One scroll through #PerfumeTok confirms it- hair perfume is having its moment in the spotlight. Once seen as a niche luxury at best - or a frivolous extra at worst- owning a hair fragrance today marks a new kind of status symbol. For the beauty set, there’s nothing more chic than a delicate misting through strands and across the shoulders. I should know. I've seen enough beauty editor's pull one from their handbag and give their hair a discreet top-up. Whether worn solo or layered with your signature perfume, it’s quickly become my own finishing touch when I want to feel truly polished and put-together. The best part? It doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Take Daisy Edgar-Jones’s love of Zara’s Dusk Hair Fragrance (created with legendary hairstylist Guido Palau) as proof that high-impact hair perfume can still be accessible.
But aren’t hair perfumes just regular fragrances repackaged, I hear you cry? ‘Not exactly.’ Nadine Ibrahim Bacha, Byredo’s Global Fragrance Trainer tells Grazia. ‘Hair fragrances are typically lightweight and non-greasy, so they don’t weigh hair down or leave it feeling sticky,’ she explains. The formula, too, is different. ‘They often contain lower levels of alcohol, or are entirely alcohol-free,’ Bacha says. ‘They may also be enriched with nourishing ingredients like oils, vitamins, or UV filters that protect the hair from environmental stressors.’ Essentially? They smell good and do good.
And Amanda Morgan, MD of Diptyque UK is inclined to agree. 'It’s not recommended to spray perfume directly onto your hair as it can be drying,' she says. 'Hair mists are specially formulated for that purpose. They’re far gentler on strands while still delivering beautiful fragrance.'
Our hair is more porous than skin, meaning it holds onto scent for longer- this is why you'll often be able to catch a heady whiff of your shampoo when you take your hair down in the evening. By contrast, the scent on your skin may have faded considerably. 'Hair is always in movement,' adds Bacha. 'This makes it the perfect vector for perfume, as it amplifies the delicately scented trail you leave behind.'
It's that delicately scented trail that's proving increasingly popular among shoppers, too. 'Scented hair mists have been growing in popularity in recent years,' Morgan notes. 'It’s an innovative way to wear fragrance, especially if you prefer not to apply scent directly to your skin.'
From cult classics to fresh icons, here are the very best hair perfumes for 2025 as recommended by the Grazia beauty team.
Shop: The Best Hair Perfumes 2025
www.selfridges.com
What Byredo says: 'Byredo Hair Perfume captures Byredo’s signature fragrances into a long-lasting mist of scent for the hair, leaving it luminous, refreshed, and subtly perfumed throughout the day. The non-greasy formula is so lightweight it can spritz onto pre-styled hair as the ultimate finishing touch.'
What we know: The handy aerosol format here make things feel effortless. Simply spritz and go to coat stands with an even layer of this light yet nourishing mist.
Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'Delicate, graceful and utterly addictive, Bal'd Afrique is what I reach for when I want to feel pepped up and energised. Inspired by African culture in 1920s Paris, the blend of marigold, bergamot, lemon and neroli is beautifully bright and vibrant. It's these summer-laden notes that I'll come back to time and time again. And as for its hair beautifying credentials? Strands are left soft and luminous after a quick misting. Would recommend.'
Pros
- Suited to all hair types
Cons
- Good size for travelling
www.selfridges.com
What Diptyque say: 'Ilio, meaning "sun" in Greek, is a tribute to the Mediterranean in summer. The collection evokes a relaxing, sun-drenched break. As far as the eye can see, colourful beach umbrellas, fresh green prickly pears and the glittering sea... An invitation to savour the pleasures of summer, all year round.'
What we know: Inspired by the shores of the Mediterranean, the scent of prickly pears blends with bergamot and jasmine in the sweetness of summer. If you're partial to something light and delicate then consider this an excellent option.
Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'Diptyque’s Ilio Hair Mist is one of my all time favourites. For summer the scent is hard to beat - think a deliciously a sun-soaked blend of prickly pear, bergamot and jasmine. It's fresh, uplifting and lingers beautifully in my hair throughout the day. As someone prone to grease, what I love most is how lightweight it feels. I'm left with shiny, supple strands that look light and bouncy - it's perfect for adding a little touch of luxury to your day.'
