Is It Good to Use Clove Water for Hair?

Have you ever wondered if clove water could be a natural solution to your hair problems? Of late, clove water has emerged as a promising natural remedy for hair care, and many are eager to learn about its potential benefits. Besides various proposed health benefits, clove water is believed to work efficiently in supporting hair growth.

Could your next go-to remedy for hair be clove water? In this article, we will look into the properties of clove water, the potential benefits, and how to include it in our hair care routine.

Is it good to use clove water for hair?

While there is no strong evidence supporting its benefits, some people believe it may help with hair growth, improve scalp health, and strengthen hair strands. Since there is no known harm, you may consider trying it. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a valuable spice that has been used for centuries to preserve food and for various medicinal uses. You can make clove water by sopping dried clove in boiling water.

Cloves contain a wide range of bioactive components, and it is believed that boiling cloves in water can help extract a significant amount of these compounds. Research suggests that clove essential oils (highly concentrated extracts) possess antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. However, depending on how clove water is prepared, the boiling time, and other factors, the compounds in the final product may or may not retain these potential benefits. Additionally, the concentrations in clove water are likely to be much lower than in essential oils, and some compounds may not penetrate the scalp effectively to aid hair quality in any way.

Compounds found in cloves

Ground cloves, in their unprocessed form, contain a range of vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds, though it is likely that homemade clove water will contain a significantly lower concentration of these nutrients. Some of the bioactive compounds found in cloves have been listed below.

• Eugenol. Found in higher concentrations in clove oil and ground cloves than in clove water, this is the most abundant bioactive compound in cloves with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antioxidant properties.
• Terpenes. Aromatic compounds, such as β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and α-copaene, are associated with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, some can evaporate or degrade at higher temperatures, therefore, their total concentration in clove water will depend on the preparation method.
• Phenolic compounds. Cloves contain phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, which offer potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, their presence and concentrations can vary depending on the preparation of clove extracts, such as clove water.

Additionally, many of the active compounds found in cloves are micronutrients that are important in the human diet, thus, incorporating this spice in the diet may help supplement minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, as well as vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and folate. However, since clove water is applied topically, these nutrients may not be absorbed through the skin and may not produce the same effects as when these nutrients are administered orally.

Benefits of clove water for hair

Although clove water has gained popularity online for various benefits for hair growth and quality, it is important to note that research on its benefits is still very limited. Some of the proposed benefits of clove water for hair are given below.

Increases hair growth

Clove water is believed to promote healthy hair growth by improving blood circulation to the scalp and supporting the health of hair follicles. However, as of now, there is limited research that has looked at these potential benefits.

One animal study found that hair products with clove extract promoted hair growth in rabbits. However, the study used ethanol extract, which can contain higher concentrations of bioactive ingredients that can be achieved by boiling cloves. More research is needed to confirm if such effects can be seen using clove water and whether they can apply to humans.

Improves scalp health

Since cloves contain a range of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, applying a topical preparation of clove extracts to the scalp may help support scalp health. However, while individual bioactive components may possess these beneficial properties, and it is proposed that clove water preparations might help reduce the risk of scalp infections caused by bacteria and fungi, currently, there is no research on these effects of clove water in either animals or humans.

Treats itching and dandruff

Since the use of clove water has gained popularity in social media, one of the health claims surrounding its use was that it helps prevent itching and dandruff. While such effects have the potential to occur since multiple bioactive compounds in cloves are reported to have antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, currently, there is no research that has reported that clove constituents are effective in treating malassezia fungus (the fungus that contributes to dandruff).

Improves hair strength

Cloves contain a variety of bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential. Therefore, the topical application of clove extracts, such as clove water, on the hair and scalp is suggested to improve hair strength and thickness, possibly by protecting against free radical damage and oxidative stress. However, there are no studies that have evaluated whether clove extract preparations can improve hair quality and scalp health measures.

Prevents early graying

One of the current theories about aging suggests that oxidative stress can disrupt melanin production in our hair, resulting in premature gray hair. Clove water may contain a range of compounds with antioxidant properties that may help in 'fighting off' oxidative damage and prevent premature greying of hair. However, similar to other proposed benefits, this potential property of clove water has never been evaluated in relevant studies.

Have you ever tried using clove water or any other home remedy to prevent premature graying of your hair? We'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

Side effects and risks

Even though clove water is generally considered safe, it may cause the following side effects in some individuals:

• Some people may be allergic to clove water, resulting in scalp irritation and redness.
• Eugenol in clove water may irritate sensitive skin.
• Excessive use of clove water may dry your scalp and hair, leading to flakiness.

It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional in case of any allergic reaction.

1. First, take a small bowl and add 2 cups of water to it. Now place it on the stove to boil.
2. When the water starts boiling, add 2 tablespoons of cloves to it.
3. Let the water boil for 10–15 minutes to absorb all the nutrients.
4. Now, remove the bowl from the stove and let it cool.
5. Once cooled, strain the mixture to remove the clove pieces and transfer the liquid to a clean container.
6. Store the clove water in the refrigerator for up to one week.

How to use it

Most of the available literature on the potential benefits of clove preparation focuses on its bioactive compounds and their effects when administered orally rather than in topical applications on skin or hair. However, many clove water users recommend using the preparation in the following manner for best results:

• Conduct a patch test first. Apply a small amount of clove oil or water to the inside of your elbow or the underside of your arm and leave it on for 10–20 minutes. Monitor the area over the next week for any signs of irritation, such as redness, rash, or itching.
• After conducting a patch test, spray clove water directly on your hair, then massage it gently for proper absorption in the scalp, and leave it for at least 20–30 minutes before washing out.
• Avoid getting clove water in your eyes.
• Discontinue use if you experience itching, burning, or redness.

Clove water is loved by many and used as a simple and easy herbal remedy for hair care. Its users claim that clove water can enhance hair growth, add shine, and keep the scalp healthy, while its antimicrobial and antifungal properties can treat dandruff and scalp infections. However, very few studies have been conducted to look at the effectiveness of clove water for hair or scalp health.

Got questions? Leave them in the comment box below — we’d be happy to help you with them.

Article history

Our experts strive to provide up to date information and update articles when new information becomes available

September 18, 2024

Fact checked by Gabija Dimšaitė, BSc

September 18, 2024

Updated by Shamsa Kanwal, MD

September 14, 2023

Written by Gina Pardino, BSN, RN