The 10 Best-Smelling Hair Perfumes and Oils That Double As Luxury Fragrance
Hair perfumes are like the lingerie of haircare—they aren’t mandatory, but they provide a little luxury to the mundanity of the days between your rinse-and-repeat routine. And while there are shampoos, conditioners, and other products that make hair smell nice, there’s real merit to using a hair mist perfume. It masks odors between washes and the scent (which is an instant mood boost in itself) lasts much longer. Plus, many have the complexity of sophisticated scents, with big-name brands like Balmain, Diptyque, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris formulating their own versions of scented hair products, which makes searching for an option akin to that of looking for a signature scent.
- Cheryl Bergamy-Rosa, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Contents Hair Care
- Fabian Lliguin, hairstylist and co-founder of Rahua
- Negin Mirasheli, founder of Gisou
- Ryan Sanger, hairstylist and owner of Hair Lingerie The Studio
- Sarah Potempta, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Beachwaver Co.
- Sophie Rose Gutterman, celebrity hairstylist
Given that scent is personal, discovering something you like usually involves some (or a lot of) trial and error, which can be as exciting as it is overwhelming. To help you sniff out your ideal option, we spoke to hairstylists to recommend some of the best hair mist perfumes out there. On the list are a total of 10 picks that not only smell great, but that also have ingredients that will leave your hair looking its best—something your typical eau de toilette won’t do.
Our top 6 favorite hair mist perfumes, at a glance:
- Diptyque, Do Son Hair Mist, $72
- Gisou, Honey Infused Hair Perfume, $83
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris, Baccarat Rouge 540 Scented Hair Mist, $118
- Moroccanoil, Hair and Body Fragrance Mist, $32
- Ouai, Rose Hair & Body Oil, $32
- Sachajuan, Protective Hair Perfume Bois Noir, $83
What is a hair mist perfume?
A hair mist perfume is, as the name suggests, a perfume for your hair. “The primary purpose of a hair perfume is to leave your hair smelling fresh and delightful throughout the day,” says California-based celebrity hairstylist, Sophie Rose Gutterman. While many will deliver on this promise, the best options will incorporate other ingredients that benefit your hair.
What to look for in a hair mist perfume
Scent
The majority of the hairstylists we spoke to agree that the most important thing to look for in a hair mist perfume is the scent. “Opt for scents that complement your personal style and preferences,” celebrity hairstylist Cheryl Bergamy-Rosa. Are you someone who likes edible-inspired scents like vanilla, for example, or do you prefer something reminiscent of clean linen sheets or warm summer days? Or are you impartial to woodsy perfumes underscored by a bold musk scent, or ones that simply enhance your natural musk like pheromone perfumes? Let your nose take the lead.
Ingredients
Smell aside, “a hair perfume should be custom-made with ingredients that won’t cause damage to the hair,” says Gutterman. Lliugian agrees, adding: “The perfume needs to have hydration qualities for the hair and preferably would provide shine and protection from UV rays.”
Conversely, there are certain ingredients that you’ll want to avoid in hair mist perfume. “They often contain harmful chemicals that can have adverse effects on your health,” explains Bergamy-Rosa. One such ingredient is alcohol, and while there’s usually less of it compared to body perfumes, it has the potential to hurt your hair in the long term. “Prolonged use of alcohol-based hair perfumes can lead to scalp irritation and dandruff, which isn’t ideal for a person who already has a dry scalp or textured hair,” notes Bergamy-Rosa.
How to use a hair perfume
“Hair perfume can be applied in a variety of ways, such as by spritzing it onto the hair, brushing it through with a hairbrush, or applying it to the ends of the hair,” explains Ryan Sanger, owner of Hair Lingerie The Studio in Los Angeles. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference, but he underscores that it isn’t a substitute for your shampoo. “Hair perfumes are a finishing touch or a way to refresh between washes, but they do not clean or wash your hair in any way,” he says.
Ahead, find our picks for the best hair mist perfumes, plus a few hair products that can double as perfume.
Shop the best hair mist perfumes
Diptyque, the scent brand beloved for its candles and perfumes, puts storytelling at the heart of its fragrances. Do Son was inspired by one of its founders’ summers spent in Halong Bay in Vietnam. It has notes of tuberose, orange blossom, and marine accord to evoke the scent of sea breeze, but to me, it smells most like jasmine, which is also found in the scent. Plus, it’s neither too subtle to go unnoticed nor too overpowering to induce a headache. As with all of Diptyque’s products, the perfume is packaged in a pretty bottle.
“They will not only look beautiful on your vanity, but their formula also has hydrating oils,” says Sanger. Camellia oil is its hero ingredient, and it works to nourish and add shine to hair.
