Why is hair perfume fashionable?

For a long time, applying perfume to the hair was considered off-limits. Traditional formulas, with a high alcohol content, weren't designed for use on hair. In recent years, however, the world of perfumery has experienced a revolution: the arrival of hair perfumes, creating a whole new category in the olfactory universe.

This trend combining luxury, personal care, and sensory pleasure, has become a genuine phenomenon. And it's easy to see why: hair mists and scented sprays have successfully bridged two worlds, offering a healthy alternative for hair while preserving the sophistication of traditional fragrances.

Although not a recent invention, hair perfumes are currently having a moment. Their sudden rise stems from growing consumer interest in fragrance culture and a heightened awareness of hair care. Have you heard of the term skinification? It refers to the new approach of treating the scalp with the same care we give to facial skin.

The entry of major brands like Zara (Inditex's fashion label) into the category has confirmed what many of us already suspected: hair mists are not a passing trend, but an emerging fragrance category.

"Today, hair perfumes are not only a healthier alternative, they also provide extra treatment and shine. They've become an essential part of the fragrance category," says Miguel Bartolomé, Brand Manager of Isolée, a distributor of niche and fine fragrances.

The success of hair mists can't be separated from their popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Their elegant packaging, "wow" factor in unboxings, and visually satisfying application have turned them into viral sensations that attract new consumers. One standout is Sol de Janeiro, whose deliciously scented mists helped it grow by up to 199% in 2023. Are you more of a Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 or 68 fan? Don't miss the limited editions – Flor Mística, Água Mística, and Dança Mística – inspired by fleeting moments like sunrise or dusk.

However, a hair perfume isn't simply a replica of its fragrance counterpart. As Renaud Salmon, Creative Director at Amouage, explains in the case of the Guidance Hair Mist, their goal was to create a scent as close as possible to the original eau de parfum. It also had to be long-lasting, quick-drying, easy to carry, and stable for at least six months.

"I agreed to use bioethanol as long as healthy ingredients were added where possible incorporated where possible," reveals Salmon. The final formula includes the high-quality Omani frankincense essential oil that made the brand famous.

For Salmon, the challenge was to "stay true to the personality of the original Guidance eau de parfum", while allowing the frankincense to introduce something subtly new. "We wanted the added elements to extend the story of the perfume and add another layer, or another facet, to the experience of wearing Guidance," he explains.

The result is a complementary extension of the original fragrance that enriches the signature Amouage triad of rose, frankincense, and ambergris.

Because they let you enjoy your favourite fragrance in a more subtle, airy, and even fresher way, perfect for summer.

For people with sensitive skin, hair perfumes offer a great alternative, allowing them to wear fragrance without risking irritation or allergic reactions.

These formulas also work well for layering, combining different perfumes to create a unique scent identity or enhance intensity when paired with a matching perfume.

Hair mists are perfect if you want a delicate, diffused fragrance – a subtle and elegant aura that never overwhelms. You can always reapply throughout the day for a quick refresh before your next appointment.

More and more fragrance houses are expanding into this category. Matière Première, for example, has launched Vanilla Powder Hair Perfume, an enveloping mist with vanilla notes – ideal for lovers of creamy, sensual fragrances. It's part of a collection of hair mists that reinterpret their greatest perfume hits.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian offers the iconic Baccarat Rouge 540 Hair Mist, which captures the same olfactory DNA as its eau de parfum but in a more accessible format.

Parfums de Marly added Delina Hair Mist to its lineup, an ultra-feminine blend of rose, lychee, and rhubarb, while Initio Parfums Privés created Musk Therapy Hair Mist, which mixes white musks and fresh fruit in a conditioning formula.