One new hair trend rising the ranks on TikTok involves adding cloves to your shampoo, apparently leaving anyone who can be bothered to try it with the longest, glossiest, healthiest-looking hair. Best of all, unlike many TikTok beauty trends, this one requires an item you probably already have sitting in your cupboard.
The ‘good girls gone bad’ makeup trend of the year.
We took on the task of researching all things clove-related to find out if it's really the secret that our hair has been calling out for all this time (or not). Want to know the answer? Read on to find out how to add this spice to your hair care routine.
Benefits of cloves for hair
Cloves, best known today for its distinctive aroma and flavour in cooking, is actually used a lot in Chinese medicine, mainly as a warming herbal carminative (when you're feeling bloated and gassy) and as a topical anodyne (painkiller).
When it comes to hair, cloves are rich in essential nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium and calcium so can help strengthen hair follicles, thus promoting healthier growth.
In addition, cloves have anti-fungal and antioxidant properties that can contribute to a clearer scalp, particularly for those who suffer from dry, itchy scalps or oily hair.
How to use cloves in shampoo?
Incorporating cloves into your hair routine is easy! Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Start with your regular shampoo. Opt for one that is gentle and suitable for your hair type.
- You can use whole cloves or in powder form. If you use whole cloves, crush them lightly to release their essential oils.
- Heat water until it is warm to the touch, not too hot. Add the crushed or powdered cloves to the water and let it infuse for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the nutrients to be released.
- Strain the clove infusion and mix with your shampoo (one part clove mix, two parts shampoo).
- Use this mixture as you would your regular shampoo. Gently massage the scalp and rinse well.
Things to know before you try adding cloves to your shampoo
While using cloves in your shampoo can have benefits, it's important to keep a few things on your radar before trying this TikTok trend:
- Possible allergies: Some people may react to cloves so always do a patch test on a small area of your skin before using it on your hair.
- Frequency of use: Go slowly! Use this blend once or twice a week to avoid excess essential oils on the scalp.
- Individual results: Results may vary and don't expect to wake up to miraculous results and Rapunzel locks overnight. It can help contribute to hair growth but isn't magic.
Last word
Using cloves in shampoo is an easy way to add extra nutrients that may benefit hair health and possibly stimulate hair growth. If you're looking for a natural way to improve the quality of your hair, it's worth giving this hack a go.
However, as with any change in your routine, it is important to be aware of possible allergic reactions and always check with a health care professional if you're unsure.
A version of this article first appeared on GLAMOUR Mexico.
