“Grow your hair faster in just one week!” You’ve probably seen this bold claim circulating TikTok, accompanied by countless before-and-after videos celebrating the magic of a humble ingredient: clove water. This DIY hair rinse has swiftly become the latest viral wellness hack, promising rapid growth and revitalized hair. But does science back these remarkable claims—or are we just witnessing another short-lived beauty placebo?
Let’s dive into this viral TikTok beauty trend, explore what dermatologists say, and find out whether the clove water hair rinse is a legitimate growth booster or simply clever hype.
Why Is Clove Water Suddenly Everywhere?
It all started when influencers on TikTok began sharing impressive testimonials about clove-infused rinses, with videos captioned: “My hair grew an inch in one week!” or “It revitalized my dormant follicles.” Enthusiasts swear by the simplicity of this method—a DIY solution made with a spice that’s probably already sitting in your kitchen.
Given the flood of dramatic before-and-after clips, it’s no surprise millions have rushed to try it. After all, who wouldn’t want thicker, longer hair achieved naturally and affordably?
How to Make the Clove Water Hair Rinse (The DIY Recipe)
If you’re curious to test this viral rinse yourself, the recipe couldn’t be simpler:
- Step 1: Boil two cups of water in a pot.
- Step 2: Add two tablespoons of whole cloves or one tablespoon of ground cloves.
- Step 3: Simmer gently for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Step 4: Strain into a spray bottle or clean container.
Apply the rinse generously to your scalp and roots after shampooing, gently massaging it in. Most TikTok enthusiasts recommend using it 2–3 times per week.
But Does Clove Water Actually Stimulate Hair Growth?
Here’s where things get interesting (and complicated). While cloves contain antioxidants and antimicrobial properties beneficial to scalp health, dermatologists caution against expecting miraculous overnight results.
Dr. Anjali Mehta, a board-certified dermatologist and trichologist, offered her insights:
“Cloves contain eugenol, an antioxidant compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. It can promote scalp health, reduce dandruff, and even improve blood circulation slightly, potentially supporting healthier hair growth. However, there’s limited scientific evidence to claim it ‘revitalizes dormant follicles’ or significantly accelerates growth. Much of the viral success might stem from a placebo effect or improved hair care practices encouraged by the trend.”
Putting the Trend to the Test: My Personal Experiment
Intrigued by these conflicting views, I decided to test the clove water rinse myself. Over a two-week period, I applied the rinse three times per week, measuring growth and noting any changes.
Results:
- After one week, I noticed shinier, softer hair—but no measurable increase in length.
- By week two, my scalp felt cleaner, less itchy, and dandruff noticeably diminished. Hair growth, however, remained average (about half an inch total).
Although my personal results didn’t align with the sensational TikTok claims, I did experience tangible improvements in scalp comfort and hair texture.
The Bottom Line: Magic Solution or Mere Placebo?
So, is clove water a genuine hair growth miracle or another overhyped wellness trend?
The answer lies somewhere in between. Clove water undoubtedly offers legitimate scalp-health benefits, potentially laying a foundation for healthier hair over time. However, expecting dramatic growth—especially within just a week—is unrealistic and unsupported by scientific evidence.
Dermatologist takeaway: If you’re after a gentle, natural solution for improved scalp health and shinier hair, clove water might be worth the hype. But keep your expectations realistic—because when it comes to dramatically speeding up hair growth, the science simply isn’t there yet.
