Preparing cloves for hair growth is straightforward: you can make a simple water rinse, infuse cloves into a carrier oil, or blend them into a hair mask. The active compound in cloves, eugenol, makes up about 70% of clove essential oil and stimulates hair follicles by increasing blood flow to the root. Below are the most effective preparation methods, how to use them safely, and what to expect.
Why Cloves Work for Hair Growth
Eugenol, the compound that gives cloves their strong, warm smell, has androgenic activity that stimulates hair roots to take in more nutrients. It also has antibacterial properties that help keep the scalp clean, reducing the kind of buildup and irritation that can slow hair growth. When applied topically, clove preparations create a mild warming sensation on the scalp, which reflects increased circulation to the follicles.
Basic Clove Water Rinse
This is the simplest and most popular method. You need just two ingredients: 1 tablespoon of whole cloves and 1 cup of water.
- Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Add the whole cloves and reduce the heat to a low simmer.
- Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. The water will turn a deep amber-brown color.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
- Strain out the cloves and pour the liquid into a spray bottle.
Some recipes call for boiling a larger handful of cloves for 15 to 20 minutes if you want a stronger concentration. Start with the milder version (1 tablespoon) and work your way up if your scalp tolerates it well.
How to Apply Clove Water
Spritz the clove water directly onto your scalp, focusing on the roots rather than the lengths of your hair. Massage it in gently with your fingertips for a minute or two to help it absorb. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse it out and shampoo as usual. For best results, use it one to two times per week.
You can also use it as a final rinse after shampooing. In that case, pour it over your scalp, massage it in, and leave it without rinsing. This works well for people who find the scent pleasant and don’t mind wearing it between washes.
Clove Oil Infusion
An oil-based preparation is more concentrated than clove water and doubles as a deep conditioning treatment. The carrier oil you choose matters because it affects how quickly the product absorbs and whether it clogs pores on your scalp.
Jojoba oil is the top choice for scalp applications. It absorbs quickly, has a very low chance of clogging pores, and closely mimics the natural oils your scalp produces. Sweet almond oil is another good option with fast absorption and a light texture. Coconut oil (fractionated, meaning the liquid form) works well too, though it absorbs more slowly. Olive oil is best reserved for very dry scalps since it’s heavy and absorbs slowly.
How to Make the Infusion
Place 2 tablespoons of whole cloves in a clean glass jar and cover them with about half a cup of your carrier oil. You have two options from here:
- Cold infusion: Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks. Shake it every few days. This preserves more of the eugenol since heat can break down some active compounds.
- Warm infusion: Place the jar in a pot of water on low heat (a double-boiler setup) and warm it gently for 2 to 3 hours. Don’t let the oil reach a full simmer. Strain and use once cooled.
Strain the cloves through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. The finished oil can be applied directly to your scalp, left on for 30 minutes, then washed out with shampoo. One advantage of the oil method: it doesn’t need refrigeration and lasts much longer than water-based preparations.
Clove Hair Mask
For a more intensive treatment, you can combine clove water or clove oil with other ingredients that support hair growth. Rosemary and fenugreek are two of the most common additions. Rosemary has its own body of evidence for stimulating hair follicles, and fenugreek seeds are rich in proteins and compounds that strengthen the hair shaft.
A simple mask recipe: mix 2 tablespoons of clove water with 1 tablespoon of your clove oil infusion and 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and shampoo as normal. The aloe vera adds slip for easier application and provides extra moisture.
Storing Your Preparations
Water-based clove preparations spoil quickly. Without a preservative, homemade clove water lasts only 3 to 5 days, even in the refrigerator. Always use distilled water rather than tap water, since distilled water contains fewer bacteria to begin with. Before each use, check for any off smell or cloudiness, which are signs it has gone bad.
Making small batches is the safest approach. One cup of clove water used twice a week will last you about two sessions, which is roughly the right window before it needs replacing. Oil-based infusions are far more shelf-stable. Stored in a sealed glass container away from light, a jojoba-based clove oil infusion can last several months.
Safety and Dilution
Pure clove essential oil (the kind you buy in a small dropper bottle) should never be applied directly to your scalp. Undiluted eugenol can cause skin irritation, redness, and in some cases contact dermatitis. If you’re using store-bought clove essential oil instead of making your own infusion, add no more than 3 to 5 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil.
Even with properly diluted preparations, do a patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist or behind your ear and wait 24 hours. If you notice redness, burning, or itching, the concentration is too strong or you may be sensitive to eugenol. Some people also experience headaches from the strong scent, so working in a ventilated space while preparing clove water helps.
Clove oil can also decrease blood coagulation. If you’re taking blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, talk with your doctor before using clove preparations regularly on your scalp, since some eugenol absorbs through the skin.
What Results to Expect
Clove preparations are not a quick fix. Most people who report noticeable changes in hair thickness or reduced shedding describe using clove water or oil consistently for 4 to 8 weeks. Hair growth happens in cycles, and the goal of any topical treatment is to push more follicles into the active growth phase while extending how long they stay there.
Cloves work best as one part of a broader routine. Keeping your scalp clean, minimizing heat damage, eating enough protein, and managing stress all influence how well your hair grows. Clove preparations support the process by improving scalp circulation and reducing bacterial buildup, but they won’t override major nutritional deficiencies or hormonal conditions on their own.