Pros
- Beautiful bottle
- Light, energising scent
Cons
- Might be too subtle for some
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
What Frédéric Malle says: 'A mist with a difference, Frédéric Malle's Portrait of a Lady Hair Mist lends your locks a subtle veil of the famous heady scent.'
What we know: A fragrance heavy-weight, Portrait of a Lady is as sophisticated and striking as they come. Warm spices, velvety rose and deep woods make for one of the most opulent scents going - it's considered a modern day classic oozing with sex appeal. Ooft!
Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'Once you've caught a whiff of Portrait of a Lady, chances are you'll never go back. Ideal for those who seek an unapologetically more-is-more fragrance (there's 200 flowers in this bottle) expect a deliciously milky floral blend of Turkish Rose, patchouli, sandalwood and frankincense all meshed together with blackcurrant, warm clove and raspberry. The best part? A single spritz is always enough. It's as potent as they come, so be rest assured that one bottle will last a very long time.'
Read our full review here
Pros
- Incredibly long lasting
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Is quite popular - not one for fans of niche fragrances
www.sephora.co.uk
What Dior says: 'An echo of the sensual, velvety trail of Miss Dior Eau de Parfum, this hair mist diffuses the freshness of a bouquet of spring flowers. Featuring an alcohol-free formula infused with rosewater, the scent embodies a tender dialogue between floral notes- a true “millefiori” - enveloped in woody accords.'
What we know: Sweet, feminine and floral, Dior's iconic Miss Dior manages to blur the lines between a floral and a wood based scent. If you're a fan of the original, investing in the hair perfume is an excellent idea to increase its longevity.
Rachael Martin, beauty director, says:'If you’re after a sweet, beautifully long-lasting perfume mist, then consider this one just the ticket. Housed in a frosted glass bottle (handle with care), it epitomises Dior's luxury feel from the very first spritz. The scent is light yet impactful, leaving behind a subtly floral trail that lingers in the hair for hours without ever becoming overwhelming. Very, very pretty.'
Pros
- Beautiful packaging
- More afforable option
Cons
- Lid is a little clunky
www.selfridges.com
What Maison Francis Kurkdjian says: 'Wearers can expect a heady mesh of jasmine, resin, saffron and amberwood. The perfumer wanted a fragrance that translates the feeling of transparency and density.'
What we know: Suited to all hair types, you can mist this through hair at any time throughout the day. Simply spray onto your brush for a more subtle, delicate version of the scent that still manages to embody all-out luxury.'
Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'A light misting across hair and shoulders is all it takes for this iconic scent to linger well into the following day. Expect that instantly recognisable blend of jasmine, resin and cedar, anchored by saffron and amberwood- a now iconic composition that’s become synonymous with modern opulence. The effect is sultry and sophisticated, without veering into overpowering territory. Baccarat devotee? Take note- while the original will set you back £235, this version delivers a slightly more subtle offering for just £75. And if you're after a lighter floral altogether give MFK's A La Rose a go.'
Pros
- Long lasting
- Considerably cheaper than the original perfume
Cons
- Has turned into a viral scent
www.selfridges.com
What Sisley says: 'This perfume reflects the brand’s cult fragrance. It is designed to develop on both the skin and hair, which can retain scents for longer. Fresh and delicate, this hair and body perfume is instantly absorbed, leaving a long-lasting fragrance. Its elegant, heady sillage unfolds with each movement.'
What we know: Hair is more porous than skin, meaning it absorbs perfume and lasts considerably longer. It's also less exposed to sweat and body heat, two factors that cause fragrance to fade away as the day goes on. However, the fact that you can wear this on skin too, means more bang for your buck.
Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'Bright top notes of lemon, lavender, and verbena mesh effortlessly with delicate mimosa flower, before settling into a base of woods and amber- it's deliciously warming and sensual. Ever changing, expect this fragrance to evolve beautifully throughout the day, revealing a new, unexpected note every time the wind catches. I like this one as it smells subtly different on everyone while always maintaining that unmistakable allure. Fresh yet comforting, fruity yet floral- it strikes that rare balance of being both uplifting and enveloping. Impossibly chic French women love it - incase you needed further sway.'
Read our full review
Pros
- Can be used on the body too
- Long lasting scent
- Decent sized bottle
Cons
- The label is a sticker, which doesn't feel premium when compared to the bottle or scent itself
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
What Gisou says: 'Renowned for its sophisticated formulas, the brand's sumptuously scented solutions look to maintain and improve your tresses' health while boosting soft, supple and shiny strands.'
What we know: Enriched with honey and argan oil, the formula does more than scent your locks; it infuses your hair with shine-boosting antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids, keeping hair in tip-top condition.
Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'Small but mighty, Gisou's rose scented hair perfume is as beautiful as they come. Just a light misting adds a beautiful layer of lustrous shine that never strays into the greasy category. There’s something quietly powerful about this particular hair perfume. It's unassuming and certainly doesn't shout. It really does linger gracefully, however. A wonderful finishing touch for the rose inclined among us.'
Pros
- Contains UV filters
- Ideal size for handbag
Cons
- It's only 15ml, so don't be surprised if you get through it quickly
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
What Kilian say: 'Coming from a long line of luxury cognac brewers, Kilian Hennessy was never a stranger to decadent, sophisticated smells. After writing a thesis on the semantics of scents, it made sense that he used his experiences to create a new kind of perfumery. Cue: Kilian. As one of the most experienced fragrant houses in the industry, the brand dreams up alluring aromas for both your skin and strands. A case in point? The Love, Don't Be Shy Hair Mist that turns the brand's iconic gourmand fragrance into a hair mist.'
What we know: Once an under-the-radar go-to for those in the know, this scent was popularised when it was revealed as Rihanna's signature scent in 2016.
Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'If you love a sweet, gourmand fragrance then this could be your new go-to. While it errs on the side of sickly initially, it has a more subtle dry down that feels considerably more grown up than that first, sugary hit. The finish is rich without being overpowering - think notes of marshmallow, vanilla, and caramel. If it's good enough for Rihanna...'
Pros
- Adds hydration to hair
Cons
- Only 10ml
www.spacenk.com
What Rare says: Indulge in a super scented boost with this Rare Beauty Find Comfort Body & Hair Fragrance Mist. This Rare Beauty Body and Hair Mist is infused with natural extracts to freshen and soften the skin and hair, delivered via the finest mist.
What we know: Just a light spritz leaves behind a calm and comforting scent (the range's signature lemon zest, jasmine and cashmere wood) and it's also boosted with biotin and niacinamide - ingredients that help to add softness and sheen to both skin and hair.
Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'Selena Gomez knows her way around a sell-out product. Look to this body and hair mist for proof - Space NK struggle to keep it in stock. Made with a unique blend of niacinamide, biotin, and peach flower extract, a light misting works refresh and strengthen hair. Thankfully, the scent smells gorgeous too - lemon zest, jasmine leaves, and tonka beans combine to aid a feeling of relaxation and calm. And breathe....'
Pros
- Brimming with actives
Cons
- Often sells out
FAQs: Hair perfumes
When do I apply hair perfume?
'These lightweight formulas can be spritzed onto styled hair as the ultimate finishing touch,' Bacha advises.
What does hair perfume do?
'It adds scented freshness and a sense of lightness, and doesn’t interrupt the natural texture of the hair,' says Bacha. Some also come with extra hair beautifying ingredients, like UV filters or hydrating agents.
What is the best hair perfume?
Morgan cites soft florals as the top-sellers. 'From Diptyque, Eau Rose, Do Son, and Eau des Sens are particularly popular,' she says.
How do I apply hair perfume?
You can spritz it directly onto styled hair, or apply to a brush before combing through - this ensures even distribution
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Director. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism