I love smelling good. From a Rihanna-approved fragrance to cult-favorite shampoos, I’m game. So when I heard about the growing popularity of hair perfume—the hybrid product that puts your hair hygiene front and center—I jumped at the chance to try a few, and roped in a few PureWow editors to spritz sweet florals, warm musks and other lovely notes in their manes as well. Plus, I asked a fragrance expert to share their helpful tips in making your hair perfume last longer, and if it’s actually good for your hair. Here’s what I learned.
The 13 Best Hair Perfumes of 2025, Tested by Editors
Including Gisou, Byredo and more
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Published Mar 23, 2025
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Dasha Burobina/PureWow
The Best Hair Perfumes at a Glance
How I Chose the Best Hair Perfumes
I analyzed countless reviews from tried-and-true retailers like Sephora, Ulta, Amazon and more. From there, I compiled a list of hair performed for myself and other editors to test. In the last couple of weeks, each tester sprayed their hair multiple times and took account of the product’s wearability, longevity, functionality and aesthetics. Keep reading to see the top picks that made the list.
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Best Overall
1. Phlur Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Mist
What We Like
- long-lasting
- can be used on the body
- layers well with other fragrances
What We Don't Like
- might be too sweet for some
Phlur
- Value: 20/20
- Longevity: 20/20
- Wearability: 20/20
- Aesthetics: 20/20
- Functionality: 20/20
- Total: 100/100
According to Audience Development Strategist Nicole Frazzini, this Phlur pick is the best overall hair perfume, earning the full 100 points for being long-lasting and buildable. “On days between washes, I'm always self-conscious about the way my hair smells. (A daily hair wash will never be part of my routine since it dries out my naturally frizzy hair WAY too much.) This hair perfume has been a total game changer for me—and quickly became a new step in my daily beauty routine—since it actually makes my hair smell good while layering beautifully with the vanilla notes of my go-to perfume: Burberry Goddess. It lasts throughout the day, and there's so much in the bottle that I feel totally comfortable to use as much as I like,” she says. “If you don't love vanilla, this scent is definitely not for you. Those vanilla base notes are *quite* potent. Personally, I love it, but if you're on the fence, I'd recommend trying another scent in the collection first. I will absolutely buy this hair perfume again given how long it lasts and it's a great value for the price. Consider me a hair perfume convert.”
Fast Facts
- Tester's Hair Type: dry, wavy hair, oily scalp, high porosity
- Size: 8 oz
- Scent Notes: sugar crystals, cashmere wood, vanilla
Best Vacation Scent
2. Sol De Janeiro Cheirosa 62 Hair & Body Fragrance Mist
What We Like
- long-lasting
- unique tropical scent
- great spray range
What We Don't Like
- might too sweet for some
- can't layer well with other scents
Sol De Janeiro
- Value: 20/20
- Longevity: 20/20
- Wearability: 19/20
- Aesthetics: 20/20
- Functionality: 20/20
- Total: 99/100
Sol De Janeiro has a reputation for having the best-smelling fragrance in the market, and this high rating from Assistant Editor Delia Curtis is proof. “It has such a wonderful, sweet vanilla salted caramel fragrance that can totally stand on its own. The scent lasts for hours and doesn't really need reapplication, especially for thick hair. I find myself catching whiffs of it for a long time and it even carries over to the next day. The longevity is THERE. It has a nice strong spray and the mist spreads nice and evenly over the head. It's lightweight and so easy to use. You get a ton of product and because of its long-lasting quality will take you far before needing to replace it,” they say.
Fast Facts
- Tester's Hair Type: oily scalp, wavy hair, thick hair
- Size: 8.1 oz
- Scent Notes: salted caramel, pistachio, vanilla
Best Tropical Scent
3. Ouai St. Barts Hair and Body Mist
What We Like
- buildable scent
- beachy smell
- can be used on hair and body
What We Don't Like
- contains some drying ingredients
Ouai
- Value: 20/20
- Longevity: 18/20
- Wearability: 20/20
- Aesthetics: 19/20
- Functionality: 20/20
- Total: 97/100
Ouai has a distinct scent, and it comes through in their hair and body mist, shares Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera. With fresh notes of dragon fruit, orange blossom and musk, it evokes the beaches of St. Barts. “It has a light, but noticeable beachy scent and has a great value for the bottle size. It didn’t feel super different to a regular body mist but it’s definitely worth it. It’s not too drying and I really do enjoy the scent,” she tells me.
