Equipment

• Small saucepan or double boiler
• Glass jar with airtight lid (sterilized)
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Funnel (optional)
• Dark glass dropper bottle for storage

Ingredients

Core Ingredients

• ½ cup (120 ml) carrier oil — Choose one or combine: Coconut oil (penetrates hair shaft, moisturizing)
• Jojoba oil (closest to scalp’s natural sebum)
• Olive oil (rich in antioxidants)
• Sweet almond oil (light, nourishing)
• Castor oil (promotes thickness; use 2 tbsp max mixed with lighter oil)

Optional Enhancements

• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (promotes hair growth)
• 5–6 curry leaves (strengthens roots)
• 1 teaspoon black seed (nigella sativa) (scalp health)
• 3–4 drops rosemary essential oil (circulation booster)
• 3–4 drops peppermint essential oil (cooling sensation)

Instructions

Method 1: Heat Infusion (Quick — Ready in 2–3 Hours)

1. Step 1: Sterilize Your Equipment Wash and dry your glass jar and storage bottle thoroughly. Sterilizing prevents bacterial growth that could spoil your oil. You can boil glass containers for 10 minutes and let them air-dry completely.
2. Step 2: Warm the Carrier Oil Pour your chosen carrier oil into a small saucepan or double boiler. Warm over very low heat for 2–3 minutes. The oil should be warm to the touch but never smoking or bubbling. Intensity: Low heat (under 120°F/49°C).
3. Step 3: Add the Cloves Add whole dried cloves (lightly crushed with the back of a spoon to release oils) or clove powder to the warm oil. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
4. Step 4: Gentle Infusion Maintain the oil on low heat for 45–60 minutes , stirring every 10 minutes. If using a double boiler, this is safer. The oil should never fry or sizzle—only a gentle warmth that coaxes out the clove’s beneficial compounds. Intensity: Consistent low simmer (never boiling).
5. Step 5: Cool and Rest Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes). For a stronger infusion, transfer the covered jar to a warm, dark spot and let it rest for 2–3 hours .
6. Step 6: Strain Place cheesecloth over your jar and pour the oil through, squeezing the cloves to extract every drop. Discard the solids.
7. Step 7: Bottle and Store Pour the strained oil into your dark glass bottle. Label with the date. Store in a cool, dark cabinet.

Method 2: Cold Infusion (Traditional — 7–14 Days)

1. Step 1: Combine cloves and carrier oil in a clean glass jar. Step 2: Seal tightly and shake well for 30 seconds. Step 3: Place in a sunny windowsill or warm spot for 7–14 days , shaking once daily. Step 4: Strain through cheesecloth, bottle, and store. Intensity: Passive — no heat required, but requires patience.

How to Use Clove Hair Oil

1. Patch Test First: Apply a small amount behind your ear or inner wrist. Wait 24 hours to check for irritation. Clove is potent—some sensitivity is normal, but discontinue if redness or burning occurs.
2. Warm the Oil: Place 1–2 tablespoons in a small bowl and warm slightly (not hot).
3. Massage into Scalp: Using fingertips, massage oil into the scalp in circular motions for 5–10 minutes . Focus on thinning areas. Intensity: Gentle to moderate pressure.
4. Coat Hair Lengths: Run remaining oil through hair strands to the tips.
5. Leave In: Let sit for 30 minutes minimum , or overnight for deep treatment (wrap hair in a shower cap or towel).
6. Wash Out: Shampoo thoroughly, possibly twice, to remove all oil residue.

Frequency

1. For hair growth: 2–3 times per week
2. For dandruff/scalp issues: 2 times per week
3. For maintenance: Once weekly

Nutrition

Calories: 120–135 kcal · Protein: 0 g · Fat: 14–15 g · Carbohydrates: 0 g · Saturated Fat: 2–12 g (depends on carrier oil) — Monounsaturated · Sodium: 0 mg