THE SECRETS OF HAIR PERFUME REVEALED

ALAS, NOT JUST ANY PERFUME...

First things first, one must not spritz Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette or Eau de Cologne onto one’s hair. The high preponderance of ethyl alcohol in those perfumes – while perfectly fine for the pulse points – could dry out or damage hair, and make it prone to frizz or breakage. That simply won't do!

​Hair perfume, on the other hand, is a fragrance mist specially formulated for the tresses and the scalp. It nourishes the hair – from straight, fine strands to bouncy curls – with ingredients that hydrate and condition, add shine and tame frizz. In the case of Halfeti Hair Perfume and Luna Hair Perfume, argan oil is the star.

SO WHY A HAIR PERFUME IN THE FIRST PLACE?

Hair perfume (or ‘hair mist’ in some quarters) helps a scent last longer. Every swish of the locks releases the chosen fragrance and leaves a delightful scent trail with each step. What’s more, fragrance clings to hair more effectively than skin (science says so).​

​There are other clever uses, too, such as freshening up the ‘do between wash days without weighing it down or leaving a residue like dry shampoo can. Or getting rid of unwanted odours after cooking, a dip in the pool, or an evening by the log fire. And because hair perfume is often lighter in scent, one can afford to be a bit braver with it. ​

​Beyond freshening the mane, hair perfume can be safer for people with allergies because it’s lighter and not applied to sensitive areas of the skin. Or perhaps one simply prefers a more subtle fragrance, a gentler diffusion of scent. It could also be a matter of season: hair perfume is a delightful alternative for summertime when the weather is hot and humid, making traditional perfume overwhelming.​

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO APPLYING HAIR PERFUMES

Start with a few spritzes of hair perfume on a hair brush. Brush through, and after hairstyling is complete, simply hold the bottle at arm’s length and mist the hair perfume evenly through the lengths of your hair. Bonus points for flipping the head upside down and spritzing for a little extra oomph at the roots. Run your fingers through your hair to distribute the hair perfume and presto – a sweet waft of fragrance.​

Hair perfumes tend to last around five to six hours, so reapply when the need arises. And for those with enquiring minds, yes, hair perfume can be used on the body. If it’s safe for the scalp, it’s safe for the skin. And last but not least, hair perfume can be applied to wet hair, but it’s best to wait until your hair is completely dry. Water can act as a barrier and prevent your locks from absorbing the scent, leading to scent that fades much too quickly. A situation that a fragrance aficionado would never, ever permit, correct? Naturally.​