Clove and Rosemary Water for Hair

Are you looking for natural remedies to treat your hair? Then you must try clove and rosemary water!

Clove has been traditionally used for several therapeutic processes and as a food preservative. It is considered the most valuable spice.

Clove has an abundance of phenolic constituents including eugenol, which helps promote hair growth. It also has anti-inflammatory, antidandruff, antioxidant, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties for your hair. (1)

Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen shrub used medicinally to stimulate hair growth. It has antifungal, antidandruff, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. (2)

Thus, we may conclude that both clove and rosemary water can be used together to enhance hair benefits.

Read further to know more about the advantages of clove and rosemary water.

What Are the Perks of Using Clove and Rosemary Water on Hair?

Using clove and rosemary water on the hair offers the following advantages.

1. Boosts hair growth

Clove has benefits for the hair and can be used in the form of clove oil and clove water.

A 2016 study reported that the amalgamation of clove oil and emu oil promoted hair growth and showed anti-hair loss properties. (3) This study was designed to identify the best formulation of eugenol in emu oil self-emulsion for hair growth.

Note: Emu oil is derived from the body fat harvested from certain subspecies of the emu (Dormaius novaehollandia), a flightless bird indigenous to Australia. It contains oleic acid and acts as an emollient agent similar to human sebum, which facilitates easy penetration of product into the skin and decreases skin irritation.

According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology, clove contains around 70% of eugenol (a substance that promotes hair growth by nourishing the hair roots). This product makes hair smooth and easy to comb. It might take more time than minoxidil to work, but after a week it speeds up hair growth. (4)

Rosemary has benefits for the hair and can be used in the form of rosemary oil, rosemary water, and rosemary leaf extract.

A 2013 study examined the positive effects of rosemary leaf extract on the hair growth of mice with testosterone-induced hair loss. (5) Additionally, a 2020 and a 2010 study showed that rosemary helped in stimulating hair growth. (2)(6)

A 2015 research compared the efficacy of rosemary oil and minoxidil 2% to treat androgenetic alopecia in 100 patients for 6 months. Both treatments led to a significant increase in hair count, there was no notable difference between them. Thus, rosemary oil stimulates hair growth. (7)

A 2022 study evaluated the hair growth-enhancing effects on rats by using oleo gel containing cedarwood oil or rosemary oil or both. The research concluded that oleo gel with rosemary oil (10%) showed similar effects as minoxidil 2% in increasing the length and thickness of hair. (8)

These scientific evidences show that using clove or rosemary in the form of water or oil can help in promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss.

2. Prevents head lice

A 2018 study treated head lice collected from 51 volunteers with clove oil diluted in sunflower oil, and within 2 hours, 90% of the lice were eliminated successfully. (9)

Another lab study reported that essential oils from clove leaves and buds were found to be effective against head lice. (10)

The same study shared that rosemary oil showed high ovicidal activity (ability to kill eggs) against lice eggs. When diluted with sunflower oil, rosemary oil showed effectiveness in killing 90% of head lice within 2 hours. (10)

These scientific evidences show that clove and rosemary water may prevent head lice.

3. Treats dandruff

A 2021 research tested the inhibitory effects of clove against three dandruff-causing fungi: Microsporum gypseum, Malassezia furfur, and Candida albicans. It was concluded clove’s high antifungal activity inhibited the growth of the three fungi species. Thus, clove can help treat dandruff. (12)

Additionally, a 2013 research reported rosemary has antidandruff activities. (13) Thus, rosemary may also treat dandruff.

These scientific evidences show that clove and rosemary water may help treat dandruff.

4. Prevents foul odor and scalp infections

Folliculitis, a skin condition on the scalp (14) in which the hair follicle becomes infected/inflamed, is usually caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. (15)

In one study, pure clove oil when mixed with rosemary oil exhibited a promising anti-infectious activity that may help to prevent the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. (16) Moreover, the refreshing aroma of clove water leaves the scalp feeling clean and fresh all day.

Hence, clove and rosemary water may help in treating scalp infections and prevent foul order.

How to Use Clove and Rosemary Water on Hair

You can use the mixture of clove and rosemary water on your hair by following these steps:

1. Take 5 cloves and 5 stems of fresh rosemary and boil them for 15 minutes in 2 cups of filtered water.
2. Take it off the heat. Let it cool for 30 minutes.
3. Take a fine-mesh strainer and strain the liquid.
4. Put some in a spray bottle. Put the leftover liquid in a container and put the container in the freezer.
5. Spray the liquid throughout the length of your hair.
6. Tuck your head in a shower cap for 20–30 minutes.
7. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

Precautions When Using Clove and Rosemary Water on Hair

Take the following precautions when using clove and rosemary water on your hair:

• Before applying clove and rosemary water, do a patch test. If you experience redness, irritation, or burning sensation, do not proceed with its application.
• Overuse of clove water on the hair may lead to irritation and dry scalp.
• Mix rosemary water with a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil before applying it to your hair. Rosemary oil is very potent and can cause an allergic reaction if used undiluted.
• Do not use rosemary oil or clove water during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or if you have any medical condition (such as high blood pressure or epilepsy).
• Before using any herbal remedy, always consult your doctor.

Can I Spray Rosemary Water on My Hair Every Day?

No, avoid using rosemary water on your hair daily. Although it has its perks, overusing can cause scalp dryness or irritation due to its strong nature. Rosemary water treatments must be used on an as-needed basis.

Final Word

Both clove and rosemary are considered good for the hair as they promote hair growth and protect the scalp from dandruff.

Clove’s anti-inflammatory properties can help make your hair thick. Rosemary may improve blood circulation and alleviate hair fall. Therefore, including both clove and rosemary in your hair care routine can benefit your hair.