The Best Hair Perfumes Are the Chic Secret to My Signature Scent Profile
Smelling good is a lifestyle.
The further I get in my beauty career, the more I fall in love with fragrance. From light body sprays to rich fragrance oils, there isn't a single corner of the scent space I haven't explored. Which is why I feel fully qualified to say this: Hair perfumes—a fragrance category likely unfamiliar to many—are grossly underrated.
Unlike traditional formulas—which are often filled with drying alcohols—hair perfumes are formulated to be gentle on strands and can even include added hair benefits, Gil Clavien, DSM-Firmenich perfumer, explains. This means you can find ingredients like "conditioning agents, UV protection, or even antioxidants, for a more holistic haircare meets fragrance experience,” he says.
From first-hand experience, I can vouch that hair perfumes add an edge to your fragrance routine, making your signature scent narrative fully unique. They're a perfect (and unexpected) way to play with layering or curating a scent profile, and the best part is that they oftentimes don't cost as much as their traditional perfume counterparts.
If you’ve been on the hunt for a hair perfume that will elevate your fragrance routine, I’ve tested pretty much every scent on the market. Keep reading for the 12 hair perfumes that are worth your attention.
The Best Hair Perfumes
- The Best Hair Perfume Overall: Matiere Premiere Crystal Saffron Hair Perfume
- The Best Timeless Hair Perfume: Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady Hair Mist
- The Best Musky Hair Perfume: Initio Musk Therapy Hair Perfume
- The Best Floral Hair Perfume: Parfums de Marly Delina Hair Mist
- The Best Beach Hair Perfume: Diptyque Do Son Hair Mist
Crystal Saffron has become my holy grail scent from Matiere Premiere, so of course, the hair perfume had to make this list. Centered around saffron oil from Greece, this fragrance is warm, slightly leathery, and has a soft molecular hint thanks to ambroxan and habanolide musk. I would technically consider this a skin scent—a fragrance designed to smell like a natural extension of your own scent—this version adapts to that intimacy for your hair. It's the perfect unisex fragrance to share with a partner (or not).
Key Notes: Saffron
Lasting Power: Noted around five hours of wear
Size: 2.5 fl. oz
What I Love: Reduced in alcohol content from the original, so it's safer for hair; Simple yet refined scent; Wonderful atomizer for even scent distribution without making hair wet; Smells identical to the eau de parfum
What I Don’t: Can be hard to find in person, so may have to blind buy
Review for MC: “This is another one of those hair perfume options that I love to spray on my body from time to time. Crystal Safrron is my favorite scent from Matiere Premiere, so adding the hair mist to my collection is my equivalent of basically showering in the scent. Yes, I’ve sprayed the eau de parfum and extrait formulas on my body and used the hair perfume all at once. Don’t judge me. I smelled really good.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Matiere Premiere Crystal Saffron Hair Perfume.
I considered renaming this category to 'the most-complimented hair perfume,' because, without a doubt, they pour in whenever I apply this scent to my hair. The cult favorite fragrance, Portrait of a Lady, is reimagined in a hair perfume with its notes that read equal parts floral and woody without veering too much into either category. The notes lean heavily on Turkish rose, balanced by rich, earthy scents of sandalwood, patchouli, and frankincense. The intensity of this perfume is not to be taken lightly, though—just one spritz lingers in my hair from day to night.
Key Notes: Rose; Patchouli; Sandalwood; Frankincense
Lasting Power: Nine hours
Size: 1.7 fl oz
What I Love: Sweet, yet not cloying scent profile; Beast-mode projection; Just as strong as the eau de parfum
What I Don’t: Some may find the projection to be a bit too much for a hair perfume
Review for MC: “This hair perfume could almost be worn as a stand-alone fragrance with how strong it is. In fact, that’s a hack I recommend to people who may want to try the eau de parfum formula but don’t want to commit to the price tag. The hair perfume offers a similar set of notes and is specifically made for our strands, but that’s never stopped me from spraying this all over my body. It’s that good.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady Hair Mist.
One of my favorite musk perfumes of all time is the aptly named Musk Therapy from Initio. So you can imagine my excitement when the brand launched it as a hair perfume. It carries the same clean, uplifting scent—thanks to notes like mandarin and bergamot—but it eventually melts into a milky, creamy blend that creates a delightful scent bubble, especially when layered with the matching perfume.
