The Hair Perfumes That Turn Heads Everywhere I Go
'Just as perfume is an invisible accessory that you spray on pulse points, hair perfume has a similar effect,' says Linda Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation. Unlike traditional fragrances, though, hair perfumes are typically made without alcohol or with less amounts to avoid stripping out moisture. Instead, they often feature 'nourishing and conditioning oils to hydrate and add shine,' she adds. Some formulas even offer UV protection to help ward off further damage.
In a quest to find the most luxurious hair perfumes, I tested some of the most popular formulas, scoured customer reviews, and tapped Levy, as well as Chicago-based hair stylist Raven Hurtado, for their top picks. Keep scrolling to find your next favorite vanity upgrade.
Fans of the cult-loved Baccarat Rouge 540 will be obsessed with this matching hair fragrance. Starring notes of jasmine, saffron, and cedarwood, it's a tantalizingly rich scent that you won't be able to resist spritzing on for nearly every occasion. 'The florals in Baccarat 540 are intoxicating and clearly distinctive,' adds Levy.
Key notes: jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, ambergris accord
Size: 2.4 oz.
It's no secret that Byredo makes some of the most eclectic and buzziest scents around, with Mojave Ghost being a clear standout. Not your typical woodsy perfume, this viral desert-inspired fragrance is actually quite subtle—opening with notes of cedarwood, sandalwood, and musk, then finishing with soft aromas of violet and magnolia. Per reviewers, the hair perfume version also lasts for hours and is easy to layer.
Key notes: Jamaican nesberry, violet, sandalwood, magnolia, chantilly musk, crisp amber, cedarwood.
Size: 2.5 oz.
What I love most about YSL Libre is its versatility. A sultry yet balanced blend of notes like deep musk, lavender essence, toasty vanilla, and bright mandarin, it's an equally effortless pick for everyday wear as it is for date night paired with an LBD. Even better, the hair perfume version has pomegranate extract to create a soft, shiny finish.
Key notes: mandarin essence, lavandin essence, blackcurrant accord, lavender essence, orange blossom absolute, vanilla extract, musks, cedar essence
Size: 1.01 oz.
I like to think of Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle as No.5's hipper, younger sister. Bold, fresh, and feminine, without the intense powderiness of its iconic predecessor, it's no wonder the popular scent is also one of Levy's all-time favorites. 'The mix of orange blossoms and rose create such a sense of being dressed up,' she says.
Key notes: Patchouli, vetiver, orange, jasmine and rose
Size: 1.2 oz.
Levy recommends this spicy-floral fragrance from Diptyque, which she calls perfect for spring and summer. On top of being a delightful contrast of iris, musk, and pink peppercorn, it stars nourishing camellia oil to soften hair and tame frizz. For the best results, the brand suggests applying it on damp hair after rinsing with cool water, as this can help close the cuticle and seal the fragrance in for longer.
Key notes: musk, iris, ambrette, pink peppercorn
Size: 1 oz.
Chances are you've seen Sol de Janeiro's hair and body mists all over TikTok. Cheriosa '62 is a bestseller and one of my personal favorite scents in the collection. A delicious blend of salted caramel, vanilla, and pistachio will leave you sneaking a whiff of your hair every few minutes (for those who are normally averse to gourmand fragrances, rest assured this one isn't saccharine). Though not the longest-lasting hair perfume I've tried, I found a little goes a long way. Plus, the bottle is large enough that you won't feel guilty spritzing it on repeatedly throughout the day.
Key notes: Pistachio, almond, heliotrope, jasmine petals, vanilla, salted caramel, sandalwood
Size: 3 oz.
'This honey-infused perfume is great for all hair types and provides moisture and shine with a light fragrance that leaves you feeling fresh,' says Hurtado. Blended with notes of mandarin and wildflowers, it's also more nuanced than you might expect—I would describe it as warm and sweet yet surprisingly sophisticated, with a finish that lasts for hours.
Key notes: mirsalehi honey, spring florals, mandarin
Size: 1.7 oz.