Fast Facts
- Tester's Hair Type: dry hair, dry scalp,
- Size: 3.3 oz
- Scent Notes: dragon fruit, orange blossom, musk
Best Subtle Scent
4. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Perfume
What We Like
- lightweight
- layers well with other fragrances
- leaves hair fresh
What We Don't Like
- multiple applications for thicker hair
Gisou
- Value: 19/20
- Longevity: 18/20
- Wearability: 20/20
- Aesthetics: 20/20
- Functionality: 20/20
- Total: 97/100
This honey-scent hair perfume was made for folks who want a tad of fragrance without it being too much. The product works to combat dryness and boost shine, while refreshing locks in-between washes. For Curtis, they found it to be a top pick on their list: “I loved the deep, yet subtle wildflower honey scent. It has a slightly sweet botanical/floral fragrance. I liked the fine mist and how easy it was to control the application. The bottle looks beautiful and sits well on a vanity. I also like that it's compact enough to throw in a bag for on-the-go use. It mixes well with other scents so it doesn't clash with any perfumes I want to wear.”
Fast Facts
- Tester's Hair Type: oily scalp, wavy hair, thick hair
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Scent Notes: mirsalehi honey
Best French Pick
5. Diptyque Eau Capitale Fragrance Hair Mist
What We Like
- chic bottle
- long-lasting
- strong, but not overwhelming
What We Don't Like
- expensive
Diptyque
- Value: 18/20
- Longevity: 19/20
- Wearability: 19/20
- Aesthetics: 20/20
- Functionality: 20/20
- Total: 96/100
The beloved French brand is known for their famous candles and perfumes, so adding a signature fragrance (like Eau Capitale) to your locks is worth it—just ask SEO Editor Marissa Wu. "I love Diptyque scents. I find them the right balance of strength and subtleness. It never engulfs you in a noxious cloud of scent, but you can always smell it," she shares. "I also love the bottle design—it's very much art nouveau and quirky. It's a pleasure to have on the vanity. I like that it becomes gentler as the day goes on but still lingers by the evening. You could reapply it if you want but I never have."
Fast Facts
- Tester's Hair Type: oily, fine hair, high porosity
- Size: 1 oz
- Scent Notes: rose, bergamot, patchouli, pink peppercorn
Best Warm Florals Scent
6. Fenty Parfum Hair + Body Mist
What We Like
- long-lasting
- soft version as eau de parfum
- sprays evenly
What We Don't Like
- small bottle
Fenty
- Value: 18/20
- Longevity: 19/20
- Wearability: 20/20
- Aesthetics: 19/20
- Functionality: 20/20
- Total: 96/100
I might be biased because I’m obsessed with Fenty’s eau de parfum (I did make it one of the beauty products of 2024, FYI), but this hair and body mist has become my absolute favorite. I’m a sucker for warm florals, and this one is chock full of it without being overpowering. The notes of magnolia, musk and Bulgarian rose is a staple for Rihanna, but it’s definitely a softer version that works for my hair. The bottle is a tad small, but you only need 1-2 sprays to take in the spicy floral fragrance. I couldn’t stop spraying it on my blowout and I can’t wait to see how it feels/smells on my curls. Riri, you’ve done it again.
Fast Facts
- Tester's Hair Type: curly hair, low porosity
- Size: 1 oz
- Scent Notes: magnolia, musk, Bulgarian rose
Best Fresh Scent
7. Crown Affair The Signature Scent Hair Perfume
What We Like
- great for scent layering
- large bottle
- easy to use
- long-lasting
What We Don't Like
- expensive
Crown Affair
- Value: 17/20
- Longevity: 20/20
- Wearability: 19/20
- Aesthetics: 19/20
- Functionality: 2o/20
- Total: 95/100
This hair perfume may cost $86, but Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay believes it’s worth the splurge for the smell alone. With floral notes of bergamot, green tea and sandalwood, here’s what she had to say about it. “I enjoyed the scent overall, it was clean and fresh with an earthy note. It's pricey, but I think you get what you pay for here: It's a true perfume—not just a mist—so the scent really does last all day rather than dissipating by lunchtime. It left no oily residue on my hair, nor did it dry it out my strands or leave them stringy. The scent is subtle but there, which I enjoyed because I felt like I was able to layer on my usual body perfume as well without the fragrances being at odds or fighting against each other. If you're a minimalist, the packaging/bottle is a dream and blends seamlessly into any bathroom vanity,” she tells me.
