While it might make your hair smell glorious, how safe is it to spritz some perfume on your locks? Perfumes contain certain harsh ingredients that may be harmful to your hair. Keep reading to know if it is safe to use perfume on your hair and any natural alternatives you may consider.
Alcohol Can Dry Your Hair
Most perfumes contain 60 to 70% alcohol as a volatile solvent and carrier agent. However, short-chained alcohol contains fewer carbon atoms due to which it acts as a potent drying agent. Prolonged usage and exposure to alcohol can make the hair rough, dry, frizzy, and brittle leading to breakage.
The Scents Could Be A Problem
The chemical substances and synthetic fragrances in perfumes can damage your hair. Studies show that makeup and personal care items contain harsh chemicals that have been linked to male genital birth defects and altered pregnancy outcomes in animals. Diethyl phthalate found in perfumes is also a major cause for concern due to its adverse effects on health (1). Synthetic fragrances can strip the natural oils of your hair and scalp. This leads to tangles and frizz, making your hair appear straw-like. If you are dealing with dandruff, it can worsen itching and flaking. One may think that the application of a strong fragrance could mask the natural odor. However, it is also highly possible that it can mix with your natural body odor and make your hair smell rather different. Hence, you can switch to hair care products that smell amazing. These alternatives provide nourishment to your hair, along with a good smell. Here are a few options you can try.
Perfume Alternatives For Your Hair
Hair Mists
Hair mists are lightweight, water-based hair revitalizers that can make your hair smell pleasant. They are specially formulated for specific hair goals, such as detangling, hair moisturization, and hairstyling. You can also whip up a quick DIY hair mist by combining these simple ingredients:
¼ cup of aloe vera juice ½ cup of water 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
Spray this homemade mist on your hair to nourish and moisturize it. You can either choose a DIY or commercial hair mist based on your preference.
Serums
Hair serums help protect your strands from tangles, dullness, and frizz. They can make your hair smell amazing and add shine, which makes your locks look smooth and glossy. If you are into DIY, you can make your very own hair serum by combining:
4 tablespoons of avocado oil 2 tablespoons each of jojoba, almond, argan, and grapeseed oils
Store this solution in a spray bottle and use it right after shampooing to get shiny hair. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to impart a subtle fragrance to your hair.
Dry Shampoo
Wash your hair with a dry shampoo to address hair odor caused by oil, grease, and dirt buildup. Dry shampoos cleanse and deodorize your hair, giving it natural bounce and volume. To prepare dry shampoo at home, you will need:
¼ cup of cornstarch powder ¼ cup of arrowroot powder 10 drops of tea tree oil 10 drops of lavender essential oils.
Mix all the powders and sprinkle this blend on your hair. Fluff your hair with a brush to let it settle and dust off the excess shampoo with a towel. This is one of the quickest ways to make your hair smell great. Note: If you have darker hair, add some unsweetened cocoa powder to the blend.
Mousse
This thick foam is applied to the hair, combed in, and blow dried for styling. It helps lift your hair and add volume while protecting it from damage. Mousses smell good and leave behind a lingering fragrance on your hair.
Gel
Hair gels are one of the commonest hair styling products. If you wish to make hair gel at home, you will need
½ teaspoon of unflavored gelatin ½ teaspoon of aloe vera gel 1 cup of warm water
Stir in the gelatin and aloe vera gel in warm water. Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to the gelatin solution and allow it to thicken and set. You can now directly apply this all-natural, fragrant gel to your hair.
Leave-In Conditioners
Leave-in conditioners help moisturize, nourish, and strengthen your hair. They tame frizz, prevent split ends, and detangle your hair. Such conditioners are beneficial for very dry and rough hair that is constantly exposed to the sun and harsh environment. They also protect the hair from the damaging effects of heat styling tools and chemical treatments. Often, leave-in conditioners have soft floral notes that will have you sniffing your hair all day round!
Diluted Essential Oils
Essential oils are popular for their aromatic properties and can be applied to your hair in diluted form (along with a carrier oil). They impart a unique scent to your hair and help nourish it. Commonly used essential oils, such as lavender, rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint, can help repair damaged hair and make it healthy. The best part is you can use a combination of various essential oils to create your desired fragrance. To prepare an essential oil-based hair perfume, mix these ingredients:
5 ounces of rose water 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel 4 drops of pure vanilla extract 22 drops of grapefruit essential oil 14 drops of lavender essential oil 9 drops of tea tree essential oil
Store this hair cologne in a spray bottle and use it anytime to make your hair smell good.
Summing It Up
Does perfume last longer in hair? Check out this infographic for the 3 least time and effort-consuming hairstyles that are perfect for unwashed hair. Yes, perfume can last all day in your hair. While it may be a quick short-term solution, it may dry your hair out in the long run. Does perfume work as a dry shampoo? No, while you may think perfumes work as dry shampoos, they do not. Dry shampoos are specially designed to absorb excess oil and keep your hair clean. Perfumes contain alcohol that may make your hair smell good but will dry your hair out. Are perfumes cancerous? Yes, the chemicals used in many perfumes have been linked to headaches and cancer (2). Do perfumes expire? Yes, once you open the perfume, it will expire eventually. It does depend on the chemical composition of the perfume. This determines if a perfume lasts for a year or more.