Size: 30 ml
Pros:
- Helps nourish hair
- Adds shine
- Attractive packaging
Cons:
- Contains alcohol
- Formulated with water; not ideal for curly hair that’s been styled straight
Founded by Negin Mirasheli, Gisou’s products harness the power of honey, a natural humectant that helps hair retain its hydration. “Our sulfate- and paraben-free Honey Infused Hair Perfume is enriched with Mirasheli honey from my family bee garden and fortified with UV protection,” she says. “This means it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that deliver hydration and shine while also keeping hair from experiencing the negative effects of sun exposure.” Plus, it comes recommended by Bergamy-Rosa, who says, “I love this one because it’s very light.”
Its scent is light and airy too, and it reminds me of honey marmalade—and while on the sweeter side, it isn’t cloying, thanks to the presence of citrus. Since the scent isn’t overpowering, it won’t compete with other fragrances you might want to wear throughout the day.
Size: 50 and 100 ml
Pros:
- Adds shine
- Protects against UV damage
- Free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates
Cons:
- Contains alcohol
- Formulated with water; not ideal for curly hair that’s been styled straight
Composed of floral jasmine, spicy saffron, fresh cedarwood, and sweet ambergris, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s popular Baccarat Rouge is a scent that doesn’t fit neatly into any one fragrance family, which lends to its widespread intrigue. For some people, myself included, it might smell like cotton candy, while others might pick up on its smokiness. What many can agree on is that it exudes the enigmatic air of quiet luxury. The scent comes in several formats, including a hair mist perfume that costs less than half of a 70-milliliter bottle of body perfume.
The scented hair mist comes recommended by Sanger, who says it is kind to the hair and protects against harsh outdoor conditions. It has a base of castor oil, which offers hair many benefits, including more moisture and shine.
Size: 70 ml
Pros:
- Adds shine
- Protects against UV damage and pollution
- Attractive packaging
Cons:
- Pricey
Moroccanoil’s signature blend of spicy amber and sweet florals is infused into all its products, including its hair and body mist. It’s warm, cozy, sweet, and smoky all at once—and the scent is reminiscent of being inside a wooden sauna at an upscale day spa. The mist is made with argan oil and vitamin E that work to hydrate and nourish the hair and skin, along with a UV-absorbing ingredient that is purported to protect against harsh sun rays.
“The product dispenses as a fine, lightweight, and entirely non-greasy mist,” wrote W+G contributing writer Sophia Writ. “In addition to its lightweight finish, the mist feels refreshing as it settles into my skin. A few spritzes leave my hair and body with a subtle sheen and divine smell for a few hours.”
Size: 30 and 100 ml
Pros:
- Adds shine
- Helps nourish hair
- Protects against UV damage
- Free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates
- Comes in two sizes
Cons:
- Contains alcohol
- Formulated with water; not ideal for curly hair that’s been styled straight
Just when you thought a rose couldn’t smell sweeter, along comes the Ouai Rose Hair and Body Oil. It’s scented with Ouai’s signature Melrose Place scent, which contains floral notes of rose, jasmine, peony, freesia, and bergamot, along with cedarwood and white musk to balance out the rose-forward fragrance. It’ll leave both your hair and body smelling like an expensive bouquet. Better yet, the multipurpose oil is made with a blend of hydrating rosehip, shea, and absinthium oils to impart and restore moisture while adding shine, and it’s free of alcohol, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
Size: 100 ml
Pros:
- Adds shine
- Helps nourish both hair and skin
- Free of alcohol, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
Cons:
- Not a traditional hair mist
Sachajuan’s Bois Noir Hair Perfume has the multilayered complexity of a fine perfume, with the ingredients of hydrating and protective hair treatment. It has notes of honey and cardamom with a base of vanilla and tonka beans, as well as sandalwood and patchouli to ground the sweetness of the scent. The hairstylist-made perfume breathes new life into hair between washes, leaving it soft, shiny, and odor-free, and it also works as a protective shield against UV light, which helps to preserve the health and color of hair. As a plus, the product is vegan and cruelty-free.
Size: 50 ml
Pros:
- Adds shine
- Protects against UV damage and pollution
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Contains alcohol
- Formulated with water; not ideal for curly hair that’s been styled straight
More hair products that double as perfumes
Whenever someone tells me, “Your hair smells nice,” it’s usually when I have the Davines Oi Oil in my hair. A hairstylist suggested I try it to help moisturize my dry ends, and truthfully, it was the smell that sold me on the product.
