“Onion (Allium Cepa) extract as an alternative hair growth of the eyebrows”

An Investigatory Science Project

Submitted to

The students of

Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion

Tipolo, Mandaue City Cebu

Antigua, Adrian

Balgos,Jacey Prudence

Calipayan, Alexandriane

Dimaala, Carlo

Librero, Sohyle Marie

Ybanez, Nash

February 2016
ABSTRACT

People nowadays are very skeptical of beauty products that may improve one’s

appearance. Many products have been introduced to the market involving beauty

development especially when it comes to hair growth. Yet these introduced products

contain chemical properties that may harm natural and sensitive skin. The researchers

have been also doubtful of the effectiveness of these products and its safety.

That is why the researchers came up with this idea of creating a good alternative

for improvement of hair growth in the eyebrows to help consumers purchase not only an

effective product but also safe, reliable, and cheap. Onions have been known to

possess curative value since ancient times. Even the World Health Organization (WHO)

confirms that onions are beneficial for people experiencing great hair loss. Onion’s

potential as a potent home remedy for hair loss has been studied all over the world.

Many trials have been conducted worldwide to prove the efficiency of onions for hair

growth, (Journal of Dermatology, June 2002).

The onion industry is a major source of livelihood and income among farming

Filipinos. These are grown in about 11,998 ha (1997) mainly in Central Luzon and the

Ilocos Region. They are grown both for the local and export markets. Filipinos have

used onions not only in dishes but have already been introduced to using such for

medicinal purposes. These grow well in friable and well-drained loam soil which the

country has considering it to have a tropical climate.

With this, the researchers wouldn’t find a hard time to obtain a supply of such

since it is very abundant in the country. Onions belong to the plant genus Allium.

Cultivated garden or bulb onions – the ones we eat - are Allium cepa. The onion is
believed to have originated in Asia, though it is likely that onions may have been

growing wild on every continent Traces of onion remains have been found in Bronze

Age settlements dating back to 5000 BC. Our ancestors must have recognized the

vegetable's durability and began growing onions for food in Egypt around 3500 BC, the

same time that leeks and garlic were being cultivated. Moreover, this study is significant

in treating thin and graying hair in our eyebrows.

Losing hair can cause concern and mental stress to people. With this, acute hair

loss or thin hair in the eyebrows can affect a person’s appearance and their confidence

level. This study is beneficial to those people who wished to have thick or normal count

of the hair eyebrows.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This project consumed huge amount of work, research and dedication. Still, this study

would not have been possible if we did not have a support of many individuals.

Therefore we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all of them.

First of all we are thankful to the parents for their financial support and for providing

necessary guidance and materials concerning projects implementation.

The researchers thank Sohyle’s aunt, Hedelissa Pardillo for without her, we wouldn’t be

able to test the effectiveness of our experiment.

The researchers would also like to thank Sir Bene Cantillas, who was always open

whenever the researchers ran into problems or had questions regarding the topic. He

consistently allowed the researchers to be their own work, but steered the researchers

in the right direction whenever they thought they needed it.

And lastly, to the ever Almighty God for the guidance and enlightenment He had

provided the researchers while doing such investigatory project. He journeyed with the

researchers since the first day. Without him, the researchers would not be able to

succeed and fulfill their duties and responsibilities in this study. To God be the Glory.

A.J.A.C.S.N
 CHAPTER

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Rationale

People nowadays are very skeptical of beauty products that may improve one’s

appearance. Many products have been introduced to the market involving beauty

development especially when it comes to hair growth. Yet these introduced products

contain chemical properties that may harm natural and sensitive skin. The researchers

have been also doubtful of the effectiveness of these products and its safety.

Eyebrows define the shape of your face; it emphasizes the arch of your eyes and

also protects it from infection and direct exposure to sediments like dusts. Imagine a

person without eyebrows; it would look unpleasing and unattractive. That is why the

researchers came up with this idea of creating a good alternative for improvement of

hair growth in the eyebrows to help consumers purchase not only an effective product

but also safe, reliable, and cheap. Onions have been known to possess curative value

since ancient times. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that onions

are beneficial for people experiencing great hair loss. Onion’s potential as a potent

home remedy for hair loss has been studied all over the world. Many trials have been

conducted worldwide to prove the efficiency of onions for hair growth, (Journal of

Dermatology, June 2002).

