Cologne And Hair: A Harmful Mix?

Whether you want to smell nice for a date or cover up the smell of cigarette smoke, you might be tempted to spray some cologne on your hair. But is this a good idea? In short, no. While it won't make you go bald, cologne contains a high amount of alcohol, which can dry out your hair and lead to frizziness, breakage, and split ends. However, if you can't resist, spraying a small amount into the air and walking through it, or spritzing your hairbrush, will limit the amount of alcohol that comes into contact with your hair.

How much is too much cologne?

While cologne can make you smell good, there is a fine line between sexy and stinky. It's important to remember that "wearing cologne" doesn't equal "bathing in it".

The art of applying cologne

When applying cologne, dab a little onto your neck, just above your collarbone, and the pulse points on your wrist. Let your body heat trigger the scent. If you're worried about overdoing it, spray once into the air above you and walk through the mist it creates so that the scent is more evenly distributed. If you can't smell it on you right after you put it on, wait at least 15 minutes for the scent to sink in and react with your chemical makeup.

Choosing the right cologne for the time of day

During the day, it's better to wear a lighter, more citrus-smelling fragrance. In the evening, you can opt for a heavier, muskier cologne. Be careful when applying spicier fragrances as they can get stronger the longer you wear them.

You know you've overdone it when co-workers start avoiding you, or your friends don't want to be stuck in a car with you on road trips. Excessive amounts of fragrance can trigger migraines or cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions in some people.

How to fix over-application

If you've accidentally used too much cologne, you can tone down the scent by mixing some baking soda with water to form a paste. Then, rub it over the area where you applied the cologne and rinse.

What are the effects of cologne on hair?

Cologne, perfume, and other fragrances are not formulated for hair and can cause damage. The high alcohol content in cologne can dry out hair, irritate the scalp, and even lead to breakages and dandruff. However, some people choose to spritz cologne on their hair occasionally, believing that the amount of alcohol is too little to cause harm.

Alternatives to Using Cologne on Hair

If you want to add fragrance to your hair, it is best to use a product specifically formulated for hair, such as a hair mist, dry shampoo, or hair serum. These products are designed to add scent to your hair without drying it out or causing damage. They often contain hydrating ingredients and natural oils that can nourish and repair hair strands.

Other Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair

• Avoid cigarette smoke as it can be absorbed into the hair and is difficult to remove.
• Wash your hair regularly and use a scalp scrub once a week for a deep clean.
• Keep your pillowcase clean. Cotton pillowcases can absorb oil and dirt, which can then transfer to your hair. Alternatively, you can use silk or satin pillowcases, which help prevent tangles and reduce the absorption of dirt and oil.

What are the alternatives to cologne?

While cologne can be used to make your hair smell nice, it can also damage your hair in the long term by drying it out. If you're looking for an alternative, there are a few options to consider:

Hair Mists

Hair mists are intended to leave a refreshing, lasting scent without drying out or damaging your hair. Some options include the Sebastian Dark Oil Silkening Mist, which adds a natural-looking shine and an uplifting scent, and the Aussie Flora Aura Scent Boost Hair Treatment, which has a floral scent and a lightweight formula. For an all-natural option, try the Herbivore Botanicals Hair Perfume Mist, which scents hair with essential oils and aloe vera.

Dry Shampoos

Dry shampoos are a great way to temporarily clean your hair and add scent at the same time. They help eliminate excess oil and absorb smells without stripping or damaging your hair. Some options to consider are the Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo, which deodorizes hair without talc or aluminum, and the Briogeo Scalp Revival Dry Shampoo, which contains binchotan charcoal, clay, and tapioca to absorb excess oil while leaving behind a fresh scent.

Scented Serums and Oils

If you're looking to deeply nourish your hair, try a scented hair oil or serum. These products will help smooth out dryness and leave behind a subtle scent. The Ouai Hair Oil is a lightweight formula that protects against heat damage, while the OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum hydrates dry and damaged hair and leaves behind a tropical scent.

All-Natural Perfumes

If you're looking for a fragrance that contains no chemicals and is made from plants or their oils, all-natural perfumes are a great option. They typically have a pleasant scent that lasts for hours and are safe for people with fragrance allergies.

Hypoallergenic Perfumes

Hypoallergenic perfumes contain nothing that should bother people with fragrance allergies. They are free from chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions such as watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, and rashes.

What hair types are more susceptible to damage?

Every strand of hair is made up of the medulla, cortex, and cuticle. Hair damage occurs when the hair structure is changed by not washing or drying properly, or excessive styling and colouring.

There are four basic hair types: straight, wavy, curly, and kinky. Straight hair is the oiliest and most resilient of all hair types, and is therefore hard to damage and tricky to curl. Wavy hair can be easily styled but medium and coarse waves can be more difficult to control, and frizziness can be an issue. Curly hair is often voluminous and prone to changes in the weather and damage. Kinky hair is fragile and shrinks when wet, with a high density that makes it vulnerable to damage.

Fine hair is thin and fragile with two layers – the cortex and the cuticle – and it becomes oily and greasy quickly, and breaks more easily than thicker hair. Medium hair has more volume and is less prone to breakage, while thick or coarse hair has three layers and is more tolerant to heat, product, and colouring.

Hair damage can also be caused by excessive brushing and combing, straighteners or perms, styling tools that are set too high, choosing the wrong shampoo, exposing hair to extreme weather conditions, and chemically damaging hair from dyes or treatments.

In addition, hair that is regularly heat-styled is more prone to damage. Heat can open up the hair cuticle, stripping hair of its natural moisture and making it more prone to damage and frizz.

Hair that is thinner or finer is more susceptible to damage and needs extra care.

How to use cologne without damaging hair?

How to use cologne without damaging your hair

Cologne and perfume are made with a high alcohol content, which can dry out your hair, irritate your scalp, and even cause breakages and dandruff. So, if you want to smell good from head to toe without damaging your hair, here are some tips to follow:

Firstly, avoid spraying cologne directly onto your hair. Instead, spray it into the air and walk through the mist, or spritz it onto your hairbrush and comb through the lengths of your hair, avoiding the roots. These methods will leave a subtle scent in your hair without the risk of damage.

If you're looking for a stronger and longer-lasting scent, consider using a hair mist. These products are designed specifically for hair and have a much lower concentration of alcohol. Spray the hair mist evenly throughout your hair, or flip your head upside down for extra lift and scent at the roots.

You can also mix cologne with hair oil and apply it to the ends of your hair, or spritz it onto a brush and run it through your hair. This will help to distribute the product evenly and avoid over-saturating your hair with cologne.

Finally, make sure to give your hair a break from cologne now and then. Allow your natural oils to build up by going a few days without applying any products, and stick to a regular washing routine to ensure your hair stays healthy and clean-smelling.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the scent of your favourite cologne in your hair without causing any damage.

Frequently asked questions