The claim of “crazy growth” in just 7 days is a significant exaggeration used in social media. Hair growth is a biological process that takes time (the average growth rate is about 1/4 to 1/2 inch per month).
However, consistent use of a clove treatment can lead to noticeable improvements in the health, strength, and density of hair within a few weeks to months, and many users report less shedding and a healthier scalp after 7 days due to the immediate effects of the tonic.
The power of cloves comes from eugenol, its main bioactive compound.1
Benefits You Will Notice in Days/Weeks
The immediate effects of clove water are primarily focused on the scalp environment:
| Symptom Relieved (Days 1-7) | Mechanism of Action |
| Reduced Dandruff & Itchiness | Cloves have strong antifungal and antimicrobial properties, which combat the yeast (Malassezia) and bacteria that cause irritation and flakes. |
| Less Hair Shedding/Breakage | Clove water adds minerals and antioxidants to the hair shaft, strengthening the hair and making it more resilient against daily breakage. |
| Scalp Invigoration | Eugenol mildly stimulates the scalp, improving blood circulation and giving a “tingling” sensation that feels energizing and healthy. |
| Added Shine and Softness | The antioxidants and conditioning properties smooth the hair cuticle, improving light reflection and overall texture. |
Benefits That Require Long-Term Use (Weeks/Months)
- Stimulated Hair Regrowth: Clove water improves the scalp’s environment and blood flow, which may stimulate dormant hair follicles to enter the active growth phase.2 This process takes 4-6 weeks to show visible new growth.
- Thickening: True hair thickening happens as new, stronger strands emerge from stimulated follicles, which can take several months of consistent use.
DIY Recipe: Potent Clove Water Hair Rinse
This rinse is the most common and effective way to apply cloves for hair health.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Filtered Water3
- 2 tablespoons Whole Cloves (do not use clove essential oil unless diluted, as it is too strong)4
- A clean spray bottle for application
Instructions
- Crush (Optional but Recommended): Lightly crush or muddle the whole cloves (with a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon) to help release the eugenol and oils during boiling.5
- Boil and Steep: Add the crushed cloves to 2 cups of water in a saucepan.6 Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes.7
- Cool and Infuse: Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the mixture cool completely—ideally for 3–4 hours or overnight.8 The water should be a deep brown/amber color.
- Strain and Store: Strain the liquid well to remove all solid clove pieces.9 Transfer the clove-infused water into a spray bottle.10 Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to one week.11
Application
- Frequency: Apply 2–3 times per week.12
- Method: After shampooing and conditioning, use the tonic as a final, leave-in rinse.13 Spray or pour the water directly onto the scalp and roots, then gently massage your scalp for 5 minutes.
- No Rinse: Do not rinse the clove water out.14 Let it air dry.
- Patch Test: Always test the rinse on a small patch of skin first, as the potent eugenol can cause irritation or dryness on sensitive scalps if used in excess.15