 Almost 70% of the participants had reported reversal of hair growth when onion

juice was used as a treatment for hair loss. Instances of new hair growth have also

been reported by a majority of these participants.

The onion industry is a major source of livelihood and income among farming

Filipinos. These are grown in about 11,998 ha (1997) mainly in Central Luzon and the

Ilocos Region. They are grown both for the local and export markets. Filipinos have

used onions not only in dishes but have already been introduced to using such for

medicinal purposes. These grow well in friable and well-drained loam soil which the

country has considering it to have a tropical climate. With this, the researchers wouldn’t

find a hard time to obtain a supply of such since it is very abundant in the country. The

researchers intend to study Allium Cepa to help people in our society today, who are

purchasing products that may bring infection to the eyebrows, and to also help them

improve their physical appearance. The researchers came up with the study of Onion

(Allium Cepa) considering its properties that can create a great impact of hair growth.

This spice is discovered to not only add flavor to our food but to also contain

components that improve the collagen tissue which is essential in hair growth

specifically the eyebrows. The importance of this study is to mainly help the growth of

hair in the eyebrows that could boost self-confidence and esteem of users.

The onion extract or juice is used and is applied to the surface of the eyebrows

allowing it to be absorbed to the hair follicles that brings nourishment. This also brings

properties that prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria on the surface of the eyebrows

which reduces the chances of losing hair due to these kinds of infections. The

researchers intend to study to help people in our society today, who are purchasing
products that may bring infection to the eyebrows, and to also help them improve their

physical appearance.

Theoretical Background

Onions belong to the plant genus Allium. Cultivated garden or bulb onions – the

ones we eat - are Allium cepa. The onion is believed to have originated in Asia, though

it is likely that onions may have been growing wild on every continent Traces of onion

remains have been found in Bronze Age settlements dating back to 5000 BC. Our

ancestors must have recognized the vegetable's durability and began growing onions

for food in Egypt around 3500 BC, the same time that leeks and garlic were being

cultivated. Other ancient civilizations in China, India, Greece and Rome also used and

consumed onions. By The Middle Ages, onion, cabbage and beans were some of the

staples of the European diet. Columbus introduced onions to North America on his 1492

expedition to Hispaniola. However, early Pilgrims who followed found that strains of wild

onions grew throughout North America and that Native American Indians were already

using them in a variety of ways.

The onion is one of the most well-known of spices. Employed nearly throughout

the world as a primary culinary spice and food additive, it has been cultivated and used

for both medicinal and culinary uses since ancient times. Considered one of the earliest

spices to be employed by man, the use of the onion for cuisine, medicine, and even for

food dates back to at least 5000 B. C. Onions have been revered throughout time, they

are endlessly versatile and essential in many areas. These are native to Asia and the

Middle East.
 In the early years, there have been a lot of discovery of the onion’s capability in

the area of medicine. One of such is its effectiveness for hair growth and the reduction

of hair loss since they are a rich source of sulfur. Sulfur stimulates blood circulation and

reduces skin inflammation. Sulfur is also known as a "beauty mineral" since it is vital in

the development of collagen, the major protein which gives the skin smoothness and

durability to hair. This means that the right amount of sulfur levels in our blood and body

can reduce hair loss and induce hair growth. Onion juice strengthens hair, and prevents

fungal infection in the scalp; it opens blocked pores of the hair follicles.

According to a clinical evidence, many commercial non-FDA approved hair loss

treatments have very little scientific basis of legitimate clinical studies. Onions however

have been used in a small study, which suggests that they could be used in the

treatment of a type of hair loss called alopecia areata.

 THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

The investigatory project aims to know the effects of Onion (Allium Cepa) extract

as an alternative hair grower for eyebrows. The Onion bulb is used as an extract and

not from any other part of the onion plant.

Specifically, it sought to answer these following questions:

1. What component/s does the Onion (Allium Cepa) has that makes it

an alternative hair grower for eyebrows?

2. How long would it take for the onion extract to have an effect on

the growth of hair in the eyebrows

3. Based on the results, what recommendations can be proposed for

future use?

4. Does the alternative affect the length of the eyebrows upon

application?

