🧠 What Is Clove Oil?
Clove oil is extracted from the buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, rich in eugenol, a powerful compound known for its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and stimulating properties. It has gained popularity in hair care for its potential to:
Stimulate hair follicles
Increase blood flow to the scalp
Reduce dandruff and scalp infections
Prevent premature greying
Improve overall scalp health
🔬 Scientific Basis: Eugenol has been shown to have vasodilatory effects (expanding blood vessels), which could help improve scalp circulation — a key factor in stimulating dormant hair follicles.
Source: NCBI
🧪 Does Clove Oil Really Work for Hair Growth?
Yes — but how well depends on the cause of your hair loss. According to dermatologists and scientific studies:
Clove oil may not reverse hereditary baldness, but it can help with:
Telogen effluvium (stress-related hair fall)
Dandruff-related hair weakening
Poor scalp circulation
It’s most effective when combined with carrier oils and massaged consistently.
🗣️ Expert Quote:
“Eugenol in clove oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which make it useful in treating scalp conditions that can hinder hair growth.”
— Dr. Alpana Mohta, MD Dermatology, Rajasthan University of Health Sciences
PubMed Link
🌿 Top 20+ Scientifically-Backed Remedies Using Clove Oil for Hair Growth
1. Clove Oil Scalp Massage
Mechanism: Stimulates blood circulation to dormant follicles.
How to Use:
Mix 5 drops clove oil + 2 tbsp coconut oil
Warm slightly, massage into scalp for 5 minutes
Leave for 30 mins or overnight
Rinse with mild shampoo
⚠️ Do a patch test to avoid irritation.
2. Clove Oil + Castor Oil (Thickening Boost)
Mechanism: Castor oil’s ricinoleic acid + eugenol create a dual boost for follicle stimulation.
🧴 Mix 5 drops clove oil + 1 tbsp castor oil
Leave for 1 hour before washing off
📈 Ideal for thinning hair & edges
3. Clove Oil + Onion Juice
Mechanism: Sulfur in onion + clove’s eugenol stimulate collagen production.
🧴 Mix 1 tbsp onion juice + 3 drops clove oil
Apply to scalp, leave for 30 mins
Repeat 2–3 times/week
⚠️ Strong smell. Do not leave overnight.
4. Clove Oil + Aloe Vera Gel
Mechanism: Hydrates scalp + reduces inflammation + promotes regrowth.
🧴 Mix 2 tbsp aloe vera gel + 4 drops clove oil
Apply to scalp & hair
Rinse after 45 mins
5. Clove Oil Hair Tonic Spray
🧴 Mix:
100 ml distilled water
10 drops clove oil
5 drops tea tree oil
1 tsp rosewater
Spray on scalp daily before brushing.
📌 Non-oily solution for daily use
6. Clove Oil + Olive Oil Overnight Mask
🧴 Mix 2 tbsp olive oil + 6 drops clove oil
Massage scalp and hair
Wrap in towel and leave overnight
Wash off next morning
7. Clove Oil + Curry Leaves Infusion
🧪 Curry leaves are rich in antioxidants and B vitamins.
Boil a handful of curry leaves in coconut oil
Cool, strain, add 5 drops clove oil
Massage scalp twice a week
8. Clove Oil + Rosemary Oil (Ultimate Growth Blend)
🧠 Both are proven to stimulate hair growth at a level comparable to minoxidil.
🧴 Mix equal parts rosemary and clove oil (5 drops each)
Dilute in jojoba oil
Use 3x/week
9. Clove Hair Serum for Dry Ends
🧴 Mix:
1 tbsp argan oil
4 drops clove oil
Apply to hair ends post-shower
✨ Prevents breakage and seals moisture
10. Clove Oil Hot Towel Therapy
Massage clove oil blend into scalp
Wrap in hot towel for 10–15 mins
Enhances penetration & blood flow
11. Clove Oil + Fenugreek Paste
Soak fenugreek seeds overnight
Grind into paste, add 4 drops clove oil
Apply for 40 mins
🧠 Great for dandruff + fall control
12. Clove Oil Leave-In Water
In a spray bottle:
200 ml rosewater
8 drops clove oil
Use as leave-in conditioner post-wash
13. Clove Oil Hair Mask with Yogurt
🧴 Mix:
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp honey
5 drops clove oil
Leave for 30 mins, rinse thoroughly
14. Clove Oil + Neem Oil for Itchy Scalp
Great for fungal infections and dandruff.
