Clove Water for Hair Growth: Does It Actually Work? (My 30-Day Test)
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I started using clove water on my hair after seeing it everywhere online. I was skeptical. So I committed to 30 days of consistent use and paid close attention to what actually changed, what side effects showed up, and whether it was worth continuing. Here is everything I found out.
What Is Clove Water and Why Do People Use It for Hair?
Clove water is a simple infusion made by simmering or soaking whole cloves in water. The active compound is eugenol, which research shows increases blood flow to the scalp. Better blood flow means hair follicles get more oxygen and nutrients, which supports growth and reduces shedding. Cloves also have strong antimicrobial properties that help with dandruff and scalp buildup.
How to Make Clove Water for Hair Growth (Two Methods)
The Boiling Method (Faster)
Take two tablespoons of whole organic cloves. Do not use powdered cloves as they are impossible to strain properly. Pour two cups of distilled water into a pot. Add the cloves and bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 15 minutes until the water turns deep amber. Remove from heat, cool completely, then strain into a clean glass spray bottle. Use within one week and store in the fridge.
Organic whole cloves on Amazon, Glass spray bottle on Amazon
The Cold Infusion Method (Gentler)
Place two tablespoons of whole cloves in a glass jar. Pour two cups of distilled water over them. Seal the jar and leave it in a cool dark place for 12 to 24 hours. Strain into your spray bottle the next morning. This method preserves more of the volatile oils that heat can destroy. Better choice if your scalp is sensitive.
Clove Water for Hair Recipe: What You Need
| Item | Why You Need It | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Whole organic cloves | More potent than pre-ground | Amazon link |
| Distilled water | Tap water minerals block results | Amazon link |
| Glass spray bottle | Plastic can absorb the oils | Amazon link |
| Fine mesh strainer | Removes all clove particles | Amazon link |
How to Use Clove Water for Hair Growth
Section your clean damp hair and spray the clove water directly onto your scalp, not the strands. Massage with your fingertips for five minutes to boost circulation. You can follow with a light oil to seal in moisture. Alternatively, use it as a final rinse after shampooing. Pour it over your scalp and do not rinse out with tap water. Let it air dry so the antifungal properties can work throughout the day.
How Often Should You Use Clove Water on Your Hair?
Two to three times per week is the sweet spot for most people. Using it every day strips the scalp of its natural oils and causes dryness and irritation over time. If you have an oily scalp you may tolerate three times a week comfortably. If your scalp runs dry, once or twice a week is enough and always follow up with a hydrating oil or leave-in conditioner.
Side Effects of Using Clove Water on Hair
This is the part most articles skip over. Clove water is potent and it does have real side effects, especially if you use it too often or leave it on too long.
Scalp dryness. The most common side effect. Eugenol is strong and strips natural oils with overuse. If your hair feels straw-like or your scalp feels tight after using it, you are applying it too often or your concentration is too strong. Dilute with more distilled water or reduce to once a week.
Contact dermatitis. Some people are allergic to eugenol. This shows up as redness, itching, or a rash on the scalp or around the hairline. Always do a patch test on your inner arm 24 hours before the first scalp application. If you react on your arm, do not use it on your scalp.
Eye irritation. If the water drips near your eyes it will sting significantly. Tilt your head forward when applying and keep a towel nearby.
Hair staining. Clove water has a dark amber pigment. It can add subtle warm tones to very light or blonde hair over time. For dark hair this is not a concern.
Scalp sensitivity buildup. Even if you do not react at first, long-term daily use can gradually sensitize the scalp. Rotate with other treatments and take a week off every month.
Side Effects of Using Clove Water on Hair Overnight
Leaving clove water on overnight occasionally is fine for most people. Doing it every night is a different story.
Hygral fatigue. Keeping hair constantly damp weakens the hair shaft over time. Wet hair overnight every night leads to breakage, not growth.
Fungal growth. Hair that stays damp without fully drying creates conditions where fungus can thrive on the scalp, which is the opposite of what you are trying to achieve.
Pillow staining. The dark pigment in clove water will stain pillowcases and sheets. If you do an overnight treatment, wear a shower cap or use an old pillowcase.
Burning sensation. Eugenol left in contact with skin for eight or more hours can cause irritation or a burning feeling by morning, especially if your concentration is strong. If this happens, rinse it out and switch to leaving it on for 20 minutes maximum before rinsing.
My rule: I do an overnight clove water treatment once every two weeks maximum. The rest of the time I apply it for 30 minutes before washing my hair on wash day.
Can I Use Clove Water on My Hair Every Day?
No. This is the most common mistake. Daily use dries out the scalp faster than any benefit can accumulate. Three times a week is the upper limit. Every other day if your scalp is very oily. Always monitor how your scalp feels and reduce frequency if it feels tight, itchy, or dry between applications.
Can I Leave Clove Water on My Hair Overnight?
Occasionally yes, but not as a regular routine. If you want to try an overnight treatment, do it no more than once every one to two weeks. Cover your hair with a shower cap to avoid staining, and rinse thoroughly in the morning. If you notice any burning or irritation by morning, do not repeat it.
What I Actually Noticed After 30 Days
Week one I noticed my scalp feeling cleaner after each application and less itching overall. By week two shedding in the shower had visibly reduced. By week four I could see small new hairs along my hairline. I did not experience dramatic growth but my scalp health improved noticeably. The one side effect I dealt with was mild dryness in week two when I was using it every other day. I dropped to three times a week and it resolved.
Best Cloves to Buy for Clove Water
Not all cloves are equal. You want whole organic cloves, not pre-ground. Pre-ground cloves are harder to strain and lose their volatile oils faster. Ceylon or Indonesian whole cloves are consistently recommended for hair treatments.
Best organic whole cloves on Amazon
Clove essential oil as an alternative on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade clove water last? Up to one week in the fridge. If it smells sour or looks cloudy, discard it and make a fresh batch.
Can clove water darken hair? Yes, with frequent use it can add subtle warm tones to light hair due to the natural pigment of the spice.
Can I use clove water on my hair every day overnight? No. Daily overnight use will cause dryness, hygral fatigue, and potential scalp irritation. Once every one to two weeks is the safe limit for overnight treatments.
How to store clove water for hair? In a sealed glass spray bottle in the refrigerator. Glass is better than plastic because the oils in cloves can interact with plastic containers over time.
How many times can I use clove water for hair growth? Two to three times per week for most people. If your scalp is sensitive, start with once a week and increase gradually based on how your scalp responds.
Is clove water good for babies hair? No. Clove water is too strong for infants and young children. The eugenol concentration can irritate a baby’s sensitive scalp. Do not use it on children.
How long can clove water be stored? One week maximum in the fridge. Do not leave it at room temperature as it will spoil faster.
My Recommendation
Clove water works but only if you use it correctly and consistently. Two to three times a week, applied to the scalp with a massage, followed by your regular moisturizing routine. The side effects are manageable as long as you do not overdo it. Start with the boiling method, store it in a glass spray bottle in the fridge, and give it at least six to eight weeks before judging whether it is working for you.
Organic whole cloves on Amazon, Glass spray bottles on Amazon, Fine mesh strainer on Amazon
