Here is how to make clove oil for hair growth at home using a carrier oil like olive oil or grapeseed oil.
Making clove oil for hair growth at home involves infusing cloves into a carrier oil, and according to one method, you can use oils like olive oil or grapeseed oil for this process.
Creating your own clove-infused oil is a simple DIY project. The basic idea is to allow the beneficial compounds from cloves to transfer into a suitable carrier oil.
Ingredients
- Dried Whole Cloves
- Carrier Oil (e.g., Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil)
According to one source, while olive oil might be used, grapeseed oil is often preferred because it has a higher smoking point and is considered a great oil for this purpose.
Steps for Infusion
There are typically two main methods for infusing oils: the cold infusion method and the heat infusion method.
1. Cold Infusion Method:
- Place dried whole cloves in a clean, dry glass jar.
- Pour your chosen carrier oil (like olive oil or grapeseed oil) over the cloves, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Seal the jar tightly.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place for several weeks (usually 4-6 weeks), shaking it gently every few days.
- After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the cloves.
- Store the finished clove-infused oil in a clean glass bottle.
2. Heat Infusion Method (Gentle Warmth):
- Place dried whole cloves and your carrier oil (like olive oil or grapeseed oil) in a heat-safe container.
- Place this container in a double boiler or a pot filled with a few inches of water (creating a makeshift double boiler).
- Gently heat the water (not the oil directly) over low heat for a few hours (e.g., 1-3 hours). The goal is to gently warm the oil to help extract compounds from the cloves, not to fry them. Avoid high heat.
- Let the oil cool completely.
- Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the cloves.
- Store the finished clove-infused oil in a clean glass bottle.
Important Considerations:
- Oil Choice: As noted, grapeseed oil might be preferred over olive oil due to its higher smoking point, making it potentially better suited for gentle heat infusion methods and often considered a great oil overall.
- Cloves: Ensure the cloves are dry to prevent water contamination, which can cause mold.
- Storage: Store the finished oil in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life.
Summary Table
| Item | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried Cloves | Whole, dried cloves | Main ingredient for infusion |
| Carrier Oil | Olive Oil or Grapeseed Oil | Grapeseed oil is noted as potentially better (higher smoking point) |
| Method | Cold Infusion or Gentle Heat Infusion | Allows clove compounds to transfer to oil |
| Duration | Weeks (Cold) or Hours (Heat) | Time needed for infusion |
| Final Step | Strain Cloves, Store Oil | Separates solid material and preserves the oil |
Using homemade clove oil as a scalp treatment can be part of a routine aimed at improving hair health.
