A shampoo provides a refreshing aroma in the shower, but even the most potent one doesn’t linger all day. Similarly, a liberal coating of a scented dry shampoo won’t produce a long-lasting fragrance. It’s tempting to add a squirt of perfume to hair, but the high concentration of alcohol in most formulas can dry out tresses — and no one wants to sacrifice hydrated, healthy hair for scent, no matter how intoxicating. The solution? Hair perfume.
Not to be confused with hairsprays or texturizers, hair perfumes produce a refreshing scent, but contain a lower concentration of alcohol — or sometimes none at all. Additionally, hair mists can actually improve the texture and appearance of hair. Many are formulated with oils that nourish locks, fight frizz, keep color looking fresh and add subtle shine.
Perfume brands are capitalizing on our love of layering fragrance by producing hair mists to complement the usual body lotions and shower gels. There are also numerous options for those looking to switch things up and try something new. Click through for some of the best hair perfumes to try now.
Aveda
Interestingly, fragrance brands are dominating the hair perfume category with fewer hair care brands including them in their ranges. Aveda could change things with its Pure-Fume Hair Mist. The quick-drying formula adds shine to dry, dull locks while leaving behind an earthy scent. Aveda Alanara Pure-Fume Hair Mist, $35 at Nordstrom
SHOW Beauty
Many of us would assume this is an eau de parfum — and a decadent one at that. It's actually a hair mist, but it smells as good as a traditional perfume thanks to notes of rose water, Madagascan vanilla and coconut milk. The splurge-worthy pick has a formula that nourishes hair by boosting shine and preventing color fade. SHOW Beauty Decadence Hair Fragrance, $70 at Net-a-Porter
Byredo
Don't sacrifice moisture for the sake of a hair fragrance. Byredo's hair perfume imparts a warming woody scent without drying strands. In fact, the formula actually conditions and adds shine without leaving behind a telltale residue. Byredo Mojave Ghost Hair Perfume - Violet & Sandalwood, $62 at Net-a-Porter