Using Fragrance Oils In Hair: Safe Or Not?

There are many benefits to using fragrance oils in your hair. However, it is important to note that some fragrance oils may contain skin irritants, so it is recommended to do a patch test before fully applying them. Fragrance oils can be used to create a bespoke hair care routine, with many different scents available, such as floral, fruity, and woody fragrances. They can be added to existing hair care products such as shampoo and conditioner, or used to create new products such as hair oil, hair gel, and hair serum. When adding fragrance oils to existing products, it is important to use an unscented base and be mindful of the amount of fragrance oil added to avoid making hair greasy.

Potential damage to hair

While applying fragrance oil to your hair can make it smell great, there are some potential downsides and risks to be aware of. Firstly, it's important to understand that fragrances often contain artificial ingredients and chemicals that can be harmful to your hair and overall health. These chemicals can have adverse effects, with the most common reaction being irritated skin, especially if you have allergies to the specific chemicals in the fragrance. This can then lead to dry hair and dandruff.

One of the main risks of applying fragrance oil to your hair is making it look greasy. Many people who apply fragrance oil to their hair only put it on the tips of their hair or pat a small amount onto their hair with their fingers to avoid this issue. Another potential issue is dryness, as certain ingredients in perfumes, such as ethyl alcohol, can have a drying effect on the hair. Untreated dryness can cause long-term damage such as breakage, split ends, and frizziness.

In addition, fragrance oils can contain many different components, including natural essential oils and purely synthetic compounds. Many of these compounds are known skin irritants, and some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients. Fragrance sensitivity is seen in about 12% of patients with contact dermatitis, and fragrances account for a significant number of reactions from cosmetic products. When it comes to the scalp, allergic contact dermatitis caused by fragrances can worsen pre-existing scalp conditions like psoriasis and has been associated with non-scarring temporary hair loss in some cases.

Furthermore, fragrance manufacturers are not legally required to list the specific components that make up their fragrances, as this information is considered a trade secret. As a result, it can be challenging to identify and avoid certain ingredients that may cause adverse reactions. Therefore, if you have sensitive skin or are concerned about potential allergies, it is recommended to perform a patch test before applying any new product to your hair.

Mixing with hair oil

Mixing fragrance oil with hair oil is a great way to customise your hair care routine and create a signature scent. It is important to note that fragrance oils are different from essential oils, which are distilled from natural plant matter and contain the 'true essence of the plant'. Fragrance oils are either partly natural or completely synthetic.

When mixing fragrance oil with hair oil, it is recommended to use no more than 5% of the overall volume of fragrance oil. For a 100ml bottle of hair oil, 5ml of fragrance oil is sufficient. It is also important to check the IFRA safety data of the chosen fragrance oil, as some oils have very low skin safety dilution rates. To ensure an even distribution of the fragrance oil, it may be necessary to add an equal amount of dispersant, such as Polysorbate 20 or 80.

It is also important to use an unscented base oil when creating your own fragranced hair oil. This way, you can control the scent and intensity of the fragrance oil. Adding fragrance oil to a pre-scented base oil may result in the scents competing or clashing, creating an unpleasant aroma.

When creating your own fragranced hair oil, it is important to follow safety guidelines and perform a patch test before full application. Additionally, it is crucial to store your creation in a labelled container, listing all the ingredients, production date, and expiry date.

Overall, mixing fragrance oil with hair oil is a fun and creative way to customise your hair care routine. By following the recommended guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Mixing with shampoo and conditioner

Mixing fragrance oil with shampoo and conditioner is a great way to customise your hair care routine and create a unique scent. The amount of fragrance oil you add will depend on the volume of shampoo or conditioner you are using and the IFRA safety data of the fragrance oil. As a general rule, it is recommended that you add no more than 5% of the total volume of fragrance oil to your shampoo or conditioner. For example, if you have 100ml of shampoo, you should add no more than 5ml of fragrance oil.

