Hair mists are having a moment. They’re not only nostalgic—you probably remember the exact scent of your first hair and body spray (mine was Victoria’s Secret Love Spell)—they’re also lightweight, airy, and more seasonally appropriate than a traditional eau de parfum, which could feel cloying in the high heat of summer. Ahead, we rank and review the best hair perfumes for summer 2024, vetted by editors, trend spotters, fragrance experts, and hairstylists.
Shop the Best Hair Perfumes
Hair perfumes are different from regular perfumes because your hair latches on to scent differently than your skin does. The best hair perfumes also offer hair-health benefits—like humidity shields and extra shine. “A perfume made specifically for your hair often has a lower fragrance percentage, and includes beneficial ingredients that support healthy hair and may allow the scent to linger on the hair for longer,” Jeriel Sydney, founder of body care and fragrance brand FableRune, tells Bazaar. “Hair perfume is meant to be subtle and pervasive. The lightness of the fragrance creates an illusion that you are not wearing perfume at all, but that the fragrance is a part of you.” Find your next favorite fragrance purchase ahead.
Related: The 12 Best Summer Perfumes to Beat the Heat
Best Overall
Gisou Honey-Infused Hair Perfume
Pros
- Infused with honey and argan oil for conditioning
Cons
- For best results, shake bottle before every application.
This honey-infused fragrance by Gisou is universally beloved of beauty editors. The subtle honey scent melts with light floral notes, and because it contains a little bit of argan oil, it leaves hair looking shiny and glossy.
One reviewer writes: “This perfume! The scent it’s warm, not overly sweet, it’s just amazing. My daughters (7 and 4) come to me every morning asking to spray their hair because ‘mommy’s hair smells so yummy.’” —Monica L.
Pros
- Highly rated for smell and longevity
- Free of phthalates
Cons
- No additional hair benefits
If you are close to a Sephora tween, you’re familiar with the hype around fragrance and body brand Sol de Janeiro. This perfume mist—warm and fruity, with notes of black amber plum and vanilla—offers a fine, delicate scent that hairdressers recommend spritzing through your hair while air-drying. (Note: This perfume mist provides no additional hair benefits; its only purpose is to impart the smell of a beach vacation).
One reviewer writes: “It smells so good!! and I always get told I smell so good when I wear it!!” —Tatum
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Pros
- Contains argan oil to nourish hair
- Contains UV-absorbing technology to protect hair from sun damage
Cons
- Some reviewers wish the scent lasted longer.
If you have very dry or color-treated hair, colorist Rita Hazan recommends avoiding any hair perfumes with ethyl alcohol, “which dries out the hair and makes the color fade faster,” she explains. Instead, opt for this hair and mist from the Moroccanoil. It nourishes the strands with argan oil (instead of drying them out), protects from UV damage (also preserving the color), and features a signature scent of spicy amber and sweet floral notes.
One reviewer writes: “I learned of this brand at my hair salon and I immediately asked about it [because of] the amazing scent. I’ve used the products (shampoo, conditioner, and frizz control oil) ever since. When logging on to purchase more, I literally said, ‘I wish they made this in a spray’....Wow...I’m crazy about this stuff.” —Amy
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- Contains a non-drying emollient
Cons
- Should be layered with an eau de parfum for longevity
Why not match your hair perfume to your regular perfume? This Chanel hair perfume falls under the radar, but we love it because it’s lightweight and smells of a delicate, gorgeous blend of orange, rose, and jasmine. It’s nice to pair with Mademoiselle eau de parfum, or wear alone on days you want a lighter touch of scent.
One reviewer writes: “Beautiful! I have recieved so many compliments.” —Cathryn
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Pros
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- Some reviewers complain about the plastic packaging.
Alcohol-free and made with ingredients that are beneficial to hair health (camellia oil, aloe vera, and castor oil), this Kayali hair mist is a great choice for anyone looking for shiny hair that has a lingering scent of jasmine, orange flower, and vanilla.
One customer writes: “What a beautiful smell! It lasts for couple of days, [until] the next wash! I highly recommend it!” —May
Best Woodsy Scent
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Scented Hair Mist
Pros
- Contains castor oil for hair conditioning
Cons
- Should be layered with an eau de parfum for longevity
If you’re a fan of the iconic Baccarat Rouge 540—currently the buzziest perfume on the internet—but haven’t pulled the trigger on the eau de parfum—consider the hair mist version as a trial for summer. The mist has a soft and airy finish, but the same recognizable notes of rich woody cedar.
One customer writes: “Smelled this on a friend and loved. So I purchased this sample size to see what it smelled like on me. It’s an absolute favorite now. I will be purchasing the bigger bottle. If you love a nice, earthy, rich smell, I highly recommend it.” —Celeana
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Pros
- Contains hydrating and non-drying ingredients
- Blends well with other scents
Cons
- Some hair types are more porous and may require additional spritzes.
Crown Affair’s mission was to create a “gentle perfume for your hair,” and it succeeded. The Signature Scent is made with glycerin and aloe leaf extract to boost hair’s shine and reduce frizz. Plus, the scent—bergamot, yuzu, and lemongrass—is fresh and vibrant, leaving hair smelling clean all day.