Key Notes: Bergamot; Mandarin; White magnolia; White musk, Rose musk
Lasting Power: Three hours
Size: 1.6 fl. oz
What I Love: Fresh without feeling masculine; Soft milky dry down; Doesn't weigh the hair down, even with the traditional atomizer
What I Don’t: This option doesn’t last as long as others on the list
Review for MC: “The new Musk Therapy hair perfume has become a fast favorite in my collection. It has that same slightly citrusy opening as the original eau de parfum, but to me, it gets that iconic musky and slightly lactonic base much quicker, which I love. I’ve been pairing it with the perfume and matching body lotion, and this is what I imagine a cloud smells like—clean, ethereal, and super comforting.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Musk Therapy Hair Perfume.
Delina is one of the few floral perfumes I've found that consistently gets compliments across the board, which is why I feel confident calling it the best floral hair perfume on the market. Turkish rose, lychee, vanilla, and musk are just a few of the notes that come together to create this truly spectacular scent. It's light yet impactful, with a soft, velvety base of cashmere wood that leaves just the right hint of warmth on your hair as the day goes on. And if you're someone who loves a fragrance that earns compliments, trust me: you will be stopped multiple times a day and told how amazing you smell. You've been warned.
Key Notes: Turkish rose; Lychee; Rhubarb; Vanilla; Musk; Cashmeran
Lasting Power: Four hours
Size: 2.5 fl. oz
What I Love: Floral without being too photorealistic; Extremely feminine scent
What I Don’t: Atomizer can be a bit wonky and spray extremely large droplets, so make sure to spray an arm's length away from your freshly styled hair
Review for MC: “This hair perfume is the epitome of feminine, so if you’re someone who naturally gravitates toward floral or adjacent scents, this option is for you. The rose note is flanked by others that are fruity and warm, so it doesn’t smell like a fresh-picked flower, but more like a loved one who knows how to layer a rose perfume really well. Soft, sweet, and super comforting.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Parfums de Marly Delina Hair Mist.
One of Diptyque's most popular scents, Do Son, is also available as a hair perfume—and it’s basically what a romantic walk on the beach, bottled. Fresh tuberose mingles with jasmine and a subtle marine accord to create a fragrance that says, “I like you, but I’m not trying too hard.” It’s coy, sexy, and super intriguing—the kind of scent that lingers just enough to keep people curious. One sniff and you’ll keep coming back for more.
Key Notes: Tuberose; Jasmine; Marine accord
Lasting Power: Three hours
Size: 1 fl. oz
What I Love: Airy floral that smells elegant; Great for year-round wear
What I Don’t: Some say it smells a little like chemicals
Review for MC: “Floral lovers, rejoice. This perfume is airy and sweet, with a surprising amount of lasting power. The unexpected marine note adds an intriguing twist to the scent profile. Whether you’re a die-hard Do Son lover or a newbie to the collection, with this hair perfume coming in at less than $100, it’s a wonderful way to try out the popular Diptyque scent without breaking the bank.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Diptyque Do Son Hair Mist.
This Gisou hair perfume has gone viral multiple times for a reason. It's infused with the brand's signature honey-floral scent, made with sustainably sourced Mirsalehi honey from Gisou's own bee garden in the Netherlands, and also contains argan oil to give hair a glossy, luxurious shine that lasts all day. The original version (featured here) leans fresh and floral, but it also comes in two other scent iterations: Lavender Berry (a fruity floral) and Wild Rose (a warm floral), so there's an option no matter your vibe.
Key Notes: Apricot; Mandarin; Spring Flowers; Mirsalehi Honey
Lasting Power: One hour
Size: 1.7 fl. oz
What I Love: Gorgeous packaging; Leaves hair looking healthy and shiny
What I Don’t: Some find that the scent doesn’t last very long
Customer Review: “I love this! It smells so good, kinda like a citrusy scent, which is perfect for summer. I saw it as I was walking out of Sephora and immediately bought it online right away.” — Sephora
I’ve long said this is a hidden gem in the Francis Kurkdijan line, and the hair perfume might be even more underrated. On first spritz, you get a burst of airy, fresh aldehydes (fragrance ingredients that add a soapy, clean-smelling scent) and bright Italian bergamot, followed by soft florals like jasmine, all grounded by a warm base of sandalwood and white musks. The light addition of castor oil adds a touch of moisture to the hair, and the fact that it's housed in the iconic Maison Francis Kurkdjian glass bottle makes it just as luxe on your shelf as it is in your hair.
