Clove water is a simple infusion of whole cloves steeped in hot water, and making it takes about 15 minutes. The solution delivers eugenol, the primary active compound in cloves, directly to your scalp, where it promotes blood flow to hair follicles and may support faster, thicker growth. Here’s exactly how to make it, use it, and store it properly.
Basic Clove Water Recipe
You only need two ingredients: whole cloves and water. Whole cloves release their compounds more slowly and evenly than ground cloves, which can leave gritty residue in your hair and are harder to strain out.
- Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of whole cloves (roughly 10 to 15 cloves) and 2 cups of water
- Boil the water in a small pot, then add the cloves
- Reduce to a simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, until the water turns a warm amber color
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely to room temperature
- Strain out the cloves through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a spray bottle or jar
That’s it. The longer you simmer, the more concentrated the solution becomes. If you want a milder version, especially for your first time, steep the cloves in just-boiled water for 15 to 20 minutes instead of actively simmering them.
Why Clove Water Works on Hair
Eugenol, the compound that gives cloves their distinctive warm smell, is a vasodilator. It relaxes blood vessels by triggering nitric oxide release in the lining of blood vessel walls. On your scalp, this means increased blood flow to the tiny vessels feeding each hair follicle, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the root.
A study published in the Journal of the Faculty of Medicine Baghdad tested 10% clove oil against 5% minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) on mice with testosterone-induced hair loss. The clove oil group showed significant improvement in the ratio of actively growing follicles to resting ones, jumping from 1.12 to 3.32, compared to 3.91 in healthy controls. Follicle density in the clove group (8.8 follicles per field) was statistically comparable to the minoxidil group. The researchers also noted that clove-treated follicles had better overall architecture, though the growth pattern was more horizontal compared to the clustered pattern seen with minoxidil.
Keep in mind that clove water is a diluted infusion, not a concentrated oil. The effects will be gentler, which also means fewer risks of irritation.
How to Apply It
The most effective method is using clove water as a scalp rinse after shampooing. Pour or spray the cooled clove water directly onto your scalp, then massage it in with your fingertips for a minute or two. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
You can also transfer the strained liquid into a spray bottle and use it as a leave-in scalp tonic. A light misting on your scalp between washes works well for this. If you have a sensitive scalp, stick with rinsing it out rather than leaving it on, at least until you know how your skin reacts.
Use it once or twice a week. More frequent application isn’t necessary and won’t speed up results. Consistency over time is what matters.
How Long Before You See Results
Hair grows roughly half an inch per month, so any treatment that works at the follicle level needs time. Most people who report positive results from clove water describe a timeline of 3 to 4 months of consistent use before noticing meaningful changes in thickness or growth speed. Some notice reduced scalp irritation and a healthier feel within a couple of weeks, which can be an early sign that the treatment is working for you.
The people who see the most dramatic results tend to be those who stick with it for six months or longer. One consistent user reported hair growing from jaw length to lower back over roughly two years of weekly use. Your mileage will vary depending on your starting point, genetics, and what’s causing any thinning in the first place.
Storage and Shelf Life
Clove water has no preservatives, so treat it like any perishable liquid. Store it in the refrigerator and use it within 24 hours. Leaving it at room temperature for multiple days creates a risk of microbial growth, especially if you’ve added other ingredients like honey or aloe vera.
The easiest approach is to make a fresh batch the day you plan to use it. If you prefer to batch-prep, make a two-day supply at most and keep it sealed in the fridge. If the liquid develops an off smell, looks cloudy, or has any visible film on the surface, discard it and make a new batch.
Variations Worth Trying
Plain clove water works on its own, but you can combine cloves with other scalp-friendly ingredients during the steeping process:
- Clove and rosemary: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or a teaspoon of dried rosemary to the pot while simmering. Rosemary has its own evidence for supporting hair growth and pairs well with the warming effect of cloves.
- Clove and cinnamon: Half a cinnamon stick added during simmering gives a second source of circulation-boosting compounds.
- Clove and green tea: Steep a green tea bag in the clove water after removing it from heat. Green tea adds antioxidants that may help protect follicles from damage.
With any combination, the same storage rules apply. Refrigerate and use within a day.
Scalp Sensitivity and Precautions
Eugenol has a very low sensitization potential at the concentrations found in consumer products, based on patch-test surveys. Clove water is significantly more dilute than pure clove essential oil, which makes reactions uncommon. Still, if you’ve never used clove products on your skin before, test a small amount on the inside of your wrist or behind your ear and wait 24 hours before applying it to your entire scalp.
Signs of a reaction include redness, itching, or a burning sensation that doesn’t fade within a few minutes. A mild warming or tingling feeling is normal and expected from eugenol’s blood-flow effects. If your scalp feels genuinely irritated after use, dilute the solution further next time by using fewer cloves per cup of water, or reduce the simmering time. People with eczema, psoriasis, or other active scalp conditions should be especially cautious, since broken or inflamed skin absorbs compounds more readily.