Does Clove Oil for Hair Growth Work?
Clove Oil for Hair Growth: Cloves are aromatic dried flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum) native to Indonesia. A familiar ingredient in many kitchens, cloves are gaining popularity as an alternative remedy for hair growth. Though research is ongoing, some studies suggest that cloves contain properties that contribute to a healthy scalp and stimulate hair growth.
Clove Properties and Compounds for Hair
Cloves have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, the system of medicine of ancient India. They are rich in antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties that may benefit hair health by improving scalp health, reducing inflammation, and nourishing hair follicles.
Antioxidants
Cloves are rich in antioxidants, like eugenol, which can help fight harmful unstable molecules made during cell division called free radicals, and an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants known as oxidative stress. This causes cell damage and leads to several hair concerns, including:
Thinning and weakened hair
The antioxidants in cloves may help prevent hair loss and premature graying and improve hair strength and thickness by protecting against oxidative stress. Eugenol and other antioxidant compounds in cloves may also improve blood circulation to the scalp, promoting hair follicle activity and subsequent hair growth.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cloves have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that may help control scalp inflammation and benefit hair health and growth. Chronic scalp inflammation can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and is associated with conditions that contribute to hair loss, including seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and scalp psoriasis. Cloves may also help reduce scalp discomfort and itchiness related to these conditions by reducing inflammation.
Cloves contain anti-inflammatory compounds like eugenol and gallic acid, which may reduce scalp inflammation and support hair growth. Evidence suggests that gallic acid preserves hair color and strength and promotes growth.
Clove Oil for Hair Growth, Eugenol may improve blood flow to the scalp and stimulate the development and repair of damaged hair follicles to prevent hair loss.
Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties
Cloves may promote a healthy scalp environment by preventing or fighting scalp infections, which can contribute to hair loss and inhibit hair growth.5 Traditional medicine uses of cloves include fighting bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Cloves’ antimicrobial compounds, including eugenol, gallic acid, and flavonoids, may combat scalp infections caused by bacteria and fungi that are associated with hair loss, such as Candida (yeast) and tinea capitis (scalp ringworm).
Nutrients in Cloves for Hair Growth
While most hair health benefits of cloves stem from their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, cloves also contain nutrients that support healthy hair. These include:
Beta-carotene: The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which plays a role in hair health by regulating sebum production in the hair follicle cycle. Sebum is a natural oil secreted by hair follicles that moisturizes the scalp and keeps hair strands hydrated. Beta-carotene in cloves may prevent dry, brittle hair and hair loss.
Vitamin E: An antioxidant, vitamin E can help combat free radical damage and may improve blood circulation to the scalp, which may benefit hair growth by delivering essential nutrients to the hair follicles, giving new hair growth a lustrous shine.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent hair loss and scalp irritation and increase hair density, which may contribute to stronger, thicker, shinier hair strands.
Cloves are generally considered safe to use topically to support hair growth and strengthening. They can potentially be used with or without other treatments.
How to Apply Cloves for Hair Growth
Research on cloves’ effects on hair growth focuses on the compounds in cloves and their effects on scalp and hair health, not specific application techniques. Popular ways to apply cloves for hair growth include clove-infused oil, clove water rinse, and do-it-yourself (DIY) clove hair masks.
General Guidelines for Cloves on Hair
Skin and hair care, If you are considering using cloves for hair health:
Always perform a patch test before applying cloves to your hair or scalp. Apply a small amount of clove oil
(or water) to the inside of your elbow or underside of your arm. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes and wait seven to 10 days to check for signs of irritation (e.g., redness, rash, itchiness).
Avoid contact with clove oil and water with your eyes.
Discontinue use if you experience irritation or allergy (e.g., itching, burning, redness).
Clove-Infused Oil for Scalp Massage
Clove oil for scalp massage is a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, infused with cloves. Massaging clove oil onto the scalp increases blood flow to the hair follicles, stimulating hair growth and increasing hair thickness.
To make clove oil:
Crush 1/2 teaspoon of whole cloves with a mortar and pestle.
Add crushed cloves to 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of carrier oil (e.g., coconut, jojoba, or olive oil) in a jar.
Seal the jar and let the cloves infuse in the carrier oil for a week.
Strain the solids from the oil, and pour the homemade clove oil into a clear bottle or jar.
When your clove oil is ready, gently massage the oil onto your scalp with your fingertips. Leave it on for approximately 20 minutes before shampooing.
Clove Oil Can Irritate the Scalp
Applying undiluted clove essential oil directly to the scalp can cause irritation, including redness, itching, and burning sensations. Dilute several drops of clove oil in a carrier oil like olive oil or jojoba oil, or opt for alternative methods like water rinses or hair masks.
Clove Water Rinse
A clove water rinse for hair is made by steeping whole cloves in hot water. Boil 2 cups of water and add 2 tablespoons of whole cloves. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, remove from heat, and let the water cool completely.
After straining the cloves from the liquid, you can use the remaining clove water as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning your hair. You can also add clove water to a spray bottle and spray it on your hair several days a week to give it a healthy, shiny glow.
DIY Clove Hair Masks
A clove hair mask is a DIY hair treatment that mixes cloves with other hair-nourishing ingredients to create a thick paste applied to the scalp and hair. The specific ingredients and their ratios can vary. Here’s a clove hair mask recipe:
2 ounces of clove water
2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
1 tablespoon of honey
1 egg
Apply the mask to damp hair, focusing on the scalp and roots. Leave the mask on for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly with lukewarm water or shampooing and conditioning your hair as usual.
Side Effects From Clove Hair Application
While cloves offer potential benefits for scalp and hair health, it’s important to use them cautiously and discontinue use if you develop adverse reactions. Common side effects of applying clove oil to the hair and scalp include:
Scalp irritation: People with sensitive skin or those using undiluted clove oil may experience skin redness, itching, burning, or stinging sensations.
Allergic skin reaction: People with a clove allergy may develop an allergic reaction, including hives, skin blistering, redness, itchiness, and burning.
Eye irritation: Contact with the eyes can cause severe irritation or damage.
Respiratory distress: Inhalation of clove water or oil can cause breathing difficulties.
Use clove preparations in moderation. Overuse can cause scalp dryness and irritation. If you experience irritation or discomfort, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.
Also Read:
15 Natural Remedies for Hair Growth
14 Essential Oils that Promote Faster Hair Growth
