Garlic and cloves have long been used in traditional hair-care routines, and when combined with a nourishing carrier oil, they can make a simple scalp treatment that may help keep the hair and scalp feeling healthier. However, it is important to be realistic: there is no homemade remedy proven to permanently reverse gray hair or restore natural hair color once the hair has lost its pigment.
Gray hair happens when pigment-producing cells in the hair follicles gradually produce less melanin. Aging is the most common reason, although genetics, certain nutritional deficiencies, smoking, and some medical conditions can also influence when gray hair appears.
If you would like to try a traditional garlic-and-clove scalp oil, you can prepare it easily at home.
You will need 4–5 fresh garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of whole cloves, and about ½ cup of coconut oil or olive oil. Crush the garlic cloves lightly so that their natural compounds are released. Place the garlic, cloves, and oil into a small saucepan.
Warm the mixture over very low heat for approximately 5–10 minutes. Do not allow the garlic to burn or the oil to smoke. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
Once cooled, strain the oil through a clean fine strainer or piece of clean cloth to remove the garlic and cloves. Transfer the finished oil into a clean, dry glass container with a l id.