Key Notes: Aldehydes; Bergamot; Jasmine; White musk
Lasting Power: Three hours
Size: 2.4 fl oz
What I Love: Fresh, almost soapy scent; Chic glass bottle packaging
What I Don’t: One of the more expensive options on this list
Customer Review: “Simple clean skin fragrance notes with a hint of white florals. Perfect to wear anywhere anytime.” — Bloomingdales
A slightly green, powdery rose unfolds alongside soft musk notes in this gorgeous take on Dior's popular Rose Kabuki eau de parfum. The hair perfume comes in a miniature version of the original bottle, distinguished by its frosted glass, unlike the clear glass used for the regular perfumes. A luxurious addition to any fragrance collection, this mist is especially perfect for those who prefer aromatic florals that smell more skin-like and offer longer wear.
Key Notes: Sheer Rose; Musk
Lasting Power: Three hours
Size: 1.35 fl oz
What I Love: Small enough to throw into a purse for easy re-application; Rose note has a transparency to it that almost gives it a dewy feeling, like the flower after it rains
What I Don’t: A part of the private collection, so you can only buy from select retailers
Customer Review: “Second time buying Rose Kabuki hair perfume because I love the scent so much. I always get compliments when I use it in my hair.” — Dior
When I want a slightly lighter hair perfume (and want to indulge in one of my favorite fragrance notes of all time), I reach for Josie Maran’s Vanilla Vibezzz body mist. It’s not an overwhelmingly gourmand scent profile, but the combination of juniper berries and vanilla bean somehow comes across as creamy, yet a little citrus-like in my hair. I usually reach for it when I'm wearing a vanilla-based perfume, so the combination becomes nothing short of delicious.
Key Notes: Vanilla; Juniper Berries; Cedarwood
Lasting Power: One hour
Size: 3.3 fl. oz
What I Love: Warm, spicy scent but not headache-inducing; Fragrance comes from natural ingredients
What I Don’t: Some people find the woody notes to overpower the others
Customer Review: “This product smells like heaven! It smells just like warm vanilla. This perfume is like a milky consistency, but it does not stain clothes. I also love that the packaging is cute too!” — Sephora
I’ve found that I don’t typically gravitate toward classic citrus scents, but this hair perfume from Byredo is what I like to call the best citrus-adjacent hair perfume on the market. Bright notes like lemon, bergamot, and neroli open things up, but they're softened by florals like violet and jasmine at the heart. The real magic happens in the dry down, where black amber, musk, vetiver, and Moroccan cedarwood come together to create a scent that smells like a well-traveled woman who somehow knows everyone, everywhere. Can I manifest my future using a hair perfume? I'm certainly trying.
Key Notes: Bergamot; Lemon; African marigold; Black amber; Musk
Lasting Power: Six hours
Size: 2.5 fl oz
What I Love: Feels like an easy introduction into the popular niche fragrance house; Elegant atomizer experience that provides uniform fragrance droplets
What I Don’t: One of the more popular Byredo scents, so it doesn’t feel like a curated signature find
Customer Review: “Well, had a little splurge on this, as the body lotion was out of stock and I do like to layer up whichever scent I’m wearing. Bal d’Afrique is one of my favorites. This hair spritz delivers the scent well and adds another layer that lingers in the air or should that be hair around you. Always asked what perfume I’m wearing when I use this and complimented on it.” — Bloomingdales
If you’ve been on fragrance TikTok, you’ve likely come across Super Milk, Lush’s viral leave-in conditioner. Well, the product was so popular that the brand brought it back in a glitter spray that can be used for the hair and body. The shimmer is subtle, so it’s safe for regular wear, but more importantly, the scent is divine. Think lemon cookies dipped in a vanilla drizzle that just gets sweeter as the day goes on.
