If You Want to Smell Expensive 24/7, You Need to Try This Seductive, French-Girl Secret

When it comes to beauty, there are many, many things French girls do well. We’ve been taking cues from them for achieving everything from perfect bold, red lips, to pulling off Jeanne Damas-worthy wispy bangs. Another French-girl favorite we’ve been taking notes from has been their smart use of fragrance throughout history (which, of course, can be heavily credited to the country’s strong influence in the world of perfumery). Not only have French girls discovered how to keep us on our toes when it comes to making new fragrance discoveries, but they’ve also mastered the art of layering scents from head to toe.

Letting a luxurious, refreshing fragrance drift from your strands with the help of a hair perfume is one of the easiest ways to pull off a similar effect whether you regularly walk the streets of Paris or New York City. If you’re wondering how to choose the best hair perfume, you’re in luck. Keep scrolling for an expert breakdown of the underrated product and some tips and tricks on how to shop for them.

Hair Perfumes vs Body Scents

According to Frances Shoemack, founder and CEO of New Zealand–based natural fragrance brand Abel, the composition of all scents differs based on what unique ingredients go into its formulas. “Perfume formulated specifically is typically lighter concentrations, sometimes a lower alcohol content, or it can come in an aerosol format—something I advocate against due to the harsh chemicals and environmental impact,” explains Shoemack. So, the next time you’re deciding between an eau de parfum and hair perfume, think beyond the fragrance notes.

With that being said, who says you have to decide between wearing hair a body fragrance and a hair perfume? Some products even offer a formula designed to do both. That said, hair perfumes might be worth investing in if your goal is to smell beyond chic. “In a similar way to spraying perfume on your clothing, wearing perfume in your hair helps your fragrance to last longer because hairs are more porous than the skin, and there’s a larger surface area for scent molecules to attach to,” Shoemack explains.

Additionally, fragrance in the hair is less likely to come into contact with sweat and sebum, as there’s less on your strands than on the skin. The true question is not whether one fragrance lasts longer than another, but rather which benefits you’ll achieve when a scent is placed on different areas of the body (in this case, your hair vs. your skin). It’s also worth noting that eau de parfums, even without formulas specifically designed for hair, still last a long time.

The Best Hair Perfumes, Listed

• Jo Malone London Wild Bluebell Hair Mist
• BDK Parfums Bouquet de Hongrie Hair Perfume
• Diptyque Fleur de Peau Hair Mist
• Maison Francis Kurkdjian 724 Scented Hair Mist
• Crown Affair The Signature Scent Hair Perfume

Layering With a Hair Perfume

There are many ways to discover which fragrances can be layered for the best finish, and perfume worn in hair can make a big difference in your fragrance layering routine. For the best results, Shoemack recommends choosing scents formulated with natural ingredients safe for use on the hair and skin such as the perfumes from Abel’s eau de parfum collection. While they’re not specifically formulated for the hair, they’re safe for wear in hair due to the non-denatured alcohol in our formulas and 100% natural ingredients.

When applying hair perfume, Shoemack recommends avoiding spritzing any product at the root, instead, keeping to lengths and ends. “Choosing a different scent in your hair vs on your skin is a nice way to layer. I would suggest a fresh scent in the hair (such as Abel’s Laundry Day) and a heavier scent worn on your body, as spices, woods, and resinous ambers benefit from the warmth of the skin,” she says. For Shoemack choosing the right fragrance is all about quality over quantity, and selecting a scent crafted from natural ingredients that you love and can be worn as you please.

Below, see our top picks for hair perfumes that nourish your strands while keeping them healthy from popular brands like Touchland, Penhaligon’s, Salt & Stone, and Gisou.

Touchland Vanilla Velvet Power Essence Body & Hair Fragrance Mist

Phlur Heavy Cream Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

Salt & Stone Black Rose & Oud Body and Hair Fragrance Mist

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Perfume

Jo Malone London Wild Bluebell Hair Mist

Yves Saint Laurent Libre Hair Mist

BDK Parfums Bouquet de Hongrie Hair Perfume

Penhaligon’s Luna Hair Perfume

Dior J’adore Hair Mist

Diptyque Fleur de Peu Hair Mist

Maison Francis Kurkdjian 724 Scented Hair Mist

Chanel N°5 The Hair Mist

Byredo Bal D’Afrique Hair Perfume

Crown Affair The Signature Scent Hair Perfume

Heretic Parfum Dirty Coconut Hair Perfume

Parfums de Marly Valaya Hair Mist