Davines doesn’t indicate fragrance notes, but I would best describe it as a powdery scent that is clean and familiar with a light musk that isn’t overbearing. While it’s the scent that first put me onto the oil, it truly does moisturize my hair—just a pump or two of the stuff leaves my hair soft and shiny post-blow dry. This might be owed to its hero ingredient: roucou oil, which is rich in beta-carotene, to help nourish hair and protect it against environmental damage. Best of all, it doesn’t weigh my hair down or interfere with my hairstyle, whether it’s curled or straight.
Size: 50 and 135 ml
Pros:
- Adds shine
- Helps nourish hair
- Protects against UV damage and pollution
- Comes in two sizes
Cons:
- Not a traditional hair mist
Kérastase combines the olfactory pleasure of a hair mist perfume with the hydrating benefits of a hair oil in this product, which comes recommended by Gutterman and Bergamy-Rosa. “I really like the Kérastase hair perfume because it’s light and fresh, and it works well with other products you may have in your hair already,” says Gutterman. Specifically, it contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and abyssine, along with antioxidant-rich vitamin E to moisturize and add shine while protecting hair from heat and pollution.
Acclaimed nose Alberto Morillas developed the scent to create a “sensual and subtle fragrance.” It has notes of tea rose, magnolia, and cedar, and the fragrance is indeed subtle—and the scent reminds me of the powdery freshness of baby oil in the best way possible.
Size: 50 and 100 ml
Pros:
- Adds shine
- Helps nourish hair
- Protects against UV damage and pollution
- Comes in two sizes
Cons:
- Not a traditional hair mist
“This delicious hair oil doubles as a hair perfume,” says Lliguin. “It contains omegas 3, 6, and 8, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and blue tansy to balance out the oxidative effects from the sun.” In addition to its medley of hydrating ingredients, it’s formulated without alcohol or synthetic fragrances, making it safe to use on color- and chemical-treated hair. When you run the oil through your hair, it imparts instant shine and leaves behind a sweet-floral fragrance.
Size: 60 ml
Pros:
- Adds shine
- Helps nourish hair
- Safe for color- and chemical-treated hair
- Free of alcohol, sulfates, parabens, and phthalates
Cons:
- Not a traditional hair mist
There’s much to love about the multipurpose dry oil from French pharmacy brand Nuxe. For one, it’s made with seven oils, including argan and macadamia, plus vitamin E to make both skin and hair softer, smoother, and shinier. What’s more, the dry oil also absorbs quickly so it won’t leave behind a sticky residue. There is also the scent—made with notes of orange blossom, magnolia, and vanilla, it’s a soft and sheer powdery scent that is easy on the nose.
Size: 30, 50, and 100 ml
Pros:
- Adds shine
- Contains a blend of moisturizing oils
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Comes in three sizes
Cons:
- Not a traditional hair mist
- Formulated with water; not ideal for curly hair that’s been styled straight
FAQs
What’s the difference between a hair mist perfume and body perfume?
“The biggest difference between hair perfumes and body perfumes is the alcohol content. Typically, body perfumes have a higher alcohol content than hair perfumes,” says Sarah Potempta, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Beachwaver Co. Because of this difference, you’ll want to avoid using body perfume on your hair. According to Fabian Lliguin, hairstylist and co-founder of hair- and body-care brand Rahua, the high alcohol content found in body perfume can lead to hair dryness, which in turn, causes breakage and damage when used daily.
Is hair perfume healthy for hair?
Hair mist perfumes can be healthy for your hair, so long as they’re made without harmful ingredients (more on that below). Many also help to maintain and support your overall health. Some, for instance, can impart shine, while others double as a heat protectant.
Are hair perfumes ideal for all hair types?
Hair mist perfumes are for all hair types, but not every hair perfume will work for your hair type. “If you have straight hair, you want to avoid hair perfumes with oils, as it can end up weighing your hair down,” says Sanger. As for those with curly hair? “You will want to find one that has healing or nourishing benefits,” he says. Bergamy-Rosa echoes the sentiment, adding that you’ll want to look for an option with ingredients like argan oil or shea butter to keep curls moisturized.
According to Bergamy-Rosa, people with type 3B and 3C hair might also want to opt for a fragrant hair oil. “I don’t recommend hair perfume for type 3B and 3C hair but only because it doesn’t last through the day,” she explains. Individuals with curly hair might want to be mindful of water-based hair mist perfumes, too. “If you have curly hair and you straighten it, a water-based product can affect the style,” says Gutterman, who prefers to stick to oil-based hair perfumes.
- Wang, Yufei, and Haifeng Qian. “Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health.” Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 9,5 603. 18 May. 2021, doi:10.3390/healthcare9050603
- Hlisníková, Henrieta et al. “Effects and Mechanisms of Phthalates’ Action on Reproductive Processes and Reproductive Health: A Literature Review.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 17,18 6811. 18 Sep. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijerph17186811
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