4.1 Measure length of hair without any application of the product

4.2 At a constant amount of extract (0.6 ml) show length of eyebrows in

the first week of application

4.3 At a constant amount of extract (0.6 ml) show length of eyebrows in

the second week of application

4.4 At a constant amount of extract (0.6 ml) show length of eyebrows in

the third week of application

 4.5 At a constant amount of extract (0.6 ml) show length of eyebrows in

the fourth week of application

Significance of the study

Nowadays, many people are facing problems regarding hair loss especially in

their eyebrows. Thus, this study helps people make a homemade hair grower which is

less expensive and easy to make. In this connection, we will not have a hard time in

what ways will we do in order for us to gain more hair in our eyebrows.

Most people will surely benefit this study not only because it is less expensive

than commercialized products but it also has its medical values and health risks are

lesser since it is naturally made with onion extract. This study is completely safe to use

in promoting hair growth and also preventing hair loss.

Moreover, this study is significant in treating thin and graying hair in our

eyebrows. Losing hair can cause concern and mental stress to people. With this, acute

hair loss or thin hair in the eyebrows can affect a person’s appearance and their

confidence level. This study is beneficial to those people who wished to have thick or

normal count of the hair eyebrows.

SCOPES AND LIMITATIONS

The focus of the study was to test the effectiveness of onion extract for the hair

growth only in the eyebrows and not on scalp or any other areas of the body where

growth of hair is visible. The usage of other kinds of onion besides the red onions or
sometimes called “purple onion” is beyond the scope of the study. Moreover,

researchers only extracted its juice from the onion bulb itself and not from its leaves of

other parts of an onion plant.

In using the product, the onion extract is merely applied on the surface of the

eyebrows moistening the temple of the hair in this area and is not taken internally-drank

or swallowed. Thus, its effect on human health is not being concentrated in the study

but only its effects focusing on the hair growth. To identify results,qualitative tests will be

done. Quantitative test is beyond the scope of the study.

The study only limits to the onion’s extract as an alternative and no any other

extracts from plants or substance affecting hair growth. However, other research has

shown possible alternatives like: olive oil, eggs, avocado, and coconut oil. The proof of

the effectiveness of other alternatives is beyond the scope of the study. Upon the

experiment, researchers will not compare the difference in its result between women

and men with relative to time, effectiveness, and other factors. Results from the

commercialized product are also not tested by the researchers. Therefore, we do not

have any data showing comparison between the alternative product and the

commercialized ones sold in the market but solely on the effectiveness of the created

alternative. The product has not undergone any boiling or freezing processes but I

simply extracted from the pulp. No other materials or substance is combined with the

extract. Finding a way to reduce the irritant chemical in the onion is also beyond the

scope of the study.

 CHAPTER II
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The investigatory project focuses on the ability of Onion (Allium Cepa) extract as

an alternative hair grower for the eyebrows. Researchers have chosen purple onion to

be used during the whole process.

Research Design

The research design of the study is qualitative in nature. The methods used in the

experimentation would be done for the purpose of extraction of the onion juice that will

be applied to the surface of the eyebrows. Researchers would also record days of

application but would give focus on the visible effects of the product on eyebrows.

Materials and Equipments

The researchers used these following materials in performing the investigatory

project. For the extraction of the onion juice: 1 large sized or 2 medium sized purple

onion (enough to have a total of 0.3ml or 6 drops of the extract), knife, grater/blender,

liquid dropper, 1 beaker, strainer, and 1plastic container.

For the application of the extract: 1-3 Cotton buds, 1 sleeping patch or any clean piece

of cloth enough to cover eye area, water of any amount preferred in washing off.
Procedures

The investigatory project is made to make use of the onion extract for hair growth in the

eyebrows. The experimentation had been made possible due to the following processes

and methods used by the researchers:

Extraction. Prepare the materials and the containers to be used. The Onion will be

washed with fresh clean water in room temperature. After such, using the knife carefully

peel off the onion skin. If you are using a grater, use finest side to grate the onion. In

grating onions, use a container to put grated onion and not to waste the juice extract on

it. On the other hand, if you are using blender, chop the onion into smaller pieces and

toss into a blender. Strain the blended or grated onion.

