Yes. Cloves and garlic can be used in a DIY hair rinse/oil, but there is no good evidence that they can permanently turn grey hair back to its original color. They may make hair look darker temporarily by coating/conditioning it, while new grey growth will remain grey.
1. Clove + Garlic Hair Oil
Ingredients
- 1 cup (about 200–250 ml) coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 3–4 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
- Optional: 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
Method
- Put the oil in a small saucepan.
- Add the cloves and crushed garlic.
- Heat on very low heat for 5–8 minutes. Do not let the garlic burn or the oil smoke.
- Turn off the heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Strain through a fine sieve or clean cloth.
- Store in a clean, dry, dark-colored bottle.
How to use
- Do a patch test first.
- Apply a small amount to the scalp and hair roots.
- Massage gently for 5 minutes.
- Leave for 30–60 minutes initially. If your scalp tolerates it, you can leave it for a few hours.
- Shampoo thoroughly.
- Use 1–2 times a week.
2. Clove + Garlic Hair Rinse
Ingredients
- 2 cups (500 ml) water
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced or crushed
Preparation
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Add cloves and garlic.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and cover for another 20 minutes.
- Strain and let it cool completely.
- Refrigerate and use within 2–3 days.
Application
After shampooing, pour the cooled rinse over your scalp and hair. Leave it for about 10–15 minutes, then rinse with clean water. Start once weekly.
Important safety points
- Don’t apply raw garlic directly to the scalp. Garlic can cause significant irritation or even chemical burns in some people.
- Clove contains eugenol, which can also irritate sensitive skin.
- Stop immediately if you experience burning, swelling, rash, or persistent itching.
- Don’t use these preparations on a damaged, inflamed, or recently chemically treated scalp.
- Avoid getting the preparation in your eyes.
- Do not expect permanent grey-hair reversal. If your goal is genuinely to restore grey hair to its previous color, these remedies aren’t proven to do that.
If you want, I can also give you a stronger 4-ingredient DIY recipe using cloves + garlic + curry leaves + coconut oil, including exact quantities, preparation time, storage, and a 4-week application schedule.