One customer writes: “Such a lovely scent. A truly light, sophisticated mist to brighten my mood as I finish dressing. I’m so pleased with the assortment of all the products from Crown Affair — really, a great resource for hair products [of the] highest quality.” —Sandy
Pros
- Offers heat protection
Cons
- If you have fine hair, apply sparingly.
This Ouai hair oil is not a hair perfume per se, but it still offers a lingering scent that fans go crazy for. Notes of violet, gardenia, ylang-ylang, and white musk leave hair smelling clean and sophisticated all day long. Plus, the Ama-oil and borage oil smooth split ends, block humidity, impart shine, and offer heat protection.
One customer writes: “It’s made my hair a lot smoother and shiny and I love the smell!” —Ana
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Pros
- Made with camellia oil to nourish and protect the hair
Cons
- Some reviewers note it doesn’t last as long on clean hair.
Fans of rose should pick up Diptyque’s Eau Rose hair mist. The first notes of this hair perfume “hint at a downy rose, as if the petals were emerging from a silky cocoon,” according to the brand. As a bonus, the mist is enriched with camellia oil, which helps nourish and protect the hair.
One customer writes: “This Diptyque Rose hair mist smells delightful. It is one of my favourite Diptyque scents and suits hair very well. It would make a great present because it is slightly more unusual than a perfume.” —Em
Pros
- Glass bottle with fine-mist sprayer
- Made with 30.4% upcycled ingredients
Cons
- May require multiple spritzes for potency
Fragrance brand Ellis Brooklyn released a line of hair and body mists earlier this year, which have already gained acclaim (and awards) from beauty editors. The scent Sun is a bestseller and smells like a beach party, thanks to notes of mandarin, lemon, pear blossom, musk, and Ambrox.
One customer writes: “I absolutely love Sand and Sea so I was hoping Sun would live up to how amazing those fragrances are and oh my gosh did it ever. The citrus is not overpowering and the dry down smells like the beach. I also love that it’s made from up-cycled ingredients. The packaging is gorgeous too. I would recommend this fragrance for anyone as it’s easily likable and not overwhelming.” —Darby
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Pros
- Bottle and cap are 100% recyclable
- Hypoallergenic
- Low price point
Cons
- Some reviewers wish the cotton-candy note were stronger.
This hair and body mist smells like a nostalgic summer spent by the boardwalk, with notes of sweet vanilla, airy cotton candy, and creamy coconut. Because it’s a light scent designed to be sprayed liberally, the smell reads faintly in the hair, like a whisper of sweetness.
One customer writes: “I am beyond obsessed with the sweet [smell] this hair & body mist gives off! It’s the perfect mix — not too overpowering! I love the packaging! It’s small enough to where I can just pop it in my bag and take it with me!” —Ione
Pros
- Clean formula
- Layerable
Cons
- No additional hair benefits
While this Henry Rose spray was created as a body mist, many reviewers note that the scent holds up when spritzed through the hair. As a water-based fragrance, it’s safe for hair and skin, and the smell—blackberry musk—is as unique as it is intoxicating.
One customer writes: “This body spray smells really good. I love using it in my everyday life. I apply it in the morning right after my shower. and I have received a lot of compliments on how I smell. I’m in love. The smell is a very good fruity floral. I love recommending this product.” —Leticia
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Meet the experts
• Jeriel Sydney is the founder of body care and fragrance brand FableRune.
• Rita Hazan is a celebrity colorist and the founder of Rita Hazan Salon.
Are hair perfumes safe for color-treated hair?
According to Hazan, hair perfume is safe for people with color-treated hair. However, she recommends avoiding formulas with alcohols, specifically ethyl alcohol, “which dries out the hair and makes the color fade faster.”
Otherwise, it also helps to shop for a hair perfume that will benefit your specific hair type. If you have fine hair, you may want to shop for light water-based hair mists and avoid hair perfume that is heavy and oil-based, “since it will easily weigh down the hair,” Hazan says. However, someone with coarse curly hair would benefit from a oil-based hair perfume for added conditioning and frizz protection.
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How should I apply hair perfume?
Most hair perfumes should be applied to dry hair. Experts recommend misting the hair perfume evenly from an arm’s length onto dry hair. Then, you can give your hair a flip to diffuse the scent. Other pro tricks include spraying your hair perfume on your hairbrush before brushing your hair, spritzing your hair perfume on your pillowcase before bed (make sure your hair perfume is safe for your skin), and spraying your hair while upside down to best diffuse the scent.
Looking for more perfume content?
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- Pineapple Perfume Is So Hot Right Now
- Can a Perfume Alter Your Emotions? Charlotte Tilbury Says Yes.
- The 20 Best Long-Lasting Perfumes You Won’t Need to Reapply
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Megan Decker
Megan Decker is a beauty and lifestyle writer and editor, and the former beauty editor at Refinery29, where she oversaw the site’s beauty trend coverage. In addition to regularly contributing to Harper's Bazaar, she also writes for Refinery29, Byrdie, PS, various newsletters, and other publications. She lives on the Upper East Side and you can often find her reading, picnicking, or strolling in Central Park.