From oils to sprays to masks, we on the GH beauty team are used to putting countless products in our hair on a daily basis. Historically, though, perfume was reserved for the neck down. But that’s all changed, with hair perfumes emerging as the hottest trend to spruce up the fragrance world. SpaceNK recently named it as the top fragrance category to watch in 2025, while Google searches for ‘hair fragrance’ have hit an all-time high.
With the global hair perfume market valued at $13.3bn, according to Global Market Insights, it’s no surprise that brands are participating. The likes of Diptyque, Jo Malone and Yves Saint Laurent have already adapted their bestselling premium scents for use on hair, but more budget-friendly faves are stepping up to the plate, too. With its new £19 honey-infused offering already going viral, trending hair brand Gisou shows that fragrances for hair aren’t just an indulgence, or an extra bottle to sit on your dresser – a quick spritz will help you smell expensive without a hefty price tag.
Read on to discover how these fragrances work (and why they’re suitable for hair), plus our top picks of the best hair perfumes to help enhance your scent, for less.
What is a hair perfume?
Simply, a hair perfume does exactly what it says on the tin. But the key is that when specially designed for use on hair, it’s formulated a little differently than your regular eau de parfum.
Diana Pratasiewicz, Ouai’s senior director of global education content, explains that Ouai’s version was deliberately created as a fine, lightweight mist. ‘It’s made to refresh and lightly scent your hair without weighing it down or leaving build-up,’ she says.
‘We wanted people to be able to spray it often and make it a part of their everyday ritual, with no second thought needed.’
Are perfumes safe to use on hair?
Negin Mirsalehi, co-founder of Gisou, says the unique formulations of hair perfumes mean they can hydrate as well as uplift using scent. ‘A standard eau de parfum isn’t meant for hair – they usually have a high alcohol concentration and are very drying. But hair perfumes, when made well, can nourish and help to restore health to hair while making it smell great.’
As well as removing drying and damaging alcohols from their formulas, brands are incorporating protective and valuable ingredients into their hair perfumes. This means there are real haircare benefits to opting for a hair fragrance, rather than just spritzing your EDP over your head.
‘Hair perfumes are typically crafted with gentler ingredients that respect the nature of hair strands, using a lower concentration of fragrance oils rather than heavy alcohols,’ says Diana. ‘For example, our formulation is safe for coloured and chemically treated hair,’ she adds – as it’s paraben and phthalate free, both of which are chemicals often used as preservatives and solvents in cosmetics.
Negin explains that Gisou’s hair perfume is specially created with the same active ingredients that are included throughout the brand’s haircare range. ‘It’s enriched with Mirsalehi honey, rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants (which deeply nourish, moisturise and repair the hair), and it contains a UV shield.’
This way, says Negin, you can use the perfume to refresh your strands while also hydrating and protecting it from environmental factors and other haircare products.
Do hair perfumes last?
From hardworking formulas to affordability, hair perfumes are a great addition to any haircare and fragrance collection. Diana explains: ‘Hair naturally holds on to scent longer than skin, so it creates a more subtle, intimate fragrance experience that moves with you’ (quite literally).
They also pair nicely with a dry shampoo when it comes to maintenance, she adds: ‘Hair perfumes offer the perfect way to refresh your style between washes using scent.’
To get the very best results, ‘It’s all about getting every layer of your hair when you apply,’ says Diana. ‘We recommend a quick head flip to catch the underlengths with a spritz, then misting the top for an even scent.’
What are the best hair perfumes?
Key notes: Honey, vanilla, rose
Viral for a reason, this budget-friendly mini adds a sweet hint of honey to your hair with just a few spritzes, and is perfect for the on-the-go. Its argan oil infused formula also works hard to refresh dry and dull hair.
Key notes: Cedarwood, musk, black amber
For fans of musk and woody scents, Byredo's Bal D'Afrique (which is modelled on the bestselling EDP) is the perfect choice. Being inspired by both 1920s Paris and African culture, it's rich, uplifting and extra long-lasting.
