Let’s cut to the chase: are hair perfumes necessary? Absolutely not. Are they a fun, often less expensive alternative to regular perfume? Absolutely. Give one of the best hair perfumes a go if you’re on a fragrance kick and looking to expand your collection — maybe you’ll ditch your standard eau de parfum for good.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Crown Affair The Signature Scent, $85
- Best Splurge: Parfums de Marly Delina Hair Mist, $90
- Best Multi-Use: Phlur Mango Mood Hair & Body Fragrance Mist, $35
- Best Eye Candy: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Hair Perfume, $70
- Best Woodsy: Byredo Mojave Ghost Hair Perfume, $80
- Best Lightweight: Rare Beauty Find Comfort Body & Hair Fragrance Mist, $28
- Best Hydrating: Gisou Honey Infused Hair Perfume, $44
How does hair fragrance compare to regular perfume, you ask? While they’re not a monolith, there are a couple of traits to look out for while perusing and deciphering cryptic scent descriptions. “Hair perfumes or mists usually contain hydrating properties like hyaluronic acid and other natural ingredients that cover odor, have UV ray protection, and give your hair just the right texture and shine,” writes New York City- and Columbus-based hairstylist Mia Santiago. Keep an eye out for hair-loving ingredients to tackle frizz and dryness, on top of making your hair smell impeccable.
Hair perfumes are also more likely to be alcohol-free than their standard counterparts, which earns them a big A-plus from Santiago. She notes that because of the alcohol content, regular perfume “would be very drying to your hair and can cause breakage.”
And just because you’re adding new beauty products to your arsenal doesn’t necessarily mean entering uncharted olfactory waters. Some of the top names in fragrance like Byredo, Diptyque, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian make scented hair versions of multiple of their beloved, iconic fragrances. The hair versions tend to be more subtle and fade faster than regular perfume, but they’re also usually way cheaper, which feels like a fair trade.
Keep scrolling to see our picks for the best hair perfumes and we bet you’ll have a new signature scent by the time you’re through.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Best Overall: Crown Affair The Signature Scent
Why It’s Worth It: Clean, cool, and refreshing is the perfect way to describe the Crown Affair The Signature Scent, which happens to be an Allure Best of Beauty winner. While the formula itself is non-sticky, layerable, and won’t dry out your hair, it’s the way it smells that keeps us coming back for more. The scent is a delightful blend of citrus, bitter, and tart notes — with a slightly floral twist.
Editor Tip: This formula is so lightweight you won’t even know you’re wearing it — perfect for those with fine or limp hair.
Fragrance Notes: Yuzu, bergamont, lemongrass
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Best Splurge: Parfums de Marly Delina Hair Mist
Why It’s Worth It: The Parfums de Marly Delina Hair Mist costs a pretty penny, we know. But, it’s as irresistible as its scent name — Delina — suggests, and is oh-so-worth-it considering it goes on transparent, smells like a deliciously sweet yet sensual, and only gets better as the day goes on.
Editor Tip: Spray the hair mist directly onto your hairbrush and run a few passes in your hair to ensure even distribution.
Fragrance Notes: Rose, lychee, cashmere wood essence