Key Notes: Benzoin; Vanilla; Citrus Notes
Lasting Power: Two hours
Size: 8.4 fl oz
What I Love: Huge amount of product per bottle; Scent wears gorgeously throughout the day
What I Don’t: Have to wash your hair regularly, otherwise the glitter will build up
Customer Review: “I came across this spray at random. It was one of the last few left, and after smelling it, I just knew immediately that I needed it. I bought it with no hesitation, and I do not regret it at all. It smells delicious and nostalgic, like a bowl of Fruit Loops, honestly. I hope this product is here to stay!” — Lush
You know that chic body care brand that all the pilates girls are obsessed with? That’s Salt & Stone. Known mostly for its elevated deodorants, the brand also makes fragrance mists for the hair and body, and this one in Saffron and Cedar is easily my favorite. Warm, woody, and subtly spicy, the saffron and cedarwood combo smells like quiet luxury in a bottle. It's also infused with glycerin and red algae to keep your hair and skin feeling soft, hydrated, and never sticky. I want my entire life—not just my hair—to smell just like this.
Key Notes: Saffron; Jasmine; Cedarwood
Lasting Power: Two hours
Size: 3.4 fl oz
What I Love: Wonderful everyday option; Includes skincare- and hair-friendly ingredients
What I Don’t: Narrow spray nozzle makes me have to spray a ton to feel like the scent is evenly distributed
Customer Review: “I love this fragrance mist. The scent is very subtle and comforting, and not overbearing. I like that it feels good on my skin and the scent lasts a good while.” — Sephora
Does Hair Perfume Dry Out Hair?
They might smell like a luxury, but hair perfumes can actually be an extension of your fragrance routine or even double as haircare—if you choose the right one. “Hair perfumes go beyond scent,” Clavien says. “They can hydrate, smooth, add shine, and even protect hair from UV rays or pollution.” Some formulas even double as lightweight leave-in treatments while enhancing the overall fragrance experience (much like the Lush spray).
That said, not all hair perfumes are created equal. “Look for low or alcohol-free formulas to help prevent dryness,” Clavien adds. Most cosmetics typically list the ingredients in order of how much of said ingredient is in the formula. So if you see alcohol listed first on your hair perfume, presume it has a higher alcohol content, and vice versa. The higher the alcohol content, the higher the chance of the scent drying out your hair. That being said, hair perfumes have significantly less alcohol content than traditional eau de parfums. Therefore, even with consistent use, you shouldn't be noticing much dryness, if any.
Can I Use Regular Perfume on My Hair?
Technically, yes, you can use regular perfume on your hair. However, I don't recommend making it an everyday practice. "Traditional fragrances are alcohol-heavy, and these can strip moisture from your strands over time, especially if used regularly," Clavien says. "A gentler formula will still give you a lasting scent without compromising the health of your hair." She recommends looking for nourishing ingredients like aloe vera or silk proteins to give your hair an added boost.
Do Hair Perfumes Last?
Hair perfumes are lighter than traditional eau de parfums—you know, the classic fragrances you apply to your skin—but that doesn't mean they disappear instantly, especially if you apply them correctly. “Spray from a slight distance on the mid-lengths and ends,” says Amélie Huynh, chief executive officer of D'Orsay. “Avoid your roots and don’t rub it in. Let the scent sit and blend with your hair’s natural movement as the day goes on.”
To get the most out of your hair perfume, apply it as the final step in your routine onto clean, dry, and freshly styled hair. The natural movement of your hair will help diffuse the scent throughout the day.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
To compile this list of the best hair perfumes, I scoured the internet and combed through countless customer reviews to find the top-rated options on the market, then tested over 25 to narrow this list down to the best 12. I also asked the Marie Claire team to share their holy grail picks.
For each hair perfume I tested, I assessed the fragrance's notes, how long it lasted, and its overall scent as the day went on.
Meet the Experts
Gil Clavien is the Principal Perfumer at DSM-Firmenich. She's trained in biology and perfumery, and has worked across Europe and Asia, creating scents that reflect her life passions.
Amélie Huynh is a French entrepreneur and the CEO of D’Orsay, a storied Parisian fragrance house renowned for its rich heritage and artistic sensibility.