Key notes: Pistachio, salted caramel, almond
Boots' own-brand hair and body mist has been labelled a dupe for the much-loved Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62. Its joy-giving blend of sweet, nutty notes with a hint of sandalwood, is matched only by its purse-friendly price. You really can't miss, with this one.
Key notes: Orange blossom, dragonfruit, baltic amber
For a refreshing summer scent inspired by the feeling of a cool ocean breeze, look no further. This 2-in-1 spray offers a universally flattering citrus-based blend, with the added haircare benefits that come with being paraben and phthalate free (plus, it's vegan).
Key notes: Spicy pink peppercorn, Atlas cedar, iris, vanilla, saffron
As far as fragrance goes, Diptyque's EDPs and home candles are up there with our favourites at GH. This made-for-hair scent is no different - with its Middle Eastern inspired combination of cedar, woody accords and saffron, it's a magnet for compliments.
Key notes: Williams pear, freesia, patchouli
Derived from its namesake (the brand's popular summer-ready cologne), Jo Malone's offering is reminiscent of an English garden, in the best way. Floral and fruity, a few spritzes bring your hair to life with the help of woody patchouli, to aid the scent's longevity.
Key notes: Ginger, bergamot, saffron, palo santo
In another case of 'it does what it says on the tin', ARKIVE's Decorated Woods promises to transport the wearer to a lush English woodland, thanks to its cedarwood and frankincense base. Created by A-list hairstylist Adam Reed, it's as hydrating as it is fragrant, being infused with baobab oil for an added shine.
Key notes: Pear accord, rose, iris butter, cedarwood
Givenchy's Irresistible is a beautiful balance between floral and woody. It's airy and feminine, making it the perfect day-time scent; simply spray the lightweight mist across your hair, and marvel in the fact that this costs about a third of the full price EDP.
Key notes: Spicy amber accord, sweet floral
For its first ever fragrance, Moroccanoil has bottled up (literally) its signature scent but kept all of its wonderful haircare benefits. This Mediterranean-inspired mist is packed with antioxidant argan oil and vitamin E for hydration, as well as UV absorber technology, so your hair is as protected as it is scented.
Key notes: Mandarin oil, lavender, jasmine, Madagascar vanilla
Fans of the original YSL Libre fragrance can effortlessly enhance their signature scent with the help of this air-like formula. Enriched with pomgrenade extract, this perfume leaves a softer, silkier finish on all hair types.
Key notes: Hedione, cedar, saffron
For a taste of luxury at a fraction of the usual price, Maison Francis Kurkdjian offers an evocative wood and jasmine blend that's nothing short of classy. Delivered in a sleek, elegant bottle, it'll also chic up any dressing table display in seconds.
Key notes: Rose, almond
Specially designed to be enjoyed from head to toe, Rituals' indian rose and almond oil based fragrance is a treat for the hair, as well as an indulgence in self-care. Promising to harmonise the senses, this is the perfect final touch to any morning or evening beauty regime.
Key notes: Lily of the Valley, iris, pear, rose, white musk
If anyone can bottle up the feeling of crisp, freshly washed sheets and a carefree Sunday morning lie-in, it's Maison Margiela. With notes of lily, rose and earthy patchouli, it's designed to relax and revive at the same time; simply spray through the lengths of your hair.
Key notes: Cassis, raspberry, ylang ylang, vanilla, suede leather
Described as inspiring 'the essence of lust, seduction and intoxication', Luxuria from the female-founded Memoize London is sure to turn (at least) a few heads. Its sultry floral notes are topped only by its 100% recyclable packaging and cruelty-free formulation - so it's kind to the planet as well as your hair.
Key notes: Butterfly lily, miracle berry, oakwood, patchouli
Barénia from Hermès offers a delicate veil of fragrance and an essential hint of shine for weary strands. With the help of the fresh butterfly lily flower, combined with the earthiness of patchouli and akigalawood, this one's a worthwhile investment to uplift any hairstyle.