Application. Cover eyes with eye patch or clean cloth and ask another person to apply

the extract to avoid stinging effect on sensitive eyes. Using the liquid dropper, get 0.3ml

of the onion juice and drop unto cotton buds. Massage directly to the surface of the right

eyebrows for about 5 minutes. Do the same process for the left eyebrows. Leave the

extract until it dries up about 2-3 minutes and wash after with clean water or with a mild

cleanser. For fast results apply once daily for several weeks. You can store an extracted

juice in a plastic container but must only be stored for 5 days.

Set up diagram:
 CHAPTER III
FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Findings

The table shows the observation on the growth of the eyebrows upon the
application of the product. The researchers did not compare the growth of the
eyebrows with the use of the alternative product and the commercialized ones but
rather the improvement of growth per week. Descriptive observations are also made
and not actual measurements of hair. The results are as follows:
Table 1 (Descriptive record Of Hair Growth for 4 weeks using the product)

EYEBROW Amount of
DATE
DESCRIPTION AFTER Extract PICTURE
PERFORMED
APPLICATION Applied
(NOTE:
APPLICATION IS
DONE FOUR Eyebrows are too thin or are Left:
TIMES A WEEK) sparse meaning the hair in the 0.15ml
eyebrows is less than normal and
Original Eyebrows is not full or thick. Right:
(Product not yet 0.15 ml
applied)
There is only a very slight Left:
1ST WEEK: January difference between the original 0.15ml
4-10,2016 eyebrows. But left eyebrows
show hair growth in its tip (left Right:
side, near the nose). 0.15 ml

Increase in hair growth is already Left:

2ND WEEK: visible. Both left and right 0.15ml
January eyebrows looked fuller
11- 17, 2016 compared to the first week of Right:
application. 0.15 ml

Left eyebrow is thicker Left:

compared to the original and 0.15ml
3RD WEEK:
right eyebrow shows increase of
January Right:
hair growth at its lower area. It is
18-24,2016 0.15 ml
already thicker than the first two
weeks of application.

Eyebrows are fuller and thicker. Left:

4TH WEEK:
It is also darker and denser in 0.15ml
January
comparison to the original
25-31,2016
eyebrows. Right:
0.15 ml
 CONCLUSIONS
With the findings of the study, the researchers can conclude that the Onion

(Allium Cepa) extract can be an effective alternative hair grower for the eyebrows. Even

if the process may take time for its effects to be clearly seen, the study proves that

onion extract has the ability to increase hair growth. Through time and careful

observation researchers also analyzed that increase of number of days or applying

once daily of such extract can speed up the growth of hair in the eyebrows yet this has

not been tested.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Like every study, we also have our loopholes and flaws. We would want to

recommend the future researchers that will further study on the effectiveness of onion

(Allium Cepa) extract as an alternative hair grower for the eyebrows the following:

1) Use Onion (Allium Cepa) extract to other parts of the body aside from the

eyebrows like the scalp, beard, and moustache area.

2) Use another type of onion aside from Allium Cepa and be able to compare the

product with the commercialized ones.

3) Add probable solution that would reduce the burning sensation of the onion

extract when applied to the eyebrow.

 REFERENCES

Internet Sources
 APPENDIX A
TIMETABLE OF ACTIVITIES

DATE ACTIVITIES

June 2015 Proposal was submitted to and approved by

graduate school faculty to proceed with an
investigatory project concerning on the onion
extract as alternative hair grower.

August – Securing the Materials in conducting the study.

September 2015
Making of the Chapter 1.

October 2015 Making of Chapter 2.

December 2015 - Making of Chapter 3.

January 2016

January 4-31,2016 Applying and observing the result of the study.

February 1, 2016 Tabulating the data and interpreting the

results.

Finalization of the Findings, Conclusion and

February 8, 2016
Recommendation

February 13, 2016 Submission of the Finalized Chapter III

February 16, 2016 Compilation of the parts of the IP.

