You can make clove oil for hair growth at home by infusing whole cloves in a carrier oil over low heat or by steeping them over several weeks. The active compound in cloves, eugenol, makes up about 70% of clove essential oil and stimulates hair follicles by increasing blood flow to the scalp. A homemade infusion won’t be as concentrated as a steam-distilled essential oil, but it delivers enough eugenol to be useful in a regular hair care routine.
Quick Heat Infusion Method
This is the fastest way to make clove-infused oil at home. You’ll need about 2 tablespoons of whole cloves (not ground, which turns the oil gritty and murky) and 1 cup of a carrier oil. Coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil all work well. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft more effectively than most other oils, while jojoba closely mimics the natural oil your scalp produces.
Lightly crush the whole cloves with a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife to expose more surface area. Add them to a small saucepan with the carrier oil and warm the mixture on the lowest heat setting for 1 to 2 hours. The oil should never simmer or smoke. You’re aiming for a temperature warm enough to draw the eugenol out of the cloves but cool enough to avoid breaking down the oil’s fatty acids. Stir occasionally. Once it cools, strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into a clean glass jar.
Cold Infusion Method
If you want to preserve every beneficial compound without any risk of heat damage, a cold infusion is the better route. It just takes patience. Lightly crush 3 to 4 tablespoons of whole cloves and place them in a clean glass jar. Pour 1 cup of carrier oil over the cloves, making sure they’re fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks. Give it a gentle shake every few days to keep things moving.
After the steeping period, strain the oil and transfer it to a dark glass bottle. The result is a milder infusion than the heat method, but one that retains more of the cloves’ naturally occurring antioxidants.
How Clove Oil Supports Hair Growth
Eugenol has androgenic activity, meaning it can stimulate hair roots and encourage the follicle to stay in its active growth phase longer. When applied to the scalp, it increases local circulation, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to each follicle. Research published in the Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology identified clove oil as a strong candidate for anti-hair loss formulations specifically because of this mechanism.
Animal studies on essential oils with similar profiles to clove have shown measurable increases in the number of active hair follicles, deeper follicle roots, and a thicker dermal layer in the scalp. These structural changes are the biological signals of a scalp environment that supports stronger, denser hair over time. Clove oil also has potent antimicrobial properties, which can help keep the scalp free from fungal or bacterial buildup that sometimes contributes to hair thinning.
How to Apply It Safely
Clove oil is one of the more potent essential oils, and even a homemade infusion can irritate sensitive skin. The Tisserand Institute, a widely respected authority on essential oil safety, recommends that clove bud oil be used at no more than 0.5% concentration on skin to avoid allergic reactions. A homemade infusion is naturally less concentrated than a pure essential oil, but it’s still smart to do a patch test before applying it to your entire scalp. Dab a small amount on the inside of your wrist or behind your ear and wait 24 to 48 hours. Allergic reactions to topical products are often delayed, so a rash, redness, or itching may not show up right away.
If you’re using store-bought clove essential oil instead of a homemade infusion, dilution is critical. Add no more than 2 to 3 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil. People with existing skin conditions like eczema or atopic dermatitis are at higher risk for irritant reactions and should start with an even lower concentration.
To use your clove oil, warm a small amount between your palms and massage it into your scalp for 3 to 5 minutes, focusing on areas where hair feels thinnest. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if your skin tolerates it well. Wash it out with a gentle shampoo. Two to three applications per week is a reasonable frequency. Hair growth is a slow process, so expect to use the oil consistently for 8 to 12 weeks before noticing visible changes.
Boosting Your Clove Oil Blend
You can combine clove with other hair-friendly ingredients during the infusion process. Rosemary is one of the most studied botanicals for hair growth and pairs well with clove. Add a tablespoon of dried rosemary leaves alongside the cloves during either the heat or cold infusion. Peppermint is another option that increases scalp circulation, creating a tingling sensation that signals blood flow to the area.
A few drops of vitamin E oil added after straining serves double duty: it nourishes the scalp and acts as a natural preservative, slowing the oxidation of your finished oil.
Storage and Shelf Life
Homemade clove-infused oil lasts about 6 months when stored properly, though this depends largely on the shelf life of your carrier oil. Coconut oil tends to last longer than olive oil before going rancid. The enemies of any infused oil are oxygen, light, and heat. Store your oil in a dark glass bottle (amber or cobalt blue) with a tight-fitting cap. Keep it in a cool, dry spot like a bathroom cabinet or a kitchen drawer away from the stove.
Use smaller bottles when possible. Every time you open the container, oxygen enters and begins breaking down the oil’s active compounds. If you made a large batch, consider dividing it into two or three smaller bottles so the portion you aren’t using stays sealed. If the oil starts to smell off, looks cloudy, or changes color significantly, it has oxidized and should be discarded.