🧴 Mix 5 drops each in coconut oil
Use 2x/week
15. Clove Oil in Shampoo
Add 10 drops to 100 ml of your regular sulfate-free shampoo
Shake well
Use as normal
16. Clove + Green Tea Rinse
Steep green tea, cool it
Add 6 drops clove oil
Use as a final rinse after shampooing
17. Clove Oil + Egg Hair Mask
Protein-rich egg nourishes roots
🧴 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp olive oil + 5 drops clove oil
Apply and wash after 30 mins
18. Clove Oil + Avocado Deep Conditioning
Blend 1 ripe avocado + 1 tbsp honey + 6 drops clove oil
Use once a week
19. Clove Oil Scalp Scrub
Mix brown sugar + olive oil + clove oil
Gently exfoliate scalp
Rinse thoroughly
20. Clove Oil + Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Balances scalp pH, reduces buildup.
1 tbsp ACV + 1 cup water + 5 drops clove oil
Rinse scalp after shampoo
🔁 Structured Weekly Hair Growth Routine
| Day | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Mon | Clove + Castor Oil massage |
| Tue | Clove leave-in spray |
| Wed | Clove + Onion scalp mask |
| Thu | Rest |
| Fri | Clove + Curry leaf oil |
| Sat | Clove + Yogurt deep mask |
| Sun | Green tea + Clove rinse |
⚠️ Risks & Precautions
Always dilute clove oil. It’s a strong essential oil that can irritate skin.
Perform a patch test 24 hours before scalp use.
Avoid contact with eyes.
Not for infants, pregnant women, or individuals with allergies to eugenol.
📊 Comparison Table: Clove Oil vs Other Hair Growth Oils
| Feature | Clove Oil | Castor Oil | Rosemary Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boosts blood circulation | ✅ | ⚠️ (less direct) | ✅✅ |
| Antimicrobial | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Reduces Dandruff | ✅✅ | ⚠️ | ✅✅ |
| Scientifically studied | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅ |
| Smell | Strong, spicy | Neutral | Herbal |
🗣️ Expert Quotes
“Essential oils like clove can be effective, but only when used consistently and properly diluted.”
— Dr. Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist
Source
“Clove oil’s eugenol has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that may benefit the scalp.”
— Journal of Natural Remedies, 2021
Study Link
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to see results with clove oil?
Most users report visible reduction in hair fall in 3–4 weeks and noticeable hair growth in 8–12 weeks of consistent use.
2. Can clove oil regrow bald patches?
Clove oil improves circulation but cannot regrow hair on completely dead follicles. Better for early-stage hair thinning.
3. Can I apply clove oil daily?
Only if highly diluted. Overuse can irritate the scalp.
4. Is clove oil better than rosemary or castor oil?
It depends on your hair goal. Rosemary is better studied for androgenetic alopecia; clove helps more with microbial/dandruff-induced hair loss.
5. Does clove oil stop dandruff?
Yes, thanks to its antifungal properties. Combine with tea tree oil for best results.
6. Can I use clove oil during pregnancy?
Not recommended. Consult a healthcare provider first.
7. What’s the best carrier oil for clove?
Coconut oil or jojoba oil are ideal due to their scalp penetration and nourishment.
📌 Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment, especially if you have allergies, scalp conditions, or are pregnant.
✅ Final Takeaway
Clove oil is a potent, natural solution for improving scalp health and boosting hair growth — especially when paired with the right oils and remedies. Its power lies in its antimicrobial and circulation-boosting properties, backed by science and praised by experts.
👉 Use it 2–3x per week, always diluted.
👉 Combine with rosemary, castor, aloe, or onion for best results.
👉 Stay consistent and patient.
