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One Beauty Editor On Why Hair Perfumes Are The Best And How To Use Them
It's the secret to smelling great all day long.
As a beauty editor, I am naturally cynical about many things. I'm still not convinced by skin slugging, and you'll never catch me splurging on a make-up remover when a bottle of Garnier works perfectly fine. But the one beauty extravagance that I will always stand behind? Hair perfumes, whether that's a chic oud scent or a summery spritz to brighten the day.
OK yes, you can technically use your everyday perfume in your hair. But - and hear me out here - most fragrances contain high levels of alcohol, which can dry out your strands, especially if you're a liberal sprayer like I am or if you have bleached hair that's prone to breakage.
There are other merits to hair perfume, too, as I've found out from the pros.
The best hair perfumes ever
- Best for freshness: Gisou Lavender Berry Honey Infused Hair Perfume, £34
- Best for a night out: Givenchy L'Interdit Hair Mist, £37.50
- Best for the clean-girl vibe: Replica Maison Margiela Lazy Sunday Morning, £50
- Best for soft florals: Jo Malone London Wild Bluebell Hair Mist, £40
- Best for autumn evenings: Byredo Gypsy Water Hair Perfume, £55
What are the benefits of hair perfume mists?
Tendai Moyo, CEO and co-founder of haircare and wig line, Ruka, agrees with me. 'The alcoholic content in regular perfume is often too high for delicate strands and can be dehydrating, aside from breakage, it can leave an unwanted sheen that sits on top of the hair.'
Instead, cleverly formulated hair perfumes contain less alcohol and are cushioned with nourishing ingredients such as glycerin, argan oil and vitamin B to restore shine and moisture.
Another bonus? Hair generally holds on better to scent so a light misting of fragrance promises the kind of longevity that’ll elicit endless compliments. 'A spritz of hair mist really keeps fragrance circulating as the hair moves,' says Jo Malone London's head of perfumery, Céline Roux.
It's also a great way to trial a new perfume. Plenty of fine fragrances offer hair perfumes so you can get a slice of luxury for a fraction of the price tag and you can get a proper feel of the scent before committing. Plus, the smaller bottle makes topping up on-the-go easy breezy.
What are the hair perfumes to try now?
As we're inching into autumn, I find myself gravitating towards cosier scents featuring the cocooning smells of warm spices along with aromatic woods, which never fails to keep me feeling grounded. Most times, I find myself opting for hair perfumes to complement or balance my body mist. It doesn't have to match perfectly, as long as it smells harmonious. For example, if I'm wearing a vanilla scent, I'll do a sandalwood hair mist as it has a similar creamy undertone. If I'm wearing a plush rose fragrance, something fresh and clean in the hair will keep the smell from veering too heady.
How to wear a hair perfume
To make the most out of my hair perfume, I either tilt my head upside down and spray the mid-lengths (doing it this way provides better coverage) or spray my hair brush before running it through the strands.
You can also spray a scarf or ribbon before tying it in your hair - just be careful as some perfumes can stain or damage certain fabric types.
Ultimately, hair perfumes might not be as essential as a shampoo or heat protector, but they’re a joy to use and bring something extra special to your hair routine. Read on for the best hair perfumes to spritz through your lengths asap...
The Best Hair Perfumes For A Finishing Touch
If you love Diptyque's Baies candle, Gisou's latest hair perfume is set to be your favourite. It has the crisp, green notes of blackberry leaf and a hit of soft lavender. It's a scent for those who lean towards a clean, fresh vibe but prefer to take theirs without citrus.
Pairs perfectly with...L'Artisan Perfumeur Premiere Figuere EDT
L'Interdit highlights the effervescence and luminosity of white florals. It's a shimmering spritz that's guaranteed to get you in the mood for an evening of cocktails and plenty of dancing.
Pairs perfectly with...Givenchy L'Interdit Eau de Parfum Rouge
Picture waking up to floral sheets, rose-hued duvets and bouquets of iris flowers on your bedside table; that's exactly what Lazy Sunday Morning smells like. The freshly-laundered vibe is perfect for everyday wear.
Pairs perfectly with...Maison Margiela Replica Bubble Bath EDT
Formulated with pro-vitamin B5, and nourishing argan kernel oil this lightweight mist creates a luminous shine while leaving behind a delicate floral trail that'll have you longing for springtime.
Pairs perfectly with...Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Cologne
This composition of sweet incense and creamy sandalwood (a favourite of model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley) offers memories of long walks in autumn forests, cups of warm milky tea and evenings spent cosied up in a fluffy, faux fur coat.
Pairs perfectly with...Byredo Bibliotheque EDP
If it's an unapologetically sugar-drizzled, joyous spritz you're after, there's little more delicious than Kilian's fan-favourite Love, Don't Be Shy with its fluffy marshmallow notes tinted with orange blossoms.
Pairs perfectly with...Kilian Good Girl Gone Bad EDP
Composed of musk and sesame, L'eau Papier has hints of steamed rice and warm, clean skin. It's soothing, and guarantees to bring a sense of comfort to a hectic day.
Pairs perfectly with...Diptyque Fleur de Peau EDP
Dreaming of a tropical island vacay? This hair mist will transport you there thanks to a cocktail of coconut water, warm musk and woody notes. Thirsty strands will appreciate the addition of hydrating glycerin and vitamin B5.
Pairs perfectly with...Tom Ford Neroli Portofino EDP
If sensuous white florals are your poison, you can't go wrong with Carnal Flower. It'll have your hair smelling as though it’s dressed in magical garlands of jasmine and tuberose. The longevity of this scent makes it perfect for weddings, too.
Pairs perfectly with...Frederic Malle Heaven Can Wait EDP
A perfectly balanced rose scent that makes a statement without being overpowering. There's a sheerness here, thanks to the hint of lemon, that keeps this rosy fragrance feeling fresh and cool.
Pairs perfectly with...Initio Psychedelic Love EDP
A good whiff of No. 5 never goes out of style. No.5 is golden and powdery, like the smell of a swanky powder room in a French appartement furnished with velvet sofas and gilded accents.
Pairs perfectly with...Chanel Coco Noir EDP
Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
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