'Everything Killian does is addictive and this one is such a delectable gourmand with notes of marshmallow but not too sweet,' says Levy. Also infused with panthenol, the decadent formula simultaneously works to soften and revive dull hair.
Key notes: Neroli, orange blossom, marshmallow
Size: 1.7 oz.
For any vanilla scent purists, this aptly named mist from Phlur is the quintessential pick. It opens with notes of pink pepper and juicy apple, then dries down with a satisfyingly creamy aroma akin to pure vanilla extract. 'It's great for freshening up your hair with a sweet fragrance,' says Hurtado. (Though in my opinion, it won't make you smell like a bakery.)
Key notes: Vanilla, sandalwood, pink pepper, jasmine
Size: 3 oz. - 8 oz.
Sure, spritzing on hair perfume isn't a necessity, but if you love the idea of your hair smelling salon-fresh on the daily, this Balmain scent is worth the splurge. As a beauty editor, I've tried countless perfumes over the years, but I'd rank this among one of the most unique I've ever sniffed. It's slightly fruity and floral, contrasted with sharper notes like tarragon and balsamic that give it a slight edge. Even after hours of commuting around New York City, my hair still smelled luxurious with just a single application. Silk protein and argan oil provide added shine and softness as well.
Key notes: white musk, balsamic, tarragon, peach blossom, gardenia
Size: 3.4 oz.
Jo Malone perfumes are the epitome of elegance and timelessness. This argan oil-infused scent from the British label will instantly transport you to the English countryside, featuring notes of ripe pear, delicate freesia, and earthy patchouli for a grounding element.
Key notes: William pear, freesia, patchouli
From the brand known for its ultra-nourishing, smoothing hair products, this ambery-meets-floral mist stars hydrators like argan oil and vitamin E, plus UV-absorbing technology, to hydrate and protect strands. Among over 8,000 reviews, shoppers say it smells fresh and brings life back to dry hair without weighing it down.
Key notes: Amber, magnolia, woody notes
Size: 3.4 oz.
Notes of zingy lemon zest meet soft cashmere and jasmine in this refreshingly comforting scent. Meanwhile, niacinamide helps soften and biotin works to strengthen hair. Per one five-star reviewer: 'Luxurious and cozy, it hydrates and refreshes without any stickiness, leaving my skin and hair soft and fresh all day. Plus, the mist itself is super fine, almost cloud-like.'
Key notes: Lemon zest, jasmine, cashmere wood
Size: 1.69 oz., 3.3 oz
Hair can easily absorb unwanted odors from the environment, especially if you indulge in regular heat styling and chemical treatments that can leave it more porous over time. This Sachajuan perfume not only offers a light fruity-floral fragrance, but also uses citrus oils to mask odors and instantly make hair smell cleaner. Whether you're nearing wash day or are dealing with the aftermath of a pungent takeout order, this is just the solution to have in your arsenal. What's more, it helps nourish, boost shine, and protect against damaging UV rays.
Key notes: Green apple, peach, rose, cedar, white musk
Size: 1.7 oz.
'To choose the right hair perfume, consider your hair type,' advises Hurtado. 'Hair perfumes provide nourishing oils that can be heavy on fine hair. If you have fine hair, look for something that is lightweight, formulated with vitamins and minerals, and a scent that best suits you. For thicker hair, ingredients like coconut oil and argan oil will help moisturize.'
'Spray from a distance or into the roots for a more intense scent—only on dry hair,' suggests Hurtado. Levy also recommends applying a hair perfume post-styling for the ultimate finishing touch.
'Just as your skin absorbs scent, so does your hair,' says Levy. 'Based on the formulation, the scent can last for a few hours or longer.' Hurtado adds that since hair absorbs scents more than the skin, hair perfumes generally tend to have a longer-lasting aroma.
Linda Levy is the President of The Fragrance Foundation
Raven Hurtado is a hair stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, an ELLE.com writer spoke with fragrance experts about all things hair perfumes. The author personally tested a number of these products and scoured reviews for the top-rated products on the market.
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