The art of scent layering is nothing new. While scent layering can refer to mixing and matching fragrances to create your own bespoke scent, the term can also be used to denote the act of utilising multiple forms of the same scent to increase sillage and longevity — think pairing a scented body lotion with the same eau de parfum or cologne.
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Now, scent layering has transcended the skin and entered the realm of haircare. More than simply spraying your regular scent onto your hair, haircare and scent brands alike are creating dedicated hair fragrances, many of which boast benefits that go beyond scent.
But why hair? As a porous natural fibre that clings to moisture and oil, hair is able to absorb and retain scent well — like when you’ve had a night out and come home with your locks smelling of smoke and alcohol.
What are hair fragrances?
Hair fragrances are scents specifically formulated for use on their hair. Unlike their eau de toilette, cologne, and parfum counterparts, hair fragrances or mists are typically formulated with little to no alcohol, so as not to dry out your strands. They often also include nourishing ingredients that work to hydrate and moisturise your hair as they scent it.
What are the benefits of hair fragrance?
Dedicated hair fragrances are made with ingredients that add hydration, moisture, shine, and even environmental protection, improving the overall appearance and quality of your hair. Plus, hair fragrance is often sold at a fraction of the cost of their regular perfume counterparts; making it a more affordable way to experience your favourite fragrance.
The best hair fragrance formulas to try in 2023
1. Jo Malone London Hair Mist Wood Sage & Sea Salt
Translating one of Jo Malone London’s bestselling scents into mist form, this scent captures the essence of waves breaking on the rugged cliffs, with the salt in the air intermingling with the grounding earthiness of sage. Formulated with argan oil and provitamin B5, Wood Sage & Sea Salt Hair Mist imbues hair with a healthy shine.
2.Juliette Has A Gun Not A Hair & Body Mist
Juliette Has A Gun’s revolutionary ambroxan-based (not a) perfume gets a haircare spin. This water-based hair and body mist boasts a light, clean fragrance and features an antioxidant formula designed to restore shine to your hair.
3. Oribe Eau de Parfum Desertland
Going beyond a mere hair mist, Oribe takes a nuanced approach to its hair fragrances, with layered top, heart, and base notes. Crisp notes of juniper berry and lavender are complemented by wildflowers and wrapped in cedarwood, vetiver, and sandalwood. A sensory ode to the beauty of the desert.
4. Sachajuan Protective Hair Perfume Bois Noir
Taking on a slightly more masculine tone, Sachajuan Protective Hair Perfume Bois Noir is defined by heady notes of honey and cardamom, underscored by tonka bean, vanilla, sandalwood, and patchouli. The multi-purpose hair mist not only scents your locks, but works to moisturise, reduce static, increase shine, and provide colour protection.
5. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Perfume
Formulated with honey and propolis from founder Negin Mirsalehi’s family bee garden, the Gisou Honey Infused Hair Perfume helps hydrate and add shine to the hair, while providing UV protection. Infused with the haircare brand’s signature scent, it features soft floral and honey notes.
6. Moroccanoil Brumes Du Maroc Hair & Body Mist
Moroccanoil has long been a key player in the haircare industry, with its hair and body mist combining sensory appeal with nourishing benefits. Enriched with the brand’s signature argan oil and vitamin E, it works to nourish and hydrate the hair, as well as provide UV protection. Moroccanoil Brumes Du Maroc Hair & Body Mist bottles the brand’s signature scent, boasting a blend of spicy amber and sweet floral notes to create a hair mist that transports you to the Mediterranean sea with every spritz.
7. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge Hair Mist
Yes, that Baccarat Rouge. This alcohol-free formula scents your hair with Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s iconic Baccarat Rouge 540, letting delicate notes of jasmine, blood orange, saffron, cedarwood, and oak moss waft through your strands.
8. Diptyque Eau Rose Hair Mist
Encasing the hair with a nuanced rose scent, the Diptyque Eau Rose Hair Mist combines damascena and centifolia roses with a lychee accord to create a light yet complex take on the quintessential perfumery flower. Enriched with camellia oil, it works to soften and moisturise the hair.
Words by Esmé Duggan
