How To Ensure Your Hair Perfumes Aren't Damaging Your Strands

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Like your hair to smell as inviting as your body? Then chances are you'll have come across hair perfumes. But just because these scents are specifically designed to freshen up your strands, don't be fooled into thinking they can't be damaging for your tresses. Women spoke exclusively to Penny James Trichology Center's Penny James about keeping your hair safe when spritzing, and she recommends thinking twice about hair perfume that contains alcohol. If the ingredients list refers to the likes of ethanol or rubbing alcohol, avoid it totally, as both can dry the hair out and cause flakiness or itching on the scalp. However, Cetearyl alcohol doesn't tend to have the same effects and is genuinely considered safer for your strands and scalp. Not every hair perfume will differentiate between the two though, which is why, especially if you have sensitive skin, it's best to steer clear.

If you have fine hair, also avoid hair perfume with sulfates (which can strip the hair of natural oils) or excessive carrier oils (aka essential oils derived from plants). James tells us too many carrier oils can sometimes cause the scalp to become overly sensitive to light. "Also, if you have rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, you're going to be more susceptible to scalp irritation with a hair perfume," she adds. If you notice any irritation at all, stop using hair perfume immediately and seek advice from a doctor dermatologist.

How you apply hair perfume is important too. James recommends a light spritz to avoid too many chemicals coating the hair and scalp, which can cause product build-up and leave your hair feeling waxy. Spray from around seven inches away from the mid-lengths down. That way, there's less chance of irritation or the product making your roots appear greasy and flat.

If you notice your strands are showing the tell-tale signs of hair damage, stop using hair perfume immediately. If you've been using scents that contain alcohol, chances are your hair will be dry and brittle, so focus on getting it healthy and moisturized again. Luckily, we've got you covered when it comes to moisturizing your scalp for ultimate hair health, plus tips to help moisturize dry hair. Try moisturizing products, like the Aussie Total Miracle Hair Care Bundle or BASK & LATHER's Moisture & Seal Bundle, and lay off hot tools for a while.

When your hair's back in top form, be selective about your hair perfume and make sure it's suitable for your mane's specific needs to avoid further damage. "I like Ôrəbella and only recommend this to my clients who wear hair extensions and have very thick hair. As their hair and scalp are less likely to be photosensitive," Penny James tells us, exclusively. If you have finer hair though, try the Slashome Hair Perfume. It's alcohol-free and described as a lightweight mist over a perfume, so shouldn't weigh down the hair or cause unsightly product build-up. There are ways to combine haircare with hair perfume too. Bananal's 2-in-1 Hair Serum & Perfume Oil comes in multiple scents and uses argan oil and amino acids to fight frizz and repair damage, while Moroccanoil Hair and Body Fragrance Mist claims to use argan oil and Vitamin E to nourish and hydrate hair.