The Benefits of Using Clove Water for Hair Care and Growth

The Benefits of Using Clove Water for Hair

Clove water is growing in popularity as a natural hair care remedy. Cloves contain antioxidants, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that can improve hair health. Using a simple clove water rinse can lead to shinier, stronger, and healthier hair. Read on to learn all about the benefits of using clove water for hair and how to make your own clove hair rinse at home.

What Is Clove Water?

Clove water is made by infusing water with whole cloves. The active compounds in cloves infuse into the water, creating a solution that can be used to rinse hair. Eugenol is the main compound in cloves and is responsible for many of their health benefits.

Clove water is sometimes called clove tea as the infusion process is similar to making a cup of herbal clove tea. You simply allow the cloves to steep in hot water for at least 15 minutes. The longer you steep the cloves, the more potent the water will become.

Benefits of Clove Water for Hair

There are many reasons you may want to consider using clove water as a rinse for your hair. Here are some of the top benefits:

• Antibacterial properties - One of the main benefits of clove water is that it can help kill bacteria and fungi that can lead to infections of the scalp. This includes issues like dandruff which is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called malassezia.
• Anti-inflammatory effects - The eugenol in cloves has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritation and itchiness of the scalp that arises from inflammation. This includes dandruff and other inflammatory scalp conditions.
• Improved circulation - Clove water is said to help boost circulation in the scalp leading to better blood flow. This nourishes hair follicles to encourage faster, healthier hair growth.
• Protects against damage - With antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, clove water may help protect hair from oxidative damage that arises from things like pollution, sun exposure, and damage from hair styling. Less damage means healthier hair overall.
• Adds shine - Many people find that using a clove hair rinse leaves their hair looking shinier. The eugenol in cloves can help smooth down the outer cuticle for reflective, glossy looking strands.
• Prevents premature graying - The antioxidants in clove water may help prevent premature graying of hair. This is because oxidative stress is one factor that can lead hair to lose its pigment early.
• Reduces hair loss - By improving scalp health and circulation, clove water can help reduce excessive hair shedding and loss. This is especially true if hair loss is related to inflammation or infection of the scalp.
• Natural cleanser - Clove water can gently cleanse both the hair and scalp without stripping away natural oils. This helps rid the scalp of product buildup without causing damage or dryness.

How to Use Clove Water on Hair

Using a clove rinse on your hair is simple. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Bring about 2 cups of water to a boil. Turn off the heat and add 4-6 whole cloves to the water.
2. Allow the cloves to steep for at least 15 minutes. You can cover the container or leave it open as it steeps.
3. Strain out the cloves either by pouring through a strainer or cheesecloth placed over a bowl.
4. Allow the clove tea to cool until it is comfortable to touch but still warm.
5. In the shower, use your regular shampoo to wash your hair as normal. Rinse out the shampoo thoroughly.
6. Pour the clove water over your head, focusing on the scalp by massaging it in with your fingertips.
7. Let the clove tea soak in for 5-10 minutes before rinsing out with cool water.
8. Style as normal. For added shine, finish with a few drops of olive oil or argan oil.

Use the clove rinse 1-2 times per week after shampooing. It can be drying to use too often. Make sure your hair is completely dry before using any heating tools after the rinse.

Clove Water Hair Rinse Precautions

Clove water is generally very safe to use on hair. However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

• Do a patch test before your first use to check for any irritation or allergic reaction.
• Avoid getting clove water in your eyes as it can cause burning and irritation.
• If you have an allergy to cloves or other plants in the myrtle family, avoid using clove water.
• Don't use clove rinses on children under the age of 5.
• Start with diluted clove water until you know how your hair and scalp will react.
• Discontinue use if you experience any irritation, stinging, or redness.

Other Tips for Using Clove Water for Hair

Here are some other things to keep in mind to get the most benefits from using a clove rinse:

• Use whole cloves instead of ground cloves since they will infuse more of their nutrients into the water.
• Stick to using filtered water rather than tap water to steep the cloves.
• Store any leftover clove water in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before each use.
• Consider adding a few drops of lavender, rosemary, or tea tree essential oils for additional hair benefits.
• Rinse hair with cool water after the soak to help seal in moisture.
• Follow with a hydrating hair mask to prevent dryness from repetitive use.

DIY Clove Shampoo Recipe

You can also make your own clove shampoo using clove tea. Here is a simple recipe to try:

• Make a strong batch of clove tea using at least 8-10 cloves steeped for 30+ minutes. Strain well.
• Mix together 1 cup of clove tea and 1/4 cup of castile soap or liquid castile soap.
• Add in 5-10 drops each of rosemary and lavender essential oils if desired.
• Use on wet hair as you would any regular shampoo. Rinse well.
• Store leftover shampoo in a squeeze bottle in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Other Clove Hair Rinse Options

If you don't have whole cloves on hand to make clove water, there are a couple pre-made options you can buy instead. Look for:

• Clove essential oil - Add a few drops of clove essential oil to water or your favorite conditioner before applying to hair.
• Clove hydrosol - This is a ready made clove water spritz that makes rinsing easy.
• Clove powder - For a stronger infusion, use 1-2 teaspoons of ground clove powder steeped into hot water.

The Benefits of Cloves for Hair

Now that you know how to use clove water for hair care, let's take a closer look at what makes cloves so beneficial for hair health and growth:

Antimicrobial Properties

One of the biggest benefits of cloves is their antimicrobial effects. Cloves contain high amounts of eugenol, a compound that has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. This makes cloves a helpful remedy for treating infections and overgrowths on the scalp that can cause dandruff, irritation, and inflammation.

The antifungal effects are particularly helpful for issues like seborrheic dermatitis that arise from an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp. The antibacterial properties help fight bacteria that can cause folliculitis and other scalp infections that lead to itching and hair loss.

Improving Scalp Circulation

Better blood circulation in the scalp equals better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles for optimal growth. Compounds in cloves like eugenol, rhamnetin, and vitamin E help dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow.

This boosted microcirculation provides nourishment for stronger, faster growing hair. It also encourages a healthy environment for new hair follicles to form.

Soothing Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory effects of cloves can also promote a healthy scalp. Issues like eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff cause inflammation that can lead to a flaky, irritated, and itchy scalp. Clove water can help reduce this inflammation to provide soothing relief.

This is particularly useful for those with scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis that cause an inflamed scalp. By controlling inflammation, cloves encourage a healthy environment for hair to thrive.

Helping Prevent Hair Loss

By treating issues such as poor scalp health, insufficient circulation, and inflammation, clove water helps combat some of the common causes of hair loss. This includes loss from breakage due to damage as well as thinning from conditions like alopecia.

Studies also show that compounds in cloves like luteolin help block the effects of DHT. This male hormone contributes to pattern baldness. So cloves may also help slow genetic hair loss.

Protecting Against Damage

The antioxidant compounds in cloves called polyphenols help protect hair from oxidative damage. This type of damage arises from things like air pollution, UV rays, chlorine, hair dye chemicals, and heat styling tools.

Antioxidants help neutralize the free radicals that cause oxidative damage to hair protein bonds and lipids. Less damage means stronger, shinier, and more vibrant looking hair.

Conclusion

Clove water offers a simple but powerful natural remedy to improve scalp health, reduce damage, and boost hair growth. With benefits like antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, it’s easy to see why clove rinses are growing in popularity.

It’s a safe, affordable treatment that can enhance shine, strength, and manageability when used 1-2 times per week. Just be sure to do a patch test before your first use and don’t overdo it. With the right consistency, clove water can elevate the health of your hair.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.