During the lockdown years, my relationship with perfume fizzled out. At first, it was practical: masks, isolation, and an empty bottle made wearing fragrance seem pointless. But there was something deeper too—I wanted a new scent, one that felt like me after everything had changed. It took a long time (and a very cautious trip back into a bustling beauty store) before I finally found the one.
Somewhere along the way, I also discovered hair perfumes. I’d tested a hair mist from Diptyque during my search, and casually assumed that all perfumes could be used the same way—on skin, clothes, and hair. Spritz, spritz, spritz, and off I went. Except after a few uses, I started noticing a suspicious little rats’ nest forming wherever I’d sprayed my hair. That’s when I realized: not all scents are created equal, especially when it comes to hair.
Why You Shouldn't Spray Regular Perfume in Your Hair
At first glance, a regular perfume seems harmless enough to mist into your hair. But traditional perfumes are typically loaded with high percentages of alcohol—great for helping scent cling to skin, but not so great for hair health. Alcohol can dry out strands, leaving them brittle, dull, and more prone to tangling (cue my accidental hair mess).
Hair perfumes, on the other hand, are specially designed for the job. They usually contain little to no alcohol and are packed with conditioning agents like argan oil, jojoba oil, and even UV filters. Not only do they deliver a beautiful, lasting scent, but they also moisturize, add shine, reduce static, and even protect hair from environmental damage. Think of them as a cross between your favorite leave-in conditioner and your go-to fragrance.
A Smarter Way to Smell Good
Aside from being gentler, hair perfumes tend to be lighter and more subtle than regular perfumes. They're perfect for everyday use or a mid-day refresh, especially when your hair has picked up unwelcome scents from pollution, smoke, or a sweaty workout. Better yet, fragrance lingers longer in hair than on skin or clothing, creating a soft, scented halo that follows you around.
If you're shopping for a hair perfume, look for formulas that feature:
- Fragrance oils (safe for hair use)
- Conditioning ingredients like shea butter or argan oil
- UV filters to protect against sun damage
- Antioxidants like vitamin E for environmental defense
- Low or no alcohol content
- Natural extracts for a gentle, nourishing experience
Hair Perfumes Worth Trying
Curious where to start? Here are some favorites that combine beautiful scents with serious hair benefits:
Diptyque Eau Rose Hair Mist: A fresh, floral hair mist featuring Damascena and Centifolia roses, lightweight and perfect for adding softness and scent without weighing down hair.
Byredo Mojave Ghost Hair Perfume: A cult favorite, this mist brings musky, woody notes with a sophisticated, desert-inspired feel.
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Perfume: Packed with nourishing honey and argan oil, this one adds shine while delivering a soft, floral scent.
Sachajuan Protective Hair Perfume: A protective option that shields hair from pollution and UV rays, with fruity green apple and peach notes.
OUAI St. Barts Hair and Body Mist: Light, fresh, and conditioning—this is perfect for an everyday sophisticated scent that reminds you of being on holiday.
Rare Beauty Find Comfort Body & Hair Fragrance Mist: A multitasker with revitalizing lemon zest and jasmine that works for both hair and skin.
Kitsch Sheer Violet Hair Perfume: Fruity, soft and irresistible with odor eliminating technology.
If you’ve been tempted to spray your favorite perfume through your hair, you’re not alone—but there’s a better way. A dedicated hair perfume not only keeps your strands smelling divine but also keeps them healthy and happy. It’s a small swap that makes a big difference. And trust me, your hair will thank you.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that Bangstyle will collect a small share of the sale from any purchase you make from the products we recommend.