 Appendix B
Summary of Expenses of the Materials Used in Study

Item Description Price

Onions 1 bulb per week Php 135.00

Container 1 small bottle Php. 25.00

Cotton buds Php. 50.00

Printing Php. 250.00

Folder with slider Php. 10.00

Miscellaneous (fare) Php. 100.00

TOTAL EXPENSES Php. 570.00

 Appendix C
Pictures of Materials Needed in Conducting the Study

Red Onions
Plastic container/ bottle

Strainer

Grater

Cotton buds
 Appendix D
Documentation on Experimentation Process
 Curriculum Vitae

SOHYLE MARIE B. LIBRERO

680 Guiwanon, Poblacion Compostela

Agathalibrero@yahoo.com
09064048628

Information:

Course & Year : 4th Year High School

Date of Birth : August 6, 1999
Place of Birth : Cebu City
Age : 16
Gender : Female
Status : Single
Nationality : Filipino
Religion : Roman Catholic

Family Background
Father : Sotero P. Librero
Occupation : U.S. Veteran
Mother : Letecia L. Bugtai
Occupation : House wife

Educational Background
Pre-Elem : St. Luke Christian Living School
Elementary : CIC-Mandaue
Secondary : CIC-Mandaue
 JACEY PRUDENCE BALGOS

San Miguel Compound, Pitogo Consolacion

jaceybalgos@gmail.com
09235983241

Information
Course & Year : 4th Year High School
Date of Birth : December14, 1998
Place of Birth : Cebu City
Age : 17
Gender : Female
Status : Single
Nationality : Filipino
Religion : Roman-Catholic

Family Background
Father : Prudel Mahinan Balgos
Occupation : Seaman
Mother : Janice Diaz Balgos
Occupation : House wife

Educational Background
Pre-Elem : Sotero B. Cabahug FORUM for Literacy
Elementary : Sotero B. Cabahug FORUM for Literacy
Secondary : CIC-Mandaue
 ALEXANDRIANNE CALIPAYAN
San Antonio St. Looc, Mandaue City
alex.calips@gmail.com
09254745115

Information
Course & Year : 4th Year High School
Date of Birth : January 28,1999
Place of Birth : Cebu City
Age : 17
Gender : Male
Status : Single
Nationality : Filipino
Religion : Roman-Catholic

Family Background
Father : Alexander Enad Calipayan
Occupation : OFW
Mother : Mitchelle Lopez Palaubsanon
Occupation :Journalist/News Writer

Educational Background
Pre-Elem :CIC-Mandaue
Elementary :CIC-Mandaue
Secondary :CIC-Mandaue
 NASHON LEONARD YBANEZ

B7 L21 Modena Subd. Basak, Lapu-lapu City

nashdash07@gmail.com
09222384704

Information
Course & Year : 4th Year High School
Date of Birth : Oct. 16, 1999
Place of Birth : Cebu City
Age : 16
Gender : Male
Status : Single
Nationality : Filipino
Religion : Roman Catholic

Family Background
Father : Rex Brian Ybanez (enye: alt+164)
Occupation : Mechanical Engineer
Mother : Elda Ybanez
Occupation :House wife

Educational Background
Pre-Elem : Kinderland, Ormoc City
Elementary : St. Peter’s College of Ormoc City
Secondary : St. Peter’s College of Ormoc City
: CIC-Mandaue
 CARLO GABRIEL DIMAALA
Dr.2 Seno Apt. Cabancalan, Mandaue City
carlogabrieldimaala@rocketmail.com
09339701150

Information
Course & Year : 4th Year High School
Date of Birth : March 16, 2000
Place of Birth : Cagayan de Oro City, Polymedic Hospital
Age : 15
Gender : Male
Status : Single
Nationality : Filipino
Religion : Roman Catholic

Family Background
Father : Carlo S. Dimaala
Occupation : Area- Head of Philippine National Bank
Mother : Maria Joy Rochelle T. Dimaala
Occupation : N/A

Educational Background
Pre-Elem : USP Lahug, Cebu City ; CMIC Talamban, Cebu City
Elementary : CIC- Mandaue
Secondary : CIC- Mandaue
 ADRIAN KARL ANTIGUA
L. Espina St. , Guizo Mandaue City
adrian_antigua@yahoo.com
09324184624
Information
Course & Year : 4th Year High School
Date of Birth : July 8, 1999
Place of Birth : Cebu City
Age : 16
Gender : Male
Status : Single
Nationality : Filipino
Religion : Roman Catholic

Family Background
Father : Allen Antigua
Occupation : NONE
Mother : Britta Irene Espina
Occupation : Auditor

Educational Background
Pre-Elem : Colegio De La Inmaculada Concepcion Mandaue
Elementary : Colegio De La Inmaculada Concepcion Mandaue
Secondary : Colegio De La Inmaculada Concepcion Mandaue