best Used For

Thinning at the roots

Breakage & Dryness

Frequency

2–3 times a week

Once a week (or as a spot treatment)

Which Is Better for Hair Growth

  • Choose Onion Oil if: You are seeing your scalp through your hair or experiencing sudden shedding. It focuses on the root of the problem by stimulating the follicle.

  • Choose Castor Oil if: You have dry, damaged hair that refuses to grow past a certain length because it keeps breaking. It focuses on the strength of the strand.

Applying hair oil Images - Free Download on Freepik

Image credits: Freepik

ALSO READ- Coconut Oil vs Almond Oil: Which Is Better For Winter Hair Care?

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Our aim is to provide accurate, safe and expert verified information through our articles and social media handles. The remedies, advice and tips mentioned here are for general information only. Please consult your expert before trying any kind of health, beauty, life hacks or astrology related tips. For any feedback or complaint, contact us at [email protected].