Fast Facts
- Tester's Hair Type: thick hair, combo scalp
- Size: 3.4 oz
- Scent Notes: bergamot, green tea, sandalwood
Best Woody Scent
8. Rare Beauty Find Comfort Body & Hair Fragrance Mist
What We Like
- leaves hair/skin soft
- non-sticky formula
- lightweight
What We Don't Like
- might be a strong scent for some
Rare Beauty
- Value: 19/20
- Longevity: 18/20
- Wearability: 20/20
- Aesthetics: 19/20
- Functionality: 19/20
- Total: 95/100
As someone with low porosity and curly hair, I was hesitant about trying a hair perfume. I already find most leave-in and texturizing sprays drying, so I was prepared to lose all my hair’s moisture but this Rare Beauty changed my tune. The lemon zest hit my nose instantly and it was a nice surprise. But once the fragrance settled, I found hints of jasmine and cashmere wood that made for a delightful olfactory combination on my curls. The bottle is slim, but packs a ton of product that sprays evenly along my thick locks. The body and hair mist also have a nourishing, non-sticky formula, so it didn’t dry out my hair or feel irritating on my skin. It doesn't last long on dry hair, but after applying it after wash day I notice it stays longer and adds a boost of shine. I also got complimented that my hair smelled good so I call that a win!
Fast Facts
- Tester's Hair Type: curly hair, low porosity
- Size: 3.3 oz
- Scent Notes: lemon zest, violet, vetiver
Best Splurge
What We Like
- long-lasting
- rich scent
- luxurious bottle
What We Don't Like
- can be a bit overpowering if you spray too much
Balmain
- Value: 19/20
- Longevity: 19/20
- Wearability: 17/20
- Aesthetics: 20/20
- Functionality: 20/20
- Total: 95/100
If you splurge on any hair perfumes, let it be this one from Balmain. “It has so many notes, from orange blossom to sandalwood and pinewood to peach blossom, so the blend strikes a nice balance between citrus and musky. I can tell it’s such a quality perfume by how long it lasts—I’ve worn it a handful of times and it’s lasted me for hours on end. Yes, the strong scent dissipates with time, but the strands still hold onto the hints of it by the end of the night,” Associate Commerce Fashion Editor Stephanie Meraz tells me. “The chic and minimalistic packaging is a work of art that I’m more than happy to display on my stand. The bottle even has a magnetic cap—such a minute detail that really makes this feel extra luxurious. If you’re the type of person who loves to smell like a confident, powerful person, then this is going to be your best friend. It’s also great for special occasions, whether for a weekly date night or wedding. It also claims to nourish and protect the hair, so if that’s the case, I’m a fan for life.”
Fast Facts
- Tester's Hair Type: oily, thick hair
- Size: 3.4 oz
- Scent Notes: star anise, tarragon, pinewood, peach blossom
Best Rose Scent
10. Byredo Rose of No Man's Land Hair Perfume
What We Like
- rich scent
- doesn't weight hair down
- great for all hair types
What We Don't Like
- doesn't last long
Byredo
- Value: 18/20
- Longevity: 16/20
- Wearability: 20/20
- Aesthetics: 20/20
- Functionality: 19/20
- Total: 93/100
Rose fragrances are trending and this one from Byredo is making my top ten. You’ll find top notes of Turkish rose petals, raspberry blossom in the middle and white amber at the base. Senior Editor Dana Dickey enjoyed the quality of the perfume, sharing, "I’m a fan of clean, light or herbal scents. This hair perfume is great for
me since it is less intense than their eau de parfum. The top note is Turkish roses lightened up with pink peppercorn, a spicy herbal and almost metallic smell that I love. Unlike more bargain fragrances, this hair perfume is crafted to have top, middle and dry-down notes, and that’s what makes this scent so interesting, since these add fruity and warm amber to the top notes. I appreciate that, when I put this on before heading out to a business appointment or date, it’s going to cling to my hair and be pleasant."
Fast Facts
- Tester's Hair Type: fine hair
- Size: 2.5 oz
- Scent Notes: pink pepper, raspberry blossom, white amber
Most Affordable
What We Like
- budget-friendly
- great scent selection
- cute design
What We Don't Like
- doesn't last long
Kitsch
- Value: 19/20
- Longevity: 17/20
- Wearability: 18/20
- Aesthetics: 18/20
- Functionality: 20/20
- Total: 92/100
Kitsch’s latest collection promises to refresh your hair with wonderful scents like amber, violet, pistachio or warm sugar. Whichever you choose, the perfume is packed with odor-eliminating technology to spruce up your mane in-between washes. As Wu shares, “There's a good variety of scents that I think cover the main sort of scent categories. The packaging is also cute—each bottle is color-coded to correspond with the scent and the tones are all soft pastels. I liked violet particularly as I’m drawn to florals, and it was fresh and sweet without being syrupy on my hair. Longevity was my main issue. It comes off SO STRONG at first but the fade is rapid. If you spray in the morning you'll be reapplying by lunch. But overall, if you’re looking for an affordable, aesthetically pleasing scent, it hits the right intersection of accessibility and quality.”
Fast Facts
- Tester's Hair Type: oily, fine hair, high porosity
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Scent Notes: varies
Most Luxurious
12. YSL Beauty Libre Hair Mist
What We Like
- strong scent
- gorgeous bottle
What We Don't Like
- doesn't last long
- expensive
YSL
- Value: 16/20
- Longevity: 17/20
- Wearability: 19/20
- Aesthetics: 20/20
- Functionality: 20/20
- Total: 92/100
YSL just released their hair mist, and it’s already gaining some traction. Featuring lavender, orange blossom and musk accord, VP of Editorial Candace Davison recommends keeping this one around for special occasions. “This is such a classy, sophisticated scent. It has a more earthy floral tone than a sweet, chemical one (as some floral perfumes tend to be). I was worried that it'd be diluted or hair spray-like, but it felt right in line with the eau de parfum. And that bottle—it feels worthy of display, with a nice heft to it. The spray produced a fine mist; no sputtering or splotchy, which made getting even coverage fast and easy,” she shares. “The scent is so elevated, it immediately makes you stand taller. While it's a bit too floral for me day-to-day, I love the idea of wearing it to mark special occasions, or if I have a big event or presentation coming up and could use a confidence booster. It's very giftable too, in the realm of gifts-you-wouldn’t- give-yourself (but are so grateful to have).”
Fast Facts
- Tester's Hair Type: oily scalp, high porosity, fine hair
- Size: 1 oz
- Scent Notes: lavender, orange blossom, musk accord
Most Lightweight Scent
13. Kristin Ess Hair The One Signature Hair Perfume
What We Like
- light scent
- gorgeous packaging
What We Don't Like
- wears off quickly
Kristin Ess
- Value: 17/20
- Longevity: 17/20
- Wearability: 18/20
- Aesthetics: 18/20
- Functionality: 20/20
- Total: 90/100
This hair perfume is a great beginner product for those who are looking for a lightweight scent. It has notes of ambrette seed, white amber and magnolia that’s all around sweet and citrusy, which made Meraz a big fan. “I’m not one who usually wears a sweet or citrusy-smelling perfume, but I really enjoyed how understated this one was. As soon as I spray it, it has a bright, awakening scent that’s great for everyday wear. It comes in a beautiful ballet-pink colored bottle with minimal branding, which is a great reflection of the formula. It's the type of hair perfume that enhances the person who’s wearing it without taking over and becoming the star of the show,” she tells me.
Fast Facts
- Tester's Hair Type: oily, thick hair
- Size: 2.5 oz
- Scent Notes: ambrette seed, magnolia, white amber
What to Consider When Shopping for a Hair Perfume
- Ingredients: According to Crown Affair founder Dianna Cohen, you want to look for ingredients that are lightweight, non-drying and free from harsh alcohols or sulfates that can strip your hair’s natural oils.
- Residue-free Formulas: “The best hair perfume refreshes without buildup,” says Cohen. Spend time researching and reading reviews, especially when it comes to finding a hair perfume for your hair type and texture. Thankfully, I compiled an extensive list to make it easier for you.
- Scents: It’s all about preference. Consider warm scents like Fenty Parfum Hair + Body Mist, earthy notes like Crown Affair The Signature Scent Hair Perfume or floral fragrances like Gisou Honey Infused Hair Perfume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Hair Perfumes Actually Work?
After weeks of testing, the PW editors and I have found it works for all hair types and didn’t come across any products that add dryness or greasiness to our strands. It accomplished one goal: making our hair smell amazing.
How Long Does Hair Fragrance Last?
According to Cohen, a hair perfume can last four to six hours. We found some brands last longer than others, so pay close attention to this list (specifically the cons section). However, a few tips she includes is refreshing before heading out or in the middle of the day to refresh hair, as well as applying it on the mid-lengths and ends to avoid excess product near the scalp. I also found some hair mists that allow you to apply it on wet hair, which helps make the hair perfume last longer.
Is a Hair Perfume Good for Your Hair?
“Hair perfume is specifically formulated for strands, meaning it contains less alcohol than traditional perfumes to prevent dryness,” explains Cohen. “The right hair perfume can enhance your hair, but it all comes down to ingredients. Most hair types can enjoy hair perfume, but if your hair is very dry, color-treated, or fragile, it’s especially important to choose a gentle, nourishing formula—one that doesn’t rely on drying alcohols.”
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
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