Homemade Onion & Clove Oil That Changed My Hair Routine

For years, my hair routine was a cycle of hope and disappointment. I tried shampoos that promised miracles, oils that smelled amazing but did nothing, and treatments that worked for a few weeks before everything went back to square one. Hair fall returned, strands felt weaker, and my scalp never truly felt healthy. What finally changed everything wasn’t a luxury product or a trendy treatment—it was a simple homemade oil made with onion and cloves.

At first, I was skeptical. Onion in hair oil didn’t sound appealing, and cloves felt more like a kitchen spice than a beauty ingredient. But once I understood the science, history, and real-world results behind this combination, I decided to try it consistently. Over time, this oil didn’t just improve my hair—it completely reshaped how I think about hair care.

This article explains everything you need to know about homemade onion and clove oil: why it works, how to make it properly, how to use it effectively, what mistakes to avoid, and what kind of results you can realistically expect.

Why Natural Hair Oils Still Matter Today

Modern hair care often focuses on surface-level results. Shiny hair, smooth strands, instant softness—these are all temporary effects created by silicones, coatings, and styling agents. They don’t fix the root of the problem.

Healthy hair begins beneath the surface, at the scalp and follicle level. When the scalp lacks proper circulation, nutrients, and balance, hair growth slows, shedding increases, and strands weaken. This is where traditional oils excel. They don’t just mask damage; they support the biological processes that allow hair to grow stronger and healthier over time.

Onion and clove oil is one of those traditional remedies that has quietly endured for generations because it works with the body instead of against it.

Understanding Hair Growth and Hair Fall

Hair grows in cycles. Each strand goes through a growth phase, a resting phase, and a shedding phase. Hair fall becomes a problem when too many follicles enter the shedding phase at once or when new hair fails to grow back properly.

Common triggers include stress, hormonal changes, poor scalp circulation, inflammation, microbial imbalance, product buildup, and nutritional deficiencies. Many people focus only on the hair strands while ignoring the scalp environment entirely.

Onion and clove oil addresses multiple underlying triggers at once, which is why it often produces better long-term results than single-ingredient treatments.

The Power of Onion for Hair Health

Onion is rich in sulfur, a mineral that plays a critical role in keratin production. Keratin is the structural protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails. When sulfur levels are insufficient, hair becomes fragile, thin, and prone to breakage.

Beyond sulfur, onion contains antioxidants like quercetin, which help reduce oxidative stress on the scalp. Oxidative stress is linked to follicle damage and premature hair thinning. Onion also improves blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring that follicles receive oxygen and nutrients efficiently.

Another key benefit of onion is its antimicrobial properties. A clean scalp is essential for hair growth, and onion helps reduce bacterial and fungal overgrowth that can block follicles or cause dandruff.

Why Cloves Make This Oil Even Stronger

Cloves are small but extremely potent. They contain eugenol, a compound known for its stimulating, warming, and antimicrobial effects. When applied to the scalp in controlled amounts, clove-infused oil increases blood flow, which helps nourish hair roots.

Cloves also help regulate scalp oil production and reduce itchiness. Many scalp issues—such as dandruff, irritation, and slow hair growth—are linked to microbial imbalance. Clove helps restore balance without harsh chemicals.

When combined with onion, clove doesn’t just enhance the oil—it amplifies its effectiveness by improving absorption and scalp stimulation.

Why Onion & Clove Oil Works Better Than Onion Juice Alone

Some people apply raw onion juice directly to the scalp. While this can be effective, it often causes irritation, dryness, and an overpowering smell. Oil infusion is gentler, more stable, and easier to use consistently.

Oil acts as a carrier, helping active compounds penetrate deeper into the scalp while reducing irritation. It also nourishes the hair shaft, preventing dryness that sometimes accompanies sulfur-based treatments.

This makes onion and clove oil suitable for long-term use rather than short, aggressive treatments.

Benefits of Homemade Onion & Clove Oil

With consistent use, this oil can provide multiple benefits at once.

It significantly reduces hair fall by strengthening follicles and reducing breakage. Many people notice less hair in the shower drain within weeks.

It supports hair regrowth by stimulating dormant follicles, especially in thinning areas such as the crown and hairline.

It improves scalp health by reducing dandruff, itchiness, and buildup.

It enhances hair texture, making strands feel thicker, smoother, and more resilient.

It simplifies hair routines by replacing multiple products with one natural solution.

It is affordable, customizable, and free from synthetic chemicals.

How to Make Onion & Clove Oil at Home

Proper preparation is essential for effectiveness and safety.

Ingredients

• 1 medium red onion
• 1 to 2 tablespoons whole cloves
• 1 cup carrier oil

Carrier oil choice matters. Coconut oil works well for dry hair. Olive oil suits normal hair. Castor oil is ideal for thinning hair but should be diluted because it’s thick.

Preparation Method

Peel and finely chop the onion or blend it lightly to release juice. Heat the carrier oil on very low heat in a saucepan. Add the onion and cloves and let them infuse gently for 10–15 minutes. The oil should never boil.

Once the oil darkens and releases a strong aroma, remove it from heat. Allow it to cool completely, then strain carefully. Store in a clean glass bottle.

Refrigeration extends shelf life and reduces odor. Use within four weeks for best potency.

How to Use Onion & Clove Oil Correctly

Application technique matters as much as the oil itself.

Apply the oil directly to the scalp, section by section. Massage gently using your fingertips for five to ten minutes. This stimulates circulation and enhances absorption.

Leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes. For deeper treatment, leave it overnight and wash it out in the morning with a mild shampoo.

Use two to three times per week. Daily use is unnecessary and may irritate sensitive scalps.

Creating a Complete Hair Growth Routine

For best results, onion and clove oil should be part of a balanced routine.

Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping the scalp.

Avoid excessive heat styling, which weakens hair strands.

Support hair health with a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins.

Manage stress, as chronic stress disrupts hair growth cycles.

Consistency over time is far more important than intensity.

When Will You See Results?

Results vary depending on genetics, consistency, and overall health.

Within two to three weeks, hair fall usually decreases.

After four to six weeks, hair feels stronger and shinier.

By eight to twelve weeks, early regrowth may appear in thinning areas.

This oil supports natural hair cycles, so patience is essential.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overheating the oil destroys active compounds.

Using too many cloves can cause irritation.

Skipping scalp massage reduces effectiveness.

Expecting overnight results leads to disappointment.

Using harsh shampoos after oiling negates benefits.

Who Should Use Onion & Clove Oil

This oil is ideal for people experiencing excessive shedding, thinning hair, postpartum hair loss, stress-related hair fall, or dull, lifeless hair.

It works for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair types. Adjust the carrier oil to suit your hair’s needs.

People with very sensitive scalps should reduce clove quantity and always patch test.

Safety and Precautions

Always perform a patch test before first use.

Avoid applying to broken or inflamed skin.

If irritation occurs, discontinue use.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare professional.

Why This Oil Truly Changed My Hair Routine

What changed wasn’t just my hair—it was my mindset. I stopped chasing quick fixes and focused on scalp health and consistency. Over time, my hair fall reduced, strands felt stronger, and my scalp felt balanced.

This oil didn’t give instant perfection, but it gave sustainable improvement—and that’s what real hair health looks like.

Final Thoughts

Homemade onion and clove oil is not a trend or a miracle shortcut. It’s a time-tested remedy that works when used correctly and consistently. By supporting scalp health, circulation, and follicle strength, it helps hair grow the way it’s meant to—naturally.

If you’re tired of cycling through products and want a simple, effective solution, this oil is worth committing to for the long term.