It is important to use an unscented shampoo and conditioner base when adding fragrance oil, as this will ensure that the scent of the fragrance oil is not overwhelmed by any existing fragrances in the products. You should also consider whether the fragrance oil will complement the existing scent of the products, as you don't want the scents to compete or clash with each other. To test this, it is recommended to take a small amount of the product and add a tiny drop of fragrance oil to assess the combination.

In addition, it is important to note that some fragrance oils may require the addition of a dispersant, such as Polysorbate 20 or 80, to help distribute the oil evenly throughout the shampoo or conditioner. If you are using a fragrance oil that requires a dispersant, simply mix equal parts of the oil and dispersant before adding it to your shampoo or conditioner.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively add fragrance oil to your shampoo and conditioner, creating a customised hair care routine with a unique scent that suits your individual needs and preferences.

Using unscented products

Unscented products are often free from common irritants, such as fragrances, perfume, phthalates, parabens, essential oils, and dyes. These products are ideal for those wanting to avoid potential allergens and hidden fragrance chemicals, which can sometimes be included in products labelled as "fragrance-free" or "unscented".

There are a variety of unscented hair care products available, including shampoos, conditioners, dry shampoos, heat protection sprays, detangling sprays, curl creams, and texturizing products. Some recommended brands for unscented hair care products include Vanicream, Jessicurl, Dessert Essence, Tubby Todd, Acure, SEEN, Cleure, John Masters Unscented, Attitude, Odele, No Nothing, and Unscented Co.

When choosing unscented products, it is important to read the ingredient lists carefully, as some products may still contain fragrances or masking fragrances. Look for products that specifically state they are free from both synthetic and natural fragrances.

Fragrance oil alternatives

While fragrance oils can be used to scent hair products, they are blends of chemicals, many of which are synthetic, and some of which have been linked to allergies and other health concerns. As such, it is important to consider natural alternatives when looking to scent hair products.

One alternative to fragrance oils is essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are known for their therapeutic benefits. They are obtained through processes such as steam distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction. Essential oils can add natural scents to hair products while also providing benefits to the hair and scalp. For example, lavender essential oil can help soothe irritated skin, while tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties. Jojoba oil, which closely mimics the natural oils produced by the scalp, is an excellent choice for balancing oil production and preventing dandruff and itching. It is important to note that essential oils must be diluted before use to avoid irritant or allergic reactions.

Another natural alternative to fragrance oils is CO2 extracts. These are produced using carbon dioxide under high pressure, resulting in a more concentrated and pure extract than traditional essential oils. CO2 extraction can be used for fruits and other plants that cannot be steam distilled. Some CO2 extracts contain both volatile aromatic compounds and non-volatile constituents of the plant, offering a more complex and potent therapeutic effect. For example, rosehip CO2 extract is known for its skin-regenerating properties, while chamomile CO2 extract can help calm and soothe sensitive skin.

Additionally, enfleurage is an ancient method of extracting the delicate scent from flowers by placing them on a layer of odorless fat. This process can be used for flowers such as lilac and gardenia, which are too delicate to withstand steam distillation. Infused oils are another option, created by steeping plant material in a carrier oil using heat from the sun, a slow cooker, or a double boiler to extract the beneficial oil-soluble compounds. Both enfleurage and infused oils can add a subtle, natural aroma to hair products while also providing therapeutic benefits.

Hydrosols, also known as hydrolats or distillate waters, are another natural alternative to fragrance oils. They are a byproduct of essential oil production via steam distillation and contain water-soluble plant compounds and a small, diluted amount of the volatile compounds found in the plant's essential oil. Hydrosols are safer, less expensive, and more user-friendly than essential oils, and they do not usually need to be diluted. They can be used to provide a gentle, natural fragrance to hair products while also offering unique therapeutic properties. For example, rose hydrosol can help hydrate the hair and skin, soothe irritation, and reduce redness.

